Gossiping about Grimoires - A Review

 Review

GOSSIPING ABOUT GRIMOIRES by Mildred Abbott
The First Whispering Witch Mystery 

Maeve Hawthorn has led a very sheltered life. Even writing a bestselling book series hasn't changed that. Accepting an all expense paid trip to New Orleans for a book signing is the most exciting thing she's ever done. The book signing turns into a disaster after which Maeve and her corgi, Mischief, are kidnapped. It turns out that magic is real and magical people of New Orleans are none too happy with her. While trying to prove that she didn't deliberately tell magical secrets to the world a powerful witch is killed. Both thrilled and terrified that magic is real Maeve must leave her comfort zone and try to solve the murder before she's silenced...or worse.

Secrets. allies, and familiars add to the excitement of magic in New Orleans. GOSSIPING ABOUT GRIMOIRES is a wonderful introduction to a magical world while also being a love letter to the city of New Orleans. Maeve is a unique protagonist, naive and self-admittedly a bit weird, her only friend is her corgi. Seeing her stretch her wings while trying to make new friends is heartwarming. My favorite characters are the various familiars, especially Hurricane and Tabitha. I love the joy they each have and the ease in which they accept each other and play. Of course, the special relationship between Maeve and Mischief is  wonderful to see.

I love the details about the city of New Orleans itself. Although it's been decades since I visited, the street names and various locations brought back wonderful memories. I felt as if I was back there, exploring the French Quarter along with Maeve and Mischief. New Orleans is a wonderful setting, especially for a magical series and I can't wait to return, if only via the next Whispering Witch Mystery. 

Both a coming of age and buddy novel GOSSIPING ABOUT GRIMOIRES is an exciting mystery combining puzzles to solve and a new world to explore.

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 The Whispering Witch Mysteries by Mildred Abbott

About The Whispering Witch Mystery Series

Start the Whispering Witch series today—a paranormal mystery where magic has consequences, trust is dangerous, and even a corgi might not make everything okay.

Gossiping About Grimoires (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 1st in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ March 1, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages

Maeve Hawthorn writes about witches for a living. They want her to stop.

When a book signing ends in her abduction, Maeve’s only priority is escaping with her corgi, Mischief, alive. That urgency deepens when she learns her captors are real witches, furious that Maeve has been exposing their secrets to the world.

Before Maeve can make sense of how her fiction has become reality, she’s caught in the middle of a murder that leaves her marked by magic she doesn’t understand. When a dying witch’s power floods into her, Maeve becomes the prime suspect in a crime she didn’t commit—and a target for every supernatural being certain she knows too much.

Turns out, magic isn’t a gift. It’s a liability. And clearing her name may cost Maeve far more than her safety.

With danger closing in and no clear allies other than Mischief, Maeve must navigate a hidden supernatural world that wants her silenced… or dead.

For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Gossiping About Grimoires will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell.

(Includes the Shroom Boom recipe from Ayu Bakehouse, a beloved New Orleans bakery.)

Verifying About Vampires (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 2nd in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ April 30, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages

Maeve Hawthorn didn’t mean to get involved with vampires. They insisted. When a prominent member of New Orleans’ vampire community is accused of murder, Maeve is pulled into an investigation that could unravel the fragile balance between magical factions. Clearing their name isn’t just about justice — it may be the only way to prevent something far more dangerous. As Maeve follows a trail of secrets through candlelit courtyards and hidden supernatural circles, she discovers that truth in this world is layered, political, and rarely convenient. Meanwhile, living with her roommates and their familiars begins to feel like home. The witches who were once strangers are becoming allies. Maybe even family. But solving one mystery has a way of exposing others. And in a city built on power and old allegiances, someone is always watching. For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Verifying About Vampires will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell. Continue the Whispering Witch series — a paranormal mystery where magic has consequences, loyalty is complicated, and even a corgi doesn't know all the answers. (Includes Butterscotch Pecan Scone recipe from Bywater Bakery, a favorite New Orleans bakery.)

Snitching About Spirits (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 3rd in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ June 30, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages 

Maeve Hawthorn started chatting with ghosts. They made demands.

When a murder victim refuses to stay silent and buried secrets start coming to light, Maeve is pulled deeper into the hidden power struggles shaping New Orleans’ magical world. What started as a single investigation is unraveling something much older—and far more dangerous.

As Maeve follows the trail through enchanted courtyards, secret alliances, and the fragile peace between supernatural factions, she begins to realize the truth may not be what anyone wants revealed. Meanwhile, living with her roommates and their familiars is starting to feel less like survival… and more like family.

But some secrets were buried for a reason.

And when the past finally surfaces, it may threaten far more than one witch’s life.

For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Snitching About Spirits will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell.

Continue the Whispering Witch series — a paranormal mystery where magic carries a price, loyalties are tested, and even a corgi can't sniff out every secret.

(Includes a bewitching S’mores Cheesecake recipe from Deuxbelle, an award-winning New Orleans bakery.)

About Mildred Abbott

Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above-average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever. Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Author Links: 

Newsletter sign up: http://www.mildredabbott.com/contact-mildred.html  

Website: http://www.mildredabbott.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbottAuthor/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17347095.Mildred_Abbott 

  Instagram: @mildredabbott TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mildredabbottauthor  

Purchase Links - Amazon - Gossiping About Grimoires Verifying About Vampires Snitching About Spirits

Gossiping about Grimoires - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Mildred Abbott to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Mildred writes the Whispering Witch Mystery series. GOSSIPING ABOUT GRIMOIRES is the first book in the series. Be sure to come back tomorrow when I'll share my review.

Kathy: In GOSSIPING ABOUT GRIMOIRES we meet Maeve Hawthorn and her corgi, Mischief. Do you have any pets? Have they influenced your portrayal of Mischief?

MA: I have had pets my entire life. I grew up in a little farm town in Missouri and had all sorts of animals, but dogs have always been vital to me. In my adult life, I've had four corgis: Dunkyn, Dolan, Alastair, and Winifred. Oh yes, the corgi connection is very real and dear to my heart. Right now, I have two little mutts who are the loves of my life, Winston, a little Chihuahua terrier rescue who was so naughty that he was returned to the pound so many times they couldn't tell us how old he was or where he came from, sums him up pretty perfectly. And Phineas, a slightly larger terrier, dachshund, and schnauzer mix we got from the pound when he was about four months old. Dogs are life!


