Review: Bookwyrm Acquisitions (The Book Hoard Collective 1) by Constance Lopez

Rating:4.5⭐️

Bookwyrm Acquisitions, the first in The Book Hoard Collective urban fantasy series by Constance Lopez, is an absolute delight of a story.

Lopez is new to me as an author. However , I need to learn more about her because this book clearly establishes her characters, setting up her mysteries and connected multiple family tensions and challenges. It’s a terrific read!

Here be dragons. And vampires. And merfolk bodyguards and so many intriguing fantastical beings.

The first met is Camila “Cammie”Zeleny, the younger daughter of a broken dragon clan. Since the death of her father at the hands of another dragon clan, she’s avoided all other dragons, clan politics and even what is left of her own family.

A brilliant booklover, Cammie, works at a local bookstore, sourcing rare books for clients. Which brings her to a new chapter of her life when mysterious wealthy client Nic purchases the very same book she’s been looking for herself.

The story that follows is full of fabulous characters, mystery, and action. I could see where part of the story was headed but I enjoyed every single step of the journey that Cammie is being taken on.

She’s powerless at the start but as events happen, she starts to change. Lopez is creating a believable character whose traumatic past and pain has contributed to her character’s lack of development. And finally she’s moving forward.

I can’t wait to see her continue in this series and the growth she’s achieving. Plus the author left us some tantalizing hints and details about her and the future of all of her characters to come.

Highly recommended.

Cover and title art by Moorbooks Design

The Book Hoard Collective :

Bookwyrm Acquisitions #1
Bookwyrm Deceptions #2 – coming sometime in 2026

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: The Book Hoard Collective

Blurb

How far would you go to get something you really wanted? Like, this-is-the-key-to-achieving-your-ultimate-happiness wanted?

Hi, I’m Cammie. I work at a bookshop, I love a quiet night in, and I’m a dragonshifter with no magic to speak of. Which means unless I can grow my hoard—and by extension, my magic—I’m not much different than a human.

But then the perfect book—the exact book I need to kickstart my book hoard—practically drops into my lap, only to be snatched away when a filthy rich, ridiculously hot guy sweeps in and claims it before I can.

Rude.

Now I’m desperate to get it back, and I’m willing to resort to extreme measures if necessary—measures like bribery, mild stalking, or… taking a job offer?

When the gorgeous book thief offers me the book of my dreams and a huge salary just to find him more books, how can I say no?

Except there’s a catch: the offer comes with a non-negotiable temporary relocation. If I want my book, I have to live in the hot, mysterious billionaire’s castle while I work for him. And living with him means inevitably getting mixed up in his business—some of which might be far more dangerous than I’ve bargained for.

I’m not that desperate… am I?

Bookwyrm Acquisitions is the first book in a new urban fantasy trilogy for fans of Shari Tapscott, KM Shea, and Kenley Davidson. If you love found family, animal companions, and clean romance, dive in today!

date

October 28, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

313 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Book Hoard Collective

Review: The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box – Part 1. (Crawshanks Guide to the Occult) by Vawn Cassidy)

Rating: 4🌈

With this crossover series in the The Dead Serious Universe, two previously supporting characters are finally getting their own story and relationship series.

That’s which Harrison Ames, recently relocated to town to look for his mother. And former DI, now PI Sam Stone, with his own connections to Danny and Tris, and magical powers of his own.

Both characters have figured largely in prior stories, and author Cassidy takes many of these impactful moments and dramatic events from these novels and repurposes them here. The reader gets to see certain scenes again, only this time from either Harrison’s or Sam’s perspective.

I have to admit I loved (spoiler alert) seeing Chan meet Death all over again. I can’t get enough of this couple, so this was an enormous surprise and plus for me.

I think Sam turned out to be my favorite character, more mature and better defined character of the pair.

Or maybe it’s because Harrison spends the entire story lying to everyone around him. Sam, Tristan, Danny. Even as the mystery and investigation surrounding the magical bookstore, the portal, and other aspects of that storyline, Harrison, knowing full well he had important information and details about the events surrounding the ongoing crisis, kept quiet.

He’s not a teenager. He’s in his thirties. Not communicating highly needed information to people who consider him a friend in a time of crisis.

No, I long ago learned that I’d had enough of this type of character. Whether the author needed him to be incommunicative due too plot purposes or considered it a necessary part of his personality, either way it led to a disconnect for me.

Yes to Sam, no to Harrison. And there are things I do like about him. Like his dynamic with his dads. So funny. But everything else? No.

