Spellcasting in Silk

Juliet Blackwell is amongst my favorite cozy mystery writers and I have enjoyed every single thing she's written so far, spanning across three series. This series is hands down my favorite though.

The series remains love-triangle free, but Aidan is back, as is Max (I never liked Max). One is just a fleeting visit, but the other is here to stay as a force to be reckoned with, which is infinitely more interesting than turning him into a love interest.

The plot pulls together two seemingly random occurrences with Lily coincidentally at the centre of both; it makes the story a bit hard to swallow, but as I've already bought into witches and gobgoyles (a goblin / gargoyle mix, yes indeed) in this world-building, I guess I can swallow the show more karma that leads Lily to these things. The murderer came completely out of left-field for me; upon reflection I can say I probably should have seen it, but I didn't.

The author hints a bigger things coming to this magical San Francisco which I hope to mean the series is around to stay for quite a while longer yet. I'm looking forward to more of Lily and Sailor and company. show less

Listened for Review/Read for Fun (Tantor/Paperback)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell is my favorite in the series so far! Such a great mystery this one had!

Overall Thoughts: This was the best case of the Witchcraft Mysteries to date*. I really liked the twists, turns, and sleuthing that was needed in order to get to the bottom of who was behind the "suicides". I have always enjoyed that the paranormal is well-balanced with the actual sleuthing in this series. This one leans a little more to the paranormal side but I think it is Lily's ability to not only work things out but work with the show more people around her that solved it. If you haven't read any of the books in this series, the case will stand alone but the side story will not. I am not sure how I feel about the ending or where things stand with Aiden. I do love that her relationship with Sailor appears to be working and solid. We will see what the future holds!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Xe Sands/Length: 8 hrs

I have listened to this whole series on audio. I think Juliet/XE make a great writer/narrator team. So this time I will just say, you need to listen if for no other reason than XE does a great Oscar the Pig/Gargoyle (he is my favorite character).

Part of my Read it, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

*NOTE: I have not read Books 5 and 6 for some reason so I will be going back to read those* show less

I’ve mentioned before that stories with witches aren’t really my reading preference. I’m read this book at the request of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. And I have to say. I honestly enjoyed it!

Author Juliet Blackwell is a must buy author for many readers I know. I can see why. She has a passion for writing that clearly showed through in this book.

I loved the fact that lead character, Lily, is not only allowed, but is requested to help the police with their investigations. Even though she’s the owner of a vintage clothing store, her powers prove useful to the police. And with the death in this story looking to be occult inspired, she was needed even more.

This was a very good mystery filled with plenty of show more suspense, action, and magical moments. I did not see the ending in this story coming. I was really taken by surprise.

For readers who enjoy a mystical, magical mystery, you’re in for a real treat with SPELLCASTING IN SILK. I’ll be passing this book on to a reader I know will simply love it. show less

This is a good book in a mystery series I am enjoying.

Lily is a hereditary witch, meaning that she has inherited witchy powers; she is not, however, thoroughly trained in their use. This can lead to complications, when she is dragged into paranormal situations and does not always have a good approach...although she is talented, clever and resourceful.

This volume focused on Lily's relationships, as well as the mystery itself. While she started out isolated, she is developing more and more of a family of friends- though her current romance may not last.

The mystery works well, and kept me guessing.

probably not the place to start with the series, though I think it would make sense on its own.

Lily Ivory own Aunt Cora's Closet in the Haight District of San Francisco.... She is a very powerful witch, however, I find that she tends to be immature, silly and fearful which causes her to make stupid mistakes that someone w/ her power would most likely never make......

Her friends help out at the shop as does her familiar a pot-bellied pig (gargoyle) named Oscar....

Betty North is found dead in her home; her daughter Nicky Utley (previously estranged) jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge; Ursula the local Botanica owner is in jail (for manslaughter via herbal remedies), Ursula's granddaughter Selena (a very troubled & powerful young teen) has disappeared, and the Botanica has a poltergeist.....

Lily is asked to find the missing Selena show more and help solve they mystery of the jumper...... Lily discovers a link between them all and follows it to the conclusion...

My only complaint is there was nothing much written about the perpetrator until the very end. The story had many twists, red herrings, & incomplete story lines but was a satisfactory read..... Hopefully there will be more about Selena in future installments. show less

Consistent series. Things are getting more complicated. Sailor or Aidan? Just what do they expect of her growing powers?

5/10 if she's sooooo powerful then why doesn't she act like it.