Kathy: Maeve writes about witchcraft, infuriating real witches. Have you ever written about subjects that people object to, for whatever reason?

MA: What a great question! And yes, in this day and age, or maybe it's always the case, someone's always upset about something. That's the beauty of freedom, we can all have our own opinions. I get so many wonderful emails from readers about all the things they love in my books and how much they adore the characters. And every once in a while I'll have an email with a list of things a certain character has done that they don't approve of. And, like Maeve, while I don't have actual witches upset with me, as far as I know, but there are plenty of people who did not want me to write anything about magic or paranormal and to simply stick with magic-free contemporary cozies. But... I say love and enjoy it all!


Kathy: Setting plays such an important role in a mystery. Indeed, some cities are a character unto themselves. What made you choose New Orleans as the setting for the Whispering Witch Mystery series?

MA: My other cozy mystery series, the Cozy Corgi, is set in Estes Park, Colorado. I lived there for several years right out of high school and lived in Colorado for nearly one-quarter of a century (way to make myself sound old!). I love having real places as the main settings in books both to give a sense of realness and authenticity to the writing but also to be able to throw in places and things that people can actually go visit and see for themselves. I moved to New Orleans a little over six years ago, and trying to see New Orleans from Maeve’s point of view as I was planning the series helped me fall deeply in love with the city, especially the French Quarter, which is where 98% of the Whispering Witch series takes place. I even have bakeries and restaurants in New Orleans lending me recipes to include in each installment!


Kathy: I love paranormal mysteries. What do you think makes them so popular? What makes them enjoyable to write?

MA: I think we all love to read to escape and to have experiences that are both enjoyable and out of our grasp in real life. For me, that's definitely a big part of why I love reading fantasy and paranormal. It's just so lovely to enter these worlds of magic and wonder as often as we can. Sometimes terrible and terrifying, but so often beautiful and wondrous. Anything can happen. I love it as a reader, but as a writer, the only limits are the ones that my little created world insists on itself. And then... who doesn't love a good whodunit puzzle? Talk about the best of both worlds!


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

MA: I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, and several different mystery series when I was a kid. That slipped away for a while as an adult until I started reading Agatha Frost’s Peridale Cafe series and I fell in love all over again. Those books came during a pretty stressful, rough time in my life and they were just the perfect antidote to the realities of the real world. I had already been writing other genres and fell in love with Peridale Cafe so much that I reached out to Agatha Frost and asked if she minded if I'd switched genres to cozy mysteries because I was so enamored with her books. Agatha was lovely and welcomed me into the fold. I've not looked back since!


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

MA: In the past, yes. Although for the last many years I've written exclusively in cozy mystery only. I have books published under my own name, Brandon Witt, and then another pen name, Rosalind Abel. They definitely all have my voice and my view of the world, but all three are very, very different from each other.


Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

MA: At its heart, the Whispering Witch follows Maeve, who, like so many of us, longed for magic and the supernatural when she was a little girl. When she grew up, that's what she wrote about. Then... when real-life witches come calling, angry at her accidentally spilling their secrets, she ends up getting her heart’s desire, discovering this wondrous magical world and being able to be a part of it. As with most things in life, however, it's not quite as simple as that. She's going to have to decide if this is the world she wants, even with its complications and dangers, and then how to flourish and live the life she's always dreamed of. She and her corgi, Mischief!


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

MA: Honestly, that's one of the things I did differently when I switched to the cozy mystery genre. While I loved all of my main characters in my other genres and under my other pen names, frequently one of the side characters would be the one I ended up loving the most and longing to spend more time with. I wanted to change that with my cozy mysteries and my paranormal cozy-adjacent series. I wanted the character I loved the most to be the star. And that's what I've done. I love watching Maeve in her earnest naivety navigate this new world, figure it out, and become stronger and more self-assured with every passing chapter. And of course, Mischief, writing a corgi with attitude? Come on. It doesn't get more fun than that!


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

MA: New Orleans itself is very much the inspiration and woven in through the storyline and books in every single installment. Beyond that, my favorite shows, as cliché as it may be, at a very pivotal time in my life were Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed, with a healthy addiction to the movie Practical Magic. I let myself sink into the things I loved about all of those every time I sit down to write.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

MA: I didn't learn to read until I was ten. As soon as I finally caught the bug, I never let go and my nose was always in a book. School was always extremely hard for me. During my sophomore year when I was fourteen, I had a writing class with Miss Hungerford. It was the first time in my entire life that homework in school was enjoyable. I loved that writing class. Miss Hungerford said she enjoyed my stories and it was the first time I was able to do okay at any school subject without a ton of tutoring or agony. From then on, I dreamed of writing books. And being a reader whose life has been so beautifully impacted by books, I wanted to give that to other people as well, wanted to invite people into my worlds and hope that they find beauty, comfort, humor, enjoyment, and escape within their pages.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

MA: Kelley Armstrong, Agatha Frost, Sarah Beth Durst, and Peter Beagle.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

MA: I'm a big audiobook fan, so I am re-listening to Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series for probably the fourth or fifth time. I'm finishing up book two of K.A. Linde's Oak and Holly Cycle series, and desperate to start reading Sarah Beth Durst’s The Faraway Inn.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us? 

MA: I used to have a lot more hobbies, but being a self-published author and trying to make that a survivable income quite literally takes about every spare breath I have. In the meantime, I spend an exorbitant amount of time with my dogs and going on walks, and I absolutely love to cook. Cooking for my husband every night is one of my greatest joys. It's so relaxing and another creative outlet.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

MA: Oh Lord, this is telling. I should be ashamed to admit—but I might have spent my adult life split between Colorado and New Orleans, but you can't take the Midwest out of my heart. So... the first two: butter and mayonnaise (please don’t hate me). I'm a vegetarian, a new development over the past couple of years, so always a ton of vegetables. And then, they're not always in the fridge, but I could live on bread, cheese, and pasta and nothing else for the rest of my life and die very fat and happy.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

MA: Yes. The book four of the Whispering Witch series comes out this summer. And there are thirteen books planned in total for this series. The Cozy Corgi also is continuing, book forty is coming out this summer as well. I have other series brewing in the back of my head, of course, but I'll save those for a later date.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

MA: Another cliché for you, but it's true. I've heard lots of writers say the best part of writing is having written. And that is the truth. I love, love, love planning, and I love, love, love holding the book in my hand. Everything else is a mix of fear, joy, terror, and ecstasy.

