ReGina Welling

Murders in eccentric small towns are something of a cliche these days, but this is a fun one! Yes, it's got the requisite "characters"- pretty well-drawn here-but it's also got an interesting history: it was originally a commune, and retains many "green" values even today. But- there's a neighboring town that is more about PROGRESS!!! and which wants to annex Ponderosa Pines...

So complications ensue, and there's a maybe-murder- or could it be an accident?- and then a for-sure murder, with show more many suspects, not to mention blackmail...

The plot was nicely twisty, and hearkened both to current events and to events in the past, leading to extra complexity.

I very much enjoyed this, and plan to read more in the series. show less

Ponderosa Pines seems like a happening place to live. EV and Chloe, her partner in crime (solving) have their hands full. What I enjoyed about this sleuthing duo was the acceptance by family and friends that these ladies are nosy by nature and rather than spend useless time trying to hinder them, they are instead encouraged. The ongoing bet with their law enforcement beaus over who can find the most information is hilarity at its finest.

There is plenty going on in this small town with a new show more baby on the way, tourists descending on the town, a new business opening up and a decades old feud heating up and I really appreciated how all the sub plots added to the story rather than distracted as is often the case when the story isn’t focused on the investigation.

This book had a real feel of catching up with old friends, which is interesting given that this series is new to me. That said, while it was obvious that much has happened in Ponderosa Pines, this book was quite enjoyable as a stand alone except I would have enjoyed a little more explanation about Nate’s situation. That is simply a reason to track down the previous books and catch up.

5 stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. show less

Cover/title: Although the cover here is fine, the cover on my copy is adorable with the witch sitting on top of the house. The title is what really drew me in. It is just a fun title.

Characters: There are so many fun characters in this book, I doubt that I could pick a favorite. I love the fairy godmothers. Their antics make me smile. Salem is another fun and quirky character.

Plot: I love the story line. There is a lot happening in this book including a few surprising twists. I won't say show more anything else because I don't want to spoil it for future readers of this book.

Overall: This is a fun and quirky book. I loved so many things about it. The characters, the fun title/cover and the overall story. I will definitely be reading more by this author. show less

When sister witches Mag and Clara Balefire stumble over the dead body of a local woman, they refuse to let the ruling of accidental death stand—not when they’re positive it was murder

The writing duo of Regina Welling and Erin Lynn creates an enjoyable and satisfying cozy mystery. Spiced with witches as the eccentrics, the mayor as the police connection and the witch sisters Mag and Clara Baleful as the women sleuths. Laced with clues for the armchair detective reading the story to show more solve.

Well-written with excellent editing and an enjoyable story. show less