I’ll continue to read because all the wonderful crossover characters and scenes. Maybe Harrison will win me back over. Who knows.

A definite winner otherwise.

Cover design by Natasha Snow

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult:

The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box

Connected series:

The Dead Serious Universe,

Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)

Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Blurb

The Music Box – Part 1.

Despite being raised and well loved by his two adoptive fathers Harrison Ames has always felt alone. As an incredibly powerful witch he’s never come across anyone else who can do the things he can. Moving to London from Devon, he’d hoped that if he finally gathered the courage to confront the biological mother who’d given him up as a baby, he might finally have some answers.

Sam Stone, carries scars of his own, both physical and otherwise, but he’s determined to ignore them and get on with his life. But when fate drops a gorgeous prickly red haired witch in his life, he figures his luck is finally changing.

With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam, his anchor when the secrets of his biological family begin to tear his life apart…

Underside Press

Publication date

December 25, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

320 pages

Book 1 of 1

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Review: The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I stumbled across this story by accident and I’m absolutely thrilled I did because I love both the story and finding a new prolific author to explore.

This highly entertaining and gently immersive series is one that builds slowly, pulling us into the magical world along with the non-magical ex soldier Roger Mulligan.

Desperately searching for a new start, after 3 tours of duty with the military in Afghanistan and as a EMT once home, a ad for a butler sends Roger upon a new path.

That the author is himself a former military veteran is telling in the crafting of Roger Mulligan. He is absolutely believable in this book, his appreciation for the uniform, the manner in which his role as a butler has similarities with his previous duties, without the hazards and risks. He’s a good man, a guardian. Which as it turns out is exactly what is needed most.

Told from Roger’s perspective, we meet the house, his “employers”, the elderly owner of the house and the magical situation he’s entering into.

I think what I love about this the most is Roger’s ability to adapt to ideas and concepts that would shatter others and, in how Lowell has written him and this story, I found him and how everything flows together totally credible.

We don’t “see” the pixies or fairies because Roger can’t. He’s not talented. A element that turns into an unlikely strength for all.

This isn’t a romance. But a terrific book full of fascinating characters and found family, as well as a magical place.

The sequel, the recently released, The Wizard’s Cat, is an excellent read and I’ll review it shortly.

I really hope that Lowell has several more books planned for this series. I’m definitely hooked.

A winner and one I’m happy to share.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler

Blurb

“He thinks he’s a wizard,” they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn’t care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn’t tell him about the pixies.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd.

Publication date

March 19, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 1 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: Howling for Trouble (Sassy Shifter Shenanigans #1) by Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle

Rating: 3.5⭐️.

The first in a new paranormal mystery shifter series by prolific authors and co-writers, Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle, Howling for Trouble has some interesting ideas and engaging elements. I’m just not sure the main character is one of them.

She’s a young coyote shifter on the run from a past life that’s mentioned often but never in anything but an ominous reference type of way. Sort of “oh no, I’m afraid of my secret past life being found out or finding me “, or “I can’t be caged anymore”.

Which when the character seems to actually go out of her way to make it easier for her past life to just stumble onto where she’s now living and investigating murders, well, you know you’re in the TSTL category.

It’s not as though the whole story isn’t engaging. The person at the heart of the investigation was a good person and the reader genuinely feels sorry for his loss. And sorrow for his pet.

That’s another terrific aspect of the story. Roxie, the coyote shifter can communicate with the animals in her care at the Doggy Daycare/Wine Bar she’s employed at. The animals, when they are talking to Roxie aren’t coming across as anthropomorphized animals but more a realistic animal. These aren’t magical or familiars,they are beloved pets.

The townspeople are well crafted and believable in their quirky ways and various jobs. And the town’s well known festival adds to the atmosphere and sense of overall credibility.

And takes away from Roxie’s. Here’s a shifter on the run. She’s only been there a short while. The background information the authors and character feeds the reader is minimal. But, annoyingly, Roxie reminds herself (and us) continually that she’s got huge secrets, she’s a coyote shifter, and she has fled to the town from idk something and somewhere dark.

However, does she upon arriving, do her own investigation into safe places to “shift and run”? No she doesn’t.

During the investigation, does she come up against multiple reporters and photographers getting the “scoop” on celebrities who are in the same mix of the murder investigation? Yes,gets her picture taken, answers the questions. SMH. Just what I’d do if I were hiding.

And it gets worse actually. To the point I thought, I can’t finish it. But by then I was so close, I did. And came back to the conclusion that for me, Roxie is the issue here.