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 The Whispering Witch Mysteries by Mildred Abbott

About The Whispering Witch Mystery Series

Start the Whispering Witch series today—a paranormal mystery where magic has consequences, trust is dangerous, and even a corgi might not make everything okay.

Gossiping About Grimoires (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 1st in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ March 1, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages

Maeve Hawthorn writes about witches for a living. They want her to stop.

When a book signing ends in her abduction, Maeve’s only priority is escaping with her corgi, Mischief, alive. That urgency deepens when she learns her captors are real witches, furious that Maeve has been exposing their secrets to the world.

Before Maeve can make sense of how her fiction has become reality, she’s caught in the middle of a murder that leaves her marked by magic she doesn’t understand. When a dying witch’s power floods into her, Maeve becomes the prime suspect in a crime she didn’t commit—and a target for every supernatural being certain she knows too much.

Turns out, magic isn’t a gift. It’s a liability. And clearing her name may cost Maeve far more than her safety.

With danger closing in and no clear allies other than Mischief, Maeve must navigate a hidden supernatural world that wants her silenced… or dead.

For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Gossiping About Grimoires will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell.

(Includes the Shroom Boom recipe from Ayu Bakehouse, a beloved New Orleans bakery.)

Verifying About Vampires (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 2nd in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ April 30, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages

Maeve Hawthorn didn’t mean to get involved with vampires. They insisted. When a prominent member of New Orleans’ vampire community is accused of murder, Maeve is pulled into an investigation that could unravel the fragile balance between magical factions. Clearing their name isn’t just about justice — it may be the only way to prevent something far more dangerous. As Maeve follows a trail of secrets through candlelit courtyards and hidden supernatural circles, she discovers that truth in this world is layered, political, and rarely convenient. Meanwhile, living with her roommates and their familiars begins to feel like home. The witches who were once strangers are becoming allies. Maybe even family. But solving one mystery has a way of exposing others. And in a city built on power and old allegiances, someone is always watching. For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Verifying About Vampires will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell. Continue the Whispering Witch series — a paranormal mystery where magic has consequences, loyalty is complicated, and even a corgi doesn't know all the answers. (Includes Butterscotch Pecan Scone recipe from Bywater Bakery, a favorite New Orleans bakery.)

Snitching About Spirits (Whispering Witch Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Urban Paranormal 3rd in Series
Setting - New Orleans, Mostly French Quarter
Publisher: ‎ Independently Published
Publication Date: ‎ June 30, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 400 pages 

Maeve Hawthorn started chatting with ghosts. They made demands.

When a murder victim refuses to stay silent and buried secrets start coming to light, Maeve is pulled deeper into the hidden power struggles shaping New Orleans’ magical world. What started as a single investigation is unraveling something much older—and far more dangerous.

As Maeve follows the trail through enchanted courtyards, secret alliances, and the fragile peace between supernatural factions, she begins to realize the truth may not be what anyone wants revealed. Meanwhile, living with her roommates and their familiars is starting to feel less like survival… and more like family.

But some secrets were buried for a reason.

And when the past finally surfaces, it may threaten far more than one witch’s life.

For readers who enjoy witchy mysteries with a little more at stake than a traditional cozy, Snitching About Spirits will appeal to fans of Danielle Garrett, Erin Johnson, and Juliet Blackwell.

Continue the Whispering Witch series — a paranormal mystery where magic carries a price, loyalties are tested, and even a corgi can't sniff out every secret.

(Includes a bewitching S’mores Cheesecake recipe from Deuxbelle, an award-winning New Orleans bakery.)

About Mildred Abbott

Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above-average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever. Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Author Links: 

Newsletter sign up: http://www.mildredabbott.com/contact-mildred.html  

Website: http://www.mildredabbott.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbottAuthor/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17347095.Mildred_Abbott 

  Instagram: @mildredabbott TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mildredabbottauthor  

Purchase Links - Amazon - Gossiping About Grimoires Verifying About Vampires Snitching About Spirits

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For a chance to win a Mildred Abbott e-book, comment on this post no later then 11:59pm Eastern Friday, May 29, 2026 telling us why you enjoy paranormal mysteries as well as the title of the Mildred Abbott book you'd choose. Please leave your e-mail as well, so I may contact you should you have the winning comment. Good Luck!

MAGICAL MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: BOX SET 1-3 - A Review

Review

MAGICAL MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: BOX SET 1-3
By Elizabeth Pantley

This boxed set includes the first three books in the Magical Mystery Book Club series: SHIFTING AND SHENANIGANS, VAMPIRES AND VILLAINS, and COWBOYS AND CHAOS.

The series follows the adventures of Paige and her Aunt Glo as they inherit not only an inn, but it's magical library with the caveat they they continue a book club. Gaining members to the book club, they also gain friends; friends who become family. The eccentric group includes, among others, a feisty octogenarian, a teenager and his new age mom, and a talking cat! This book club is special, not only because of its members, but the fact that they actually go inside the cozy mysteries they choose and remain there until they solve the crime!

The Magical Mystery Book Club series is a totally unique series that turns a cozy mystery on its head and spins it around. If you think cozies are all the same, here's an author that totally breaks the mold, while still honoring the genre. Creative surprises abound while family and friendship remain constant.

Killing Grinds - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Stella  Rutherford to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Stella on the pages of the Orchard Hollow Mystery series by A. N. Sage. KILLING GRINDS is the third book in the series and was released last month.

Ghost Couture: Tips for Dressing to Impress at Your Own Funeral

Hi, darling. Stella Rutherford here. After the tragic demise of my fabulous earthly existence, I've been stuck in Orchard Hollow with nothing to do but perfect my ghostly glam. That and help my witch Piper solve some murders, but that is not the good time you’d think it was. So, let me spill the ectoplasm on how to slay the afterlife runway at your own funeral.


Accessorize with Ethereal Elegance:

Who says death can't be accessorized? A floating veil adds that touch of mystery, plus it's perfect for those days when you just want to go incognito among the living.


The Perfect Ghostly Gown:

Choose a gown that screams "I died, but make it fashion." Opt for fabrics that flow: tulle, silk, and the occasional hint of gossamer for that added touch of celestial chic.


Glow-in-the-Dark Manicure:

Don't forget your nails, darling! Now when I say, glow-in-the-dark, I don’t mean literally. We’re all adults here, let’s act like it. No, you want a stylish manicure on those claws that will last you for, well, ever. A nice French mani is your best friend.


A Haunting Headpiece:

Top off your look with a celestial headpiece. It's essential to remind everyone that, even in the great beyond, your style reigns supreme.

Séance-Ready Stilettos:

Just because you're floating doesn't mean you can't rock a killer pair of stilettos. Opt for a pair that complements your ghostly ensemble, and remember, you can never go wrong with a red bottom.

Remember, my spectral sisters, death is just another runway. So, embrace your afterlife with style, flair, and a touch of supernatural sass. Who says you can't be the best-dressed ghost in town? Cheers to the afterlife, where the fashion never dies!

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Review

KILLING GRINDS by A. N. Sage
The Third Orchard Hollow Mystery

Piper Addison is putting the research into her odd brand of magick on the back burner. Her ghostly familiar has finally started to open up about her death. Sarah wants details and, since Piper has been successful at figuring out murders, despite nearly getting killed herself, she asks Piper for help. But someone doesn't want Piper poking into the past.  Will Piper discover what really happened to Sarah Rutherford? Or is she more likely to become a ghost herself?

KILLING GRINDS is a story of friendship. Even though uncovering the truth may lead to Stella moving on and Piper losing her familiar and best friend, Piper follows through. She even follows through when threats are made against her life. And even when Sarah doesn't want her following certain avenues. I also like Piper's friendship with Celia...who puts a certain coven leader in her place after she badmouths Piper and, of course, Piper's developing relationship with Joe.

The third Orchard Hollow Mystery is laugh out loud funny, while it also touches your heart strings. Piper's clumsiness, especially when it comes to her romantic encounters, had me in stitches, as did her dealings with Harry. And when the mystery was solved, the very ending had me gasp! I can't wait to see what happens next!

Funny and intriguing KILLING GRINDS is a fast paced magickal adventure. 

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 Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery) by A.N. Sage

About Killing Grinds

Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Oliver-Heber Books (November 28, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 274 pages

Piper Addison is in it deep. Turns out, finding out how your ghost familiar met her doom is not as easy as it sounds…

Tourist season is over and Orchard Hollow is as peaceful as ever. Piper Addison, the town witch and cafe owner, finally gets to kick back her sneakers and relax. The weather is glorious, her dusty love life has been resurrected, and she’s all caught up on binge watching shows. Nothing can be better!

Well, except for one slight problem.

Piper promised her ghost familiar she’d help find out what landed her in the land of the non-living.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the ghost didn’t have a case of amnesia and a serious need of an attitude adjustment. One thing is for certain, Piper’s familiar didn’t kick the bucket by choice.

Between figuring out the mystery of Stella’s demise, battling a raccoon for cookies, and tracing her mom’s steps hoping to reunite with a father she never met; Piper has her hands full. And this time, even her strange magic might not be enough to get her out of this bind.

Killing Grinds is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.

About A.N. Sage

A.N. Sage is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.

A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night and their daughter who just might be.

A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.

Author Links: 

Website https://ansage.ca/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/a.n.sage/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/945090619339423  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ANSageWrites  

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@ansagewrites  

Purchase Link – Amazon  

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Cafe Au Slay - An Interview, Review & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome A. N. Sage to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. N. writes the Orchard Hollow Mystery series. CAFE AU SLAY is the second book in the series and was released this past week.

Kathy: In CAFE AU SLAY Orchard Hollow’s biggest secret is about to be revealed. Have you ever had to deal with keeping a big secret? 

ANS: I tend to be an open book for the most part. The only big secrets I keep are surprise releases and it's always so difficult to stay quiet!

Kathy: Piper Addison is a resident witch and coffee shop owner. If you were to visit her shop what kind of coffee would you get? 

ANS: Definitely the Mocha a la Joe from book one. I test out all the recipes I put in the books and this caramel mocha was absolutely delicious.

Kathy: The Orchard Hollow Mystery series features a feisty raccoon. I love raccoons. What made you decide to add one to your series? 

ANS: My family rescued a baby raccoon a long time ago and to this day, I still think about how much I wished we could have kept him. They are such clever little creatures and their need to get into everything makes them the perfect additions to a cozy mystery.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

ANS: I have always written mysteries in one way or another. Something about solving clues and puzzles really draws me in. When I decided to switch to writing in the adult space (I wrote young adult prior to this), I knew it had to be a mystery. And I also knew it had to have magic. Put those two together and a perfect cozy setting is born.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

ANS: Young adult fantasy.

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

ANS: Orchard Hollow is a paranormal cozy mystery that follows an unlucky witch and her ghost familiar as they try to solve murders. It has a lot of humor, even more magic, and twists that will keep you guessing until the end. My other long-running series is Shadowhurst Mysteries. It features a spunky heroine, forbidden love stories, power-hungry covens and magic you won't be able to get enough of! If you like witchy stories full of twists and turns, you'll love this one. The final book comes out this year!

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why? 

ANS: Stella Rutherford. Her attitude has been a favorite to write and I love that she is unapologetically herself.
 

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series? 

ANS: The characters are what inspired this series. One day, I had an image in my head of a witch arguing with her ghost familiar and the first book grew from there.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

ANS: I have been writing for decades, but it wasn't until I started writing in the young adult space that I decided to publish. Indie publishing was really taking off and I knew I had stories that others would want to read.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite? 

ANS: Victoria Schwab, Christopher Moore, Charles Dickens, and Edgar Allen Poe.

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

ANS: BELLADONNA by Adalyn Grace. It's great!

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us? 

ANS: I love to draw. I am actually about to open an Etsy shop called Glitter Fritter where I will be selling my pastel goth kawaii art as stickers and art prints.
 

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry. 

ANS: Olives, pickles, cheese, turkey bacon.

 

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series? 

ANS: KILLING GROUNDS, book 3 in Orchard Hollow is scheduled to be released in early fall of this year. And book 8 of Shadowhurst Mysteries, PORTAL OF RUIN, will be out in the summer.