So it’s a 3-book series at this point but I’m stopping here. If you’re a fan of the series or authors, check it out.

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Sassy Shifter Shenanigans

Howling for Trouble (Book 1)

Moon, Murder, and Mesquite (Book 2)

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: Sassy Shifter Shenanigans

Blurb

Hiding my coyote-shifter secret? Easy. Avoiding romantic disasters every time the moon goes full? I deserve a medal.

Three weeks into my attempt at normalcy (aka hiding from my past), my résumé now includes mocha wrangler, wine pourer, and dog-sitter extraordinaire. Who knew blending lattes, chardonnay, and corgis would be my definition of peace?

When local photography enthusiast and coffee shop regular George Harper is found dead beneath the starlit railway trestle—one I may or may not have been sniffing around myself—the townsfolk swap cozy gossip for rumors about killer coyotes. And guess who’s first in line for suspicion?

Between dodging Animal Control, keeping my furry secret under wraps, and navigating the flirtatious distraction of the annoyingly dimpled delivery guy, my plate’s fuller than Millie’s wine cellar during tourist season.

With the annual Star-Watch Festival teetering on disaster, my only choice is to unleash my inner coyote detective—before the real killer strikes again. Because, seriously, running from trouble is hard enough without having to dodge pitchforks and silver bullets too.

Can Roxie solve the murder and find justice for George without exposing her true nature? Or will her own secrets become the next target in a town where nothing stays hidden for long?

Grab your copy of Howling For Trouble today and dive into this delightful paranormal mystery where small towns harbor the biggest secrets!

Review: The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting #2 by Naomi Kuttner

Rating: 5⭐️

I love this series so much. Intelligent storytelling, great characters, and unusual plot elements make this a really great series and entertaining read.

A paranormal cozy murder mystery that takes place in a unique small town in New Zealand, the author continues to explore her fascinating town and its unique inhabitants, many of whom have secret identities and unique backgrounds.

Including Dante, retired assassin, master wet worker, reluctant gardener and now cat owner. He’s trying to learn how to integrate into society, stop being an assassin (no small task when killers still pop up), and have a “normal life”. His small group of friends now include a neighbor and former con artist, Eleanor, and Charlie, a gardener who sees and communicates with ghosts.

Along with his AA group/(Assassins Anonymous), Dante has a full time just getting into the day. Here it’s an Orchid Society holding a special event in the town where events of the story are set to take place.

Kuttner uses New Zealand, from its gorgeous flora and fauna, to its connection to nature and its people here with the orchid and a special moth. The moth in particular turns into a powerful and beautiful aspect of the story.

Charlie, sweet yet deep in his beliefs connected to the land is one character who is evolving into a spectacular person. So is Eleanor. Rock on, Scooby gang!

The writing is so good. The flow of the story is fast, and the entire book goes way too quickly because it’s over before I’m ready for it to be.

Highly recommended. But start with the first book and then read on. Fabulous!

Love the simplicity of the covers.

Retired Assassin’s Guide (3 book series):

The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening #1
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting #2
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Amateur Theatrics #3 – Dec 7, 2026

Buy link

Book 2 of 3: Retired Assassin’s Guide

Blurb

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.

But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date.

And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

The ‘Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting’ is a cosy paranormal mystery with found family, ghosts, a grumpy assassin and a sunshine gardener.

Come for the murder, stay for the cat, the gardens, and the chaos.

Publisher

Inkblot Publishing Ltd

Publication date

December 16, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

320 pages

Book 2 of 3

Retired Assassin’s Guide

Review: Deadly Coins (Witch in the Woods #2) by Jenna St. James

Rating: 4⭐️

Deadly Coins is the second in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James. It’s another terrific mystery that brings further insight into the some of the otherworldliness of the island and the creatures that live there, and the history of its inhabitants.

In this story, it’s all about a cold case that hit close to home for one of Shayla’s closest friends. There’s an investigation, suspicion that falls on an older group of people, and a dramatic twist.

Another satisfying story and slow burn romance.

I’m here for it. Plus a grumpy magical flying porcupine !

Really enjoying the series.