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author? 

ANS: Using my creativity to inspire people. I love writing stories that fuel people's imaginations.

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Review

CAFE AU SLAY by A. N. Sage

The Second Orchard Hollow Mystery

When famed paranormal investigator Archer Lee comes to Orchard Hollow Piper Addison knows that nothing good will come of it. After all, the paranormals who inhabit the town enjoy a quiet life, not broadcasting who they really are. They have no desire to be exposed, let alone hunted. Even so, she agrees to let the pompous man film in her café, Bean Me Up. A decision she regrets when his assistant drops dead, poisoned, and murder finds itself at her door once more.  Piper will need copious amounts of coffee and a little bit of magic if she’s going to deal with her recalcitrant teenaged employee, rambunctious raccoon, and snarky ghost of a familiar, let alone uncover a killer.

 

Friendship and self discovery are at the core of CAFE AU SLAY. I appreciate how Piper is coming into her own in the second Orchard Hollow Mystery. Yes, she still has issues, but she's developing better relationships. While she has a lot to sort out with Joe, she may be gaining a friend, who is also a witch. Her relationships with Stella and Harry are becoming more meaningful and she's even started a positive working relationship with Sheriff Romero. What's even more exciting is that she's starting to get a clue on what's behind her wonky powers and discovering who she really is. I enjoyed realizing clues from the first book that intimated these things!

 

The mystery was ingenious, with red herrings, intertwining motives, and lots of plausibility muddying the waters. Surprises, lots of humor, and heartfelt moments kept me captivated. Unfortunately, there were some glaring grammatical errors that truly threw me out of the story. I also want more than one chapter a book told from Harry's point of view!

Unique characters make CAFE AU SLAY a funny and inventive paranormal mystery.

 

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 Cafe au Slay: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Orchard Hollow) by A.N. Sage

About Cafe au Slay

Cafe au Slay: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Orchard Hollow) 
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Cauldron Press (April 24, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 384 pages

Piper Addison is not a normal witch. If she’s even a witch at all…

Life after the big four-oh isn’t so bad. Piper Addison, resident witch and coffee shop owner, finally found her groove. Business is flourishing, her ghost familiar is miraculously supportive, and she might even have a date for the weekend.  

There’s only one small catch… A dead body puts Piper in an impossible situation.

Orchard Hollow’s biggest secret is about to be revealed, and Piper might be the only one who can save the town’s paranormal residents. If only she can get a handle on her strange magic.

If that wasn’t enough, the town sheriff trusts Piper to solve the case. Can she help catch the killer before the whole world finds out about magic?

Cafe au Slay is a paranormal cozy mystery, complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.

About A.N. Sage

 

A.N. Sage is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary. A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night and their daughter who just might be. A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.  

Author Links: 

Website https://ansage.ca/  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/a.n.sage/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/945090619339423  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ANSageWrites  

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@ansagewrites  

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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A Grave Roast - A Review

 Review

A GRAVE ROAST by A. N. Sage
The First Orchard Hollow Mystery 

 

Piper Addison isn't much of a witch. At almost 40 her magical ability is fairly abysmal. She's a solitary witch looked down upon by the mean girls of the local coven, and instead of a nice cat or other animal, her familiar is a snarky ghost. On the upside, she's just opened her own coffee shop, Bean Me Up, and customers are flocking in to get caffeinated. At least until her espresso machine breaks down, she discovers a dead body behind the shop, and the sheriff shuts her down. Piper will soon have more than wonky witchcraft and broken appliances to deal with as she becomes even more involved with the murder and starts investigating on her own.

 

A GRAVE ROAST introduces readers to a misfit witch in a paranormal world. You can't help but feel for Piper, who, even at almost 40, is still subjected to mean girls. I think her doubts about herself and her powers as well as the feeling of having no one to rely on resonates with people. On a positive note, the joy she finds in reaching a dream, especially one that allows her to show some distinctive parts of her personality to the world, resonates as well. While Piper may feel alone-she does have two primary beings in her life-Harry and Stella. I love Harry Houdini, the rascally raccoon who continually breaks in to Bean Me Up to steal treats. We get to read one chapter from his point of view. I wish there was more as it brought better understanding and meaning to his role in the book. While Stella comes off as snarky, she truly is helpful and well meaning... and, well, snarky. There's more to her than meets the eye, however. The same can be said for Joe. The almost slapstick physical encounters with Piper made me laugh and I love how he wants to become involved and help in her investigation. I hope they can work through the bombshell he drops at the end of the book.

 

The mystery itself is compelling and Piper's involvement is understandable. I love how we slowly start to learn more about her and the world of Orchard Hollow.

With humor, lots of coffee, and an intriguing mystery, A GRAVE ROAST is a fun first foray into a magical world.

 

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Café au Slay by A. N. Sage. This book is the second in the Orchard Hollow Mystery series and was released this past Monday.

When famed paranormal investigator Archer Lee comes to Orchard Hollow Piper Addison knows that nothing good will come of it. After all, the paranormals who inhabit the town enjoy a quiet life, not broadcasting who they really are. They have no desire to be exposed, let alone hunted. Even so, she agrees to let the pompous man film in her café, Bean Me Up. A decision she regrets when his assistant drops dead, poisoned, and murder finds itself at her door once more.  Piper will need copious amounts of coffee and a little bit of magic if she’s going to deal with her recalcitrant teenaged employee, rambunctious raccoon, and snarky ghost of a familiar, let alone uncover a killer.

 

Vampires and Villains - A Review

 Review

VAMPIRES AND VILLAINS by Elizabeth Pantley
The Second Magical Mystery Book Club

 

As the book club prepares to choose their next selection they are joined by a new member. Million is an 82 year old crotchety man who gives Zell a run for her money. After some deliberation the group decides to pick a cozy mystery set on a Hawaiian cruise. Suddenly whisked aboard, they are thrilled by all the amenities the ship offers. However, they soon discover a little detail they missed by not reading the book's blurb in its entirety. Million's new cruise ship friend happens to be a vampire. Yes, they are in a paranormal mystery filled with vampires. When they stumble upon a body drained of blood, it seems clear that one of the vampires on board is a murderer. When security looks at their new friend as the main suspect the gang work doubly hard to prove his innocence and find the killer, all while enjoying the excursions and delectable meals on board.