Buy link:

Deadly Coins (A Witch in the Woods Book 2)

Blurb

A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career

A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets

When game warden, Shayla Loci, and her cousin, Serena Spellburn, stumble upon a wounded dragon guarding gold coins, they have no idea it would lead to a clue about how Serena’s dad, Mac, really died nearly thirty years before. But that’s exactly what happened. Now Shayla and Sheriff Alex Stone must determine if Mac died of suspicious causes, and, if so, who caused his death and why. Between digging for thirty-year-old clues among supposed friends and experiencing a near-death fatality, Shayla is sure Mac’s death was planned. But can she prove it? With the help of Needles her flying porcupine, Shayla is unwavering in her pursuit to find Uncle Mac’s killer. But when things come to a head, and innocent people are in the way, will everyone come out unscathed? Or will Shayla have to make the ultimate sacrifice? If you like paranormal cozy mysteries and midlife main characters, then this series is for you!

Review: Morning Glories & Murder (Willowmere Cozy Mysteries Book 6) by Corrine Winters

Rating: 4⭐️

Morning Glories & Murder is the sixth novel in Winters’ Willowmere Cozy Mysteries series and I find that, in a 17 book series, there’s elements of this that I still love and others that I find less appealing at this point.

Number one is the gorgeous language and the absolute beauty of the words Winters uses to convey a sense of character or atmospheric magic in her work. Succinct, poetic and witty, I love the expression of her voice here.

Her ability to create a mystical, living almost sentience that flows from the dirt and wood in Willowmere is amazing. It’s believable in feeling both ominous and beautifully ancient simultaneously.

The murder mystery each book is occupied with are also good. But each has felt a bit flat because of there’s been so much time spent on a convoluted, investigative work that apprehending the culprit is a rushed affair, concluded all too briefly.

Relationships too are sparsely linked, dryly written about and even more weakly linked. The reader must infer from bits of information where different relationships might be headed, if anywhere. I’m actually ok with that.

But it’s with the main character of Maeve Everhart where I personally have the most problems connecting. She’s been hinting at having considerable power but time and again she’s attacked. Yet Maeve is passive against violent aggressive tactics or undermining maneuvering.

Throughout story after story, she avoids taking evidence to the town’s sheriff, keeping clues to herself ( sometimes losing the key material), waiting and watching for “the soil” and Whim, the familiar to point to a possible motive or culprit.

It’s frustrating to read. Because essentially it’s wandering around as the culprit continues to escalate “evil doings” right until the last few pages. Then it’s boom, it’s whoever. Done.

Here she’s personally attacked in a number of ways, professionally, personally etc. And again, it’s an approach of “ idk, not sure what I can do about it “.

For me, I’m not sure if this type of character is worth the effort. Love the language, not connecting with any but the cat, a snarky wry individual on his best days.

Think I’ll give it a rest for now. Come back later when I need a hit for sentences like this:

“From his perch atop the hanging planter by the window, Whim offered a disdainful yawn and flexed one white-tipped paw. “It’s not the rosemary. It’s the coming crowd. You can feel the potpourri energy swelling already. Too many amateur aromatherapists. Not enough dignity in the ceramics.”

Sigh.

Not a fan of the covers, which doesn’t match up with the tone of the book.

Willowmere Cozy Mysteries (17 book series):

1 Mildew & Murder (2025)

2 Moss & Murder (2025)

3 Marigolds & Murder (2025)

4 Mulch & Murder (2025)

5 Magnolias & Murder (2025)

6 Morning Glories & Murder (2025)

7 Milkweed & Murder (2025)

8 Mulberries & Murder (2025)

9 Mint & Murder (2025)

10 Moonflowers & Murder (2025)

11 Marjoram & Murder (2025)

12 Mandrake & Murder (2025)

13 Meadowfoam & Murder (2025)

14 Mayapple & Murder (2025)

15 Mallow & Murder (2025)

16 Mist & Murder (2025)

17 Mosswine & Murder (2025)

Buy link:

Book 6 of 17: Willowmere Cozy Mysteries

Blurb

Willowmere’s Summer Artisan Faire was supposed to celebrate beauty, craft, and memory. Instead, it begins with the discovery of a beloved potter’s body beneath her own shattered booth.

Maeve Everhart wasn’t looking for another mystery. But the clay doesn’t lie—and neither does the soil. As whispers of sabotage echo through the town’s sunlit streets, she’s pulled into a web of rivalries, forgeries, and unfinished work that someone was desperate to keep buried.

With her greenhouse rattled by secrets and old friendships tested by fire, Maeve must piece together a broken charm, a fractured legacy, and the truth that lives in what Petra left behind.

Because in Willowmere, every creation carries intention—and some were made to remember what others wanted to forget.

Get ready for a whirlwind mystery and cozy thrill ride in this paranormal cozy mystery. Get under a blanket and be prepared to be immersed!

Publication date

May 21, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

151 pages

Book 6 of 17

Willowmere Cozy Mysteries

Review: Deadly Claws (Witch in the Woods #1) by Jenna St. James

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Im binging a number of new paranormal cozy mysteries at the moment and this is one of the better ones.

Jenna St. James’ Witch in the Woods series already has 35 released books ready to read for new readers which is fantastic. And each is a quick and well plotted story at around 170 pages so they just fly by.

James has also delivered engaging characters and an intriguing setup in a “hidden from normal people“ island that is inhabited by those who are paranormal beings or have parents who are.

Shayla Loci, a 45 year old law enforcement agent is returning home after being away for years working with a paranormal federal agency. Her strange parentage is highly unusual and huge part of ongoing narrative of the series.

She’s a terrific central figure here, and meshes well with all the town folk who have reoccurring roles and become important characters in the series. Especially the new sheriff and his preteen daughter.

There’s mystery and murder. And many developing relationships that bring up past issues and historical events.

The story keeps a fast pace and provides enough insight into the town’s history and new characters that my interest never waned.

Highly entertaining and a winner!

A Witch in the Woods (35 book series):

Deadly Claws #1

Buy link

Deadly Claws (A Witch in the Woods Book 1)

Blurb

A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career

A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets

Career-driven witch, Shayla Loci, is about to turn forty and is ready for a change. When she retires from capturing criminal supernaturals for the government, she figures her days of chasing bad guys are over. Little did she know her new job as the game warden on Enchanted Island would thrust her right back into harm’s way…and she wasn’t even officially on the clock yet! But when Sheriff Stone enlists her help to find out who killed an island resident, Shayla readily agrees.

Between sorting through alibis, gathering clues, and mentoring a wayward teenager on how to be a witch…Shayla’s life is hectic. If only her estranged dad–the King–wouldn’t insist she take her bodyguard, Needles, with her everywhere she goes. Just when Shayla believes she’s identified the killer, a new threat emerges…leaving her to make a snap decision that may cost her her life.

This new paranormal cozy series with a twist on midlife discovery will leave you guessing and hungry for more!

Publication date

March 23, 2021

Language

‎English

Book 1 of 35

A Witch in the Woods

Review: A Pub in the Underworld (The Cozy Abyss #1) by Harmon Cooper

Rating: 4.25⭐️

A Pub in the Underworld (The Cozy Abyss #1) by Harmon Cooper was another great find. New terrific author, new entertaining LitRPG adventure story and series to read.

The first book sets up the universe, characters and challenges very quickly. In the beginning of the story Sylas Runewulf , a seasoned warrior, is fighting a losing battle against his kingdom’s old enemy. We’re there on the battlefield, in his mind as it’s all going down. It’s emotional, heartfelt and raw.

It ends with him in the afterlife, in one of the three Realms , and a direct message to head to the town of Ember Hollow and take possession of the town pub.

Sylas meets an Apothecary, Patches a magical pub cat , and starts to form a new life and friends in the afterlife. Even as a threat to his life and new adventures approaches.

It’s well done. For those who aren’t familiar with LitRPG, the game aspect isn’t overly complex or important here. It’s more character driven and storytelling than gameplay oriented.

Those who do enjoy those elements will have plenty to look forward to and appreciate. Characters do level up here.

Absolutely adore Patches. What a fabulous character and all the imagery associated with it makes this story even better. And funnier.

A definite winner and one I’m so happy to share.

Love the covers.

Cover design by Daniel Kamarudin

The Cozy Abyss (3 book series)

A Pub in the Underworld #1

A Farm in the Afterlife #2

A Market in the Maelstrom #3

Buy link

A Pub in the Underworld: A Slice-of-Life LitRPG Adventure (The Cozy Abyss Book 1)

Blurb

Death is only the beginning for one warrior as he encounters adventure, friendship, and romance in the afterlife in the epic first book of this cozy LitRPG.

There are three levels to the afterlife. The best level is the Celestial Plains at the top. At the bottom is the worst level, known as the Chasm. And in between lies the Underworld. That’s where Sylas Runewulf, a brave soldier who gave all to his kingdom, finds himself after he dies.

Following the guidance of a mysterious blue prompt, Sylas journeys to the town of Ember Hollow to breathe new life into a quaint local pub. Along the way, he meets a clever apothecary named Mira who helps him acclimate to the ins and outs of the realm and Patches, a corpulent cat who’s slightly . . . shall we say, unusual.