VAMPIRES AND VILLAINS is a delight. The irascible Million is a welcome addition to a very unique cast of characters. Gruff and grouchy he is also loyal, loveable, and fun. He fits right in to this diverse group of people that are becoming a family. The book inside the book characters are fun too, from the suave Vincent, flirtatious Baptiste, to the jealous Liliana, and skeevy Magnus.

I've never been on a cruise, though I did watch the Love Boat as a kid, so I loved going on one vicariously. I enjoyed reading about the amenities and going on the excursions. I want to go to a tropical fruit farm! These extras didn't detract from the actual mystery either. Clues and red herrings were found everywhere-as Zell said, you can enjoy both the mystery and the fun.

VAMPIRES AND VILLAINS is an enchanting mystery that embraces its uniquely diverse characters in a fun paranormal plot. Both humorous and heartwarming it is a delightful addition to this great new series. I can't wait to discover what happens next!

 

Mrs. Morris and the Vampire - A Review

 Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE
The Fifth Salem B&B Mystery

With her B&B full of guests Charlene Morris is happy to be celebrating her second Halloween in Salem. While almost everyone is having fun at the Witch Ball, Charlene's friend, Brandy, is none too happy with her daughter's new boyfriend. The older man claims to be a real vampire and certainly seems to have the young woman enthralled. At midnight, the vampire makes a big show and vanishes. Since moving to Salem Charlene has learned that witches and ghosts are real...but vampires? When the undead reappears completely dead Charlene and her handsome ghost try to figure out who the man really was and what he was doing in Salem that got him killed.

Ghosts, Witches, and Vampires, oh my! The fifth Salem B&B Mystery provides thrills and chills as Mrs. Morris once again searches for a killer.

I like that Charlene is a smart and capable protagonist. She's not afraid to investigate, but she generally knows when to call for back up or even avoid situations she knows may be too dangerous. I like Brandy more and more with each book. She's every bit the modern witch and in MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE we get to see her in protective momma mode. While I'm a huge fan of Jack, I'm not sure I like the prolonged romantic triangle. It's certainly unique, considering one of the people involved is a ghost, and I'm not even sure how I'd like to see it played out. I love Jack and Charlene's relationship, but... Meanwhile her relationship with Sam is starting to get annoying.

I truly enjoyed the mystery and gradual discovery of how the vampires cultivated their mystique. There were plenty of suspects for an unlikable victim, several twists, and more than one surprise. What I didn't like was the fact that the killer was described as crazy when this person's behavior was rational and the crime took a lot of cunning and planning.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE is an atmospheric mystery that captures the fun of Halloween along with its scares.

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Mrs. Morris and the Vampire by Traci Wilton. This book is the fifth in the Salem B&B Mystery series and was released last month.

With her B&B full of guests Charlene Morris is happy to be celebrating her second Halloween in Salem. While almost everyone is having fun at the Witch Ball, Charlene's friend, Brandy, is none too happy with her daughter's new boyfriend. The older man claims to be a real vampire and certainly seems to have the young woman enthralled. At midnight, the vampire makes a big show and vanishes. Since moving to Salem Charlene has learned that witches and ghosts are real...but vampires? When the undead reappears completely dead Charlene and her handsome ghost try to figure out who the man really was and what he was doing in Salem that got him killed.

Murder at the Magic Cakes Cafe - An Interview & Review

I'm pleased to welcome Rosie Reed to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Rosie writes the English Village Witch Cozy Mystery series. MURDER AT MAGIC CAKES CAFE is the first book in the series and was released earlier this year.

Kathy: MURDER AT MAGIC CAKES CAFE features a café and all manner of supernatural beings in the English countryside. Which aspect most appealed to you when creating this series, the paranormal aspect, the foodie aspect, or the English countryside setting?

RR: All of them really! I’m very sensitive to my surroundings, so I get overwhelmed by how beautiful the English countryside is, and I love writing about all the greenery, flowers, aromas, and wildlife as a setting for the series. One of my favourite things to do in real life is share tea and cake with a friend, so the food and café aspect really resonates with me. As for the paranormal, I’ve been a life-long fan of humorous fantasy writer, Sir Terry Pratchett, and I’m very inspired by all the magical settings and creatures he came up with in his Discworld series.

Kathy: When Evelyn Eldritch is struck by lightning, her magical abilities are ignited. Have you ever wanted to have supernatural powers?

RR: Oh absolutely! Throughout the series, Evelyn often uses her magical powers to help DI Taylor solve murders by, for example, using the Lock-picking spell, Strength spell, and Shielding spell. But one thing I will say about Evelyn is that she also uses her humanity, empathy, and logic too. One of my main themes in the series is ‘coming home’ – accepting yourself for who you are. This is something magic can’t help with; it’s a very human experience.

Kathy: Maiden-Upon-Avon is a quaint English village that is also home to werewolves, witches, and vampires. If you could be any of these types, which one would you choose to be?

RR: It would be so much fun to be a witch, ohhh the power! The reason I love writing this series so much is that it’s only limited by my imagination – which is very vivid indeed!

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

RR: I’ve always loved puzzles and mysteries. I’ve been a fan of Agatha Christie for a very long time. I was previously writing romance, but after I suffered creative burnout, I took some time to just read – and I read all of Agatha Christie’s novels! Then I thought, hey I could write my own murder mysteries. I started reading cozy mysteries, especially paranormal, and I realised that I’d finally discovered the genre I was meant to write!

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

RR: As I said, I was previously a romance writer. I jumped on the ‘steamy billionaire’ romance genre several years ago, and I was doing okay. But really, my heart wasn’t in it, and it eventually led to creative burnout. I am glad I wrote all those romance novels though, because I learnt a lot about the craft of writing and also about self-publishing – all of which is helping me now. But saying that, I never want to burnout again, so I’m taking things at my own pace, and I will only ever publish a book in this series when I feel it’s ready.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

RR: The English Village Witch Cozy Series follows the adventures of novice witch Evelyn Eldritch, as she comes to terms with her magical powers, solves murders, and slowly melts the steely wall around the heart of Detective Inspector Alex Taylor! I’m currently writing Book Six – MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER, and Book Seven keeps trying to push itself into my brain! I love writing these books – I actually started the series to protect my mental health during the 2020 lockdown, and the series is still keeping me sane now!

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

RR: I have huge affection for Evelyn. She’s a bit clumsy and bumbling, but she’s kind-hearted – and she solves murders! I also have a crush on DI Taylor! ;)
 

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

RR: I’m a compulsive daydreamer, and I often turn real situations into stories in my mind. These characters have been with me in one way or another since I was a teenager, and this is how they’re currently expressing themselves. My aim is to give myself and readers a little holiday from reality in the lovely English countryside. I love the ‘controlled danger’ of murder mysteries, where justice is always done. I want to feel safe and secure in Maiden-Upon-Avon, enjoying the journey and adding humour and fun. It’s this ‘escapism’ that keeps me inspired.
 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

RR: I was enjoying writing the series so much that I wanted to share the enjoyment and escapism with other people. If readers enjoy my books, then that’s fab. But if it’s not your cup of tea, that’s okay too. I’m inspired by a quote by Bob Dylan, who says ‘It’s for myself and my friends that my stories are sung.’ This is exactly how I feel. My ‘friends’ in this context being the readers who enjoy my books. If I keep writing for myself and for those people, then I will enjoy the process.
 

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

RR: Agatha Christie and Terry Pratchett would definitely be there! Also, I would love to chat to MC Beaton, the author of the Agatha Raisin books, as I love those. And Stephen Fry would have to come too. I started reading his novels in my late-teens, and I’ve recently been enjoying his Greek Myths trilogy.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

RR: I’m re-reading all of Agatha Christie’s Poirot books at the moment, and I’m up to Black Coffee. I’m also re-reading all Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. I’m up to Wyrd Sisters. My favourite books in that series are the ones that feature the city watch because they tend to be murder mysteries. I’m also reading a lovely non-fiction book called THE GENTLE MARKETING REVOLUTION, which is totally in line with how I currently feel about self-publishing and marketing. Be gentle and kind.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

RR: Obviously I love reading and writing! But I’m also a massive music fan, and I enjoy swimming and yoga.
 

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

RR: Lots of different types of tea, plenty of fresh fruit and veg, a few tins of butterbeans, and some chocolate for a treat.
 

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

RR: The thought of not writing the English Village Witch Cozy Series fills me with dread, so I know there are plenty more books in that series to come! Also, I’m currently working on a fun spinoff series for Evelyn’s senior witch, sex-mad granny, Joanie. As well as that, I’m planning a series featuring Evelyn’s cousin, Ruby, who is the assistant to a cranky witch private investigator in Marvelton – the magical land beyond the Standing Stones Portal. I will keep writing these books as long as I enjoy them!

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

RR: Definitely writing. I’m a compulsive daydreamer, and I would be writing my stories whether I was publishing or not. In the Gentle Marketing Revolution, I was asked to come up with my definition of success, and I realised that success for me is getting an email from readers who I’ve never met before, saying they’ve enjoyed my books. That feeling of proud excitement is worth more than money to me. I know myself how it feels to enjoy a book or film, and if I can give that enjoyment to other people, then that’s truly magical! 

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Review

MURDER AT MAGIC CAKES CAFE by Rosie Reed
The First English Village Witch Cozy Mystery

 

Life changes after you get struck by lightening. At least it does for Evelyn Eldritch. After that electrifying event Evelyn receives a phone call informing her the birth mother she never knew has just died and Evelyn has inherited a cafe in the English countryside. Happy to get away from London and her annoying older sister for a bit, she takes her nephew and heads to the quaint village of Maiden-Upon-Avon. But something is off about the town and its residents. When she learns it's possible her mother was murdered, Evelyn decides to suss out the truth, even if it means taking on a hunky detective and some scary villagers.

 

There's a lot going on in MURDER AT MAGIC CAKES CAFE. Almost too much. It's as if the author thought of almost every wonderful thing she wanted to put into her book and did it...and then added the kitchen sink. It's a bucolic English village, she owns a bakery/cafe, she discovers she's a witch, there are vampires, werewolves, and possibly ghosts! There's also romance. Evelyn is gobsmacked by the detective inspector and it's practically love at first sight between her nephew and her birth mother's assistant. Yet for all of these details, there's not much follow up. We don't get much baking, we don't get much backstory about the other supernatural beings, although the journalist and his wife are a cute couple, and we only get a smidge of Evelyn's training as a witch. I also was a bit dismayed at the prologue. Every Tarot reader worth their salt knows that the death card doesn't mean a literal death. While true in this case, other options should have been presented and Marilyn shouldn't have assumed someone was to die that very night!

 

If you don't think too hard, the first English Village Witch Cozy Mystery is an enjoyable read. The characters are interesting and if you get past Evelyn's snarkiness, she makes a fine protagonist. I love how Evelyn and the birth mother she never knew use the same euphemism. There are some heavier aspects that are more in tune with a traditional mystery, the detective's drinking problem and the reason behind it, for example, but everything else screams cozy...almost too much.

Fluffy, but fun MURDER AT MAGIC CAKES CAFE is a good escapist read.

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 Murder At Magic Cakes Cafe (English Village Witch Cozy) by Rosie Reed

About Murder At Magic Cakes Cafe 

Murder At Magic Cakes Cafe (English Village Witch Cozy)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Publisher: ‎ Independently published (March 1, 2021)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 307 pages

In a flash, she had magic. Can she use it to solve a mysterious death in her family?

Climbing a tree in a thunderstorm was always going to be a stupid idea, but when Evelyn Eldritch is struck by lightning, her magical powers are switched on. And she didn’t even know she was a witch!

When Evelyn learns that her biological mother has died under suspicious circumstances, she makes a journey to the quaint village of Maiden-Upon-Avon, where the residents consist of werewolves, witches, vampires and one annoyingly handsome-yet-gruff policeman. But who should she suspect? Who can she trust?

And if juggling her magical training, her mother’s café, and the town’s eccentric residents wasn’t enough, another body turning up at the local cricket match shows she’s definitely in well over her pointed hat…

Murder at Magic Cakes Café is the first book in the adorable English Village Witch Cozy series, set in the beautiful English countryside. If you love plucky heroines, small-town whodunits, and a touch of retro nostalgia, then you’ll love Rosie Reed’s fun and flirty tale.