Dubbing the pub “The Old Lamplighter,” Sylas hopes it will be a safe haven for other weary souls. Of course, it doesn’t feel that safe when the prompt reappears with a warning: [You have 89 days until the invasion.]

As Sylas works to decipher the troubling message, he faces more challenges, travels far and wide, and befriends wayward demons, magical creatures, and lost warriors. He also builds a community around his humble pub—one that he must soon defend, or they’ll all face a fate much worse than death . . .

Blending fantasy LitRPG with a slice-of-life story about starting over, A Pub in the Underworld is the first adventure in Harmon Cooper’s Cozy Abyss series. Join Sylas and Patches on their charming journey of discovery, friendship, and defense against the unknown in a world where even the smallest decision could shape the fate of a community caught between realms.

Review: Marigolds & Murder (Willowmere Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by Corrine Winters

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“It smells like someone overwatered ambition,” Whim muttered from beneath the herb stand, his tail flicking toward a pot of mint that looked more like mush.

It’s Spring Planting Weekend in Willowmere and the commentary is flowing fierce.

My favorite paranormal mystery is back in force. High quality language, mystical imagery, scenes that feel both gothic and cozy along with a haunting landscape follow Maeve and Whim, her familiar, when beloved florist Marigold Bloom is found dead, holding a bouquet of flowers whose language sends a bite instead of a message of love.

We get an excellent story, a serious mystery and series of clues to lead to a complex albeit mystical investigation.

However, the language and phrases by the author just continue to delight me. Clever and creative, conveying a sense of humor and character with a conciseness that is perfect.

Example:

“Good morning, Dorian.”

He tipped his glass. “The garden’s looking well-fed. Much like the town’s curiosity.”

Maeve shook her head and tried not to smile. Dorian was charming, curious, and a little too good at circling truths without landing on them.

That’s Dorian Quinn owner of the Lavender Lantern, one of the several unique community members of Willowmere.

Always a tad too charming, too much, too perfectly put together, even at a murder scene, sipping a cocktail.

There’s an ongoing sense of grief and hidden secrets that are unraveling under Willowmere now that Maeve has returned home. Secrets that her great aunt Hazel knew about and helped seal.

Along with her familiar, Whim, and Silas Merrick, a local beekeeper, one death at a time, (one story at a time) the secrets are being revealed.

It does make me wonder, like that old joke about (Midsomer Murders) Cozy Mysteries, how many people are still living at the end of the series in such a small village?

I’m throughly enjoying the process, the mystical elements, and the fabulous writing.

I’m highly recommending this for anyone who loves great writing, interesting mystery attached to a bit of mysticism. Haunting and poetic.

Not a fan of the covers, which doesn’t match up with the tone of the book.

Willowmere Cozy Mysteries (17 book series):

1 Mildew & Murder (2025)

2 Moss & Murder (2025)

3 Marigolds & Murder (2025)

4 Mulch & Murder (2025)

5 Magnolias & Murder (2025)

6 Morning Glories & Murder (2025)

7 Milkweed & Murder (2025)

8 Mulberries & Murder (2025)

9 Mint & Murder (2025)

10 Moonflowers & Murder (2025)

11 Marjoram & Murder (2025)

12 Mandrake & Murder (2025)

13 Meadowfoam & Murder (2025)

14 Mayapple & Murder (2025)

15 Mallow & Murder (2025)

16 Mist & Murder (2025)

17 Mosswine & Murder (2025)

Buy link:

Marigolds & Murder (Willowmere Cozy Mysteries Book 3)

Blurb

The garden blooms again… but something beneath it never died.

Spring in Willowmere is in full swing, and Maeve Everhart is trying to keep her hands in the soil and her heart out of trouble. But when beloved florist Marigold Bloom is found dead among her foxglove and rue, the scent of grief is laced with suspicion. The bouquet wasn’t accidental. And neither is the silence blooming in its wake.

Everyone in town has something to protect—some secrets are personal, some are poisonous, and some are old enough to be buried in the land itself. As whispers curl beneath fresh blossoms and intentions are masked with petals, Maeve finds herself unraveling a plot that roots back generations… and may still be growing.

Because in Willowmere, the soil remembers. And this time, it might not forgive.

Get ready for a whirlwind mystery and cozy thrill ride in this paranormal cozy mystery. Get under a blanket and be prepared to be immersed!

date

May 14, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

149 pages

Book 3 of 17

Willowmere Cozy Mysteries

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