Buy Murder at Magic Cakes Café today. It’s simply electrifying!

Note from the author: Writing this series kept me sane during the very strange year of 2020. I do hope you’ll enjoy escaping into the beautiful surroundings of Maiden-Upon-Avon and having some fun with Evelyn and all the other magical beings who live there! Each book is set in a different season of the magical year - beginning with spring in Book One. You can enjoy a gentle journey around the village, whilst Evelyn tries to solve the murder. So, treat yourself now by taking the phone off the hook of life, and soaking awhile in the bathtub of the English countryside!

If you sign up for my newsletter today, you can download bonus FREE novella Merrie May Mayhem straight away! Just type this code into your web address bar: bit.ly/Rosiereed

About Rosie Reed

 

A Little About Me I love writing, daydreaming, and creating stories. I often write for fun, even when I'm not planning on publishing. But it's also wonderful to share my stories with you! I'm a massive Agatha Christie and Terry Pratchett fan, so writing paranormal mystery comes instinctively! I love the understated gentle charm of cozies, and it's always such a pleasure to spend time in the company of the wonderful sleuths and magical characters that my fellow authors create. Writing the English Village Witch Cozy series helped to keep me sane during the very strange year of 2020. Evelyn and Alex have done a tremendous job of protecting my mental health, and it's my pleasure to share this comfort with you. I do hope you’ll enjoy escaping into the beautiful surroundings of Maiden-Upon-Avon, and having some fun with Evelyn and all the other magical beings who live there! So treat yourself now by taking the phone off the hook of life, and soaking in the bathtub of the English countryside for a while!  

Purchase Links - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Killing Time - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

KILLING TIME by Suzanne Trauth

The Sixth Dodie O'Dell Mystery

Vampires have descended upon Etonville! OK, one vampire. OK, it's a newcomer playing Dracula in the Etonville Little Theater's latest production. But this suave yet spooky actor has the town atwitter, apprehensive about vampires even if they are getting a bit tired of the Windjammer's garlic infused specials. As if a vampire wasn't enough, the Grim Reaper shows up. Seeing the Grim Reaper at the town's Halloween party is one thing, but when some teens find him dead in the cemetery, it's another. To ease Lola's mind and protect the production, Dodie agrees to do a little snooping into the leading player's background. But will digging into Dracula's past prevent Dodie from having a future?

KILLING TIME is about identity: keeping it, changing it, and losing it. Are you willing to give up the intrinsic parts of who you are? What part must you keep, no matter the cost? There is no doubt that Dodie loves Bill and is happy to be engaged. But, is she delaying the wedding plans out of a fear of losing herself? Her life will obviously change, but how much of a change is she willing to make? And Dodie isn't the only character facing these concerns.

I love the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series and this sixth entry is a great addition. The wacky citizens of Etonville never fail to make me laugh and the trials and tribulations of the Etonville Little Theater bring back happy memories of my time in the theatre.

KILLING TIME looks at identity while providing a complex mystery.  Deep characterizations combined with fun and laughs make this a book you won't want to miss.

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Killing Time (A Dodie O'Dell Mystery) by Suzanne Trauth

About Killing Time

 

Killing Time (A Dodie O'Dell Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 6th in Series  

Publisher: Lyrical Press (June 2, 2020)  

Number of Pages: 215 Digital

With Halloween just around the corner, Dodie O’Dell is making preparations to transform the Windjammer Restaurant on the Jersey Shore into a haunted house, while the Etonville Little Theater is staging Dracula. But casting the titular Transylvanian is proving challenging. The amateur actors in the company are not shy about chewing the scenery, but who among them can convincingly sink their fangs into a victim's neck? When a mysterious newcomer with a transfixing Eastern European accent lands the part, rumors that he might be an actual vampire start to take flight—not unlike the bat who's recently been spotted in the town park.

 

But everyone’s blood really runs cold when a stranger is found in the cemetery with a real stake in his heart. Dodie decides to put her Halloween theme menu on the back burner and stick her neck out to bring the killer into the light of day. She'd better keep her wits about her, though—or Dodie may be the next one to go down for the Count . . .

 

Excerpt

“It sure looks haunted,” Edna murmured to no one in particular, to the cast of Dracula in general. They were grouped around her on the sidewalk that ran past the old Hanratty place that Carlos and Bella had rented. I’d never been inside though once I’d driven by it when I first moved to Etonville on my way out of town. The house stood on half an acre of scruffy lawn with patches of dried dirt, surrounded by a few straggly trees—minus leaves at this time of the year—and no neighbors. The nearest houses were on a side street some distance away. The three-story building looked as if it might collapse at any moment, its outer walls covered with weathered, gray shakes, the steps to the front door supported by concrete building blocks. There was no handrail. Light leaked out of windows on the first floor. Curtains covering small, circular panes on the third story—an attic room?—quivered. Was someone up there watching us? I shivered. A turret rose upward from the right side of the structure, giving the house a smidge of outdated dignity. A drain pipe dangled loosely from the gutter.

“Let’s go.” Penny corralled actors and nudged everyone forward to the front door. There were six company members, Renfield saying he’d be along later, plus Penny, Lola, Pauli, and me. Strength in numbers.

We crept across the porch cautiously, aware of the creaking beneath us as the flooring shifted with each individual’s footsteps. Penny put out a hand to knock on the door. Before she could hit knuckles to wood, it flew open. “Welcome everyone!” Bella stood in the doorway, a silhouette backlit by muted foyer lighting.

Behind her Carlos stood silently, observing the group huddled in his entryway, like deer caught in headlights.

Lola took the lead, moving graciously into the house. “Thank you. So nice of you to invite us to your home.”

I’m not sure what the members of the Etonville Little Theatre were expecting. Given the exterior and location of the Hanratty homestead, I anticipated something out of a late-night classic horror film.

About Suzanne Trauth

Suzanne Trauth is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and a former theatre professor at a university. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, and League of Professional Theatre Women. When she is not writing, Suzanne coaches actors and serves as a celebrant performing wedding ceremonies. She lives in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

Author Links: 
Webpage: www.suzannetrauth.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneTrauth/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzanneMTrauth  
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6187623.Suzanne_M_Trauth  

Purchase Links: Amazon – B&N – Kobo

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