Rating: 4.5⭐️
Hats off to Boo was another great paranormal murder mystery, the type I’ve come to expect from Sara Bourgeois’s writings and creations.
Along the lines of cozy mysteries, it always teeters over the edge into deeper waters. The stories are a bit darker around the edges, there’s hints of damage and pain flowing through the narrative and townsfolk.
And when the murders occur, sometimes it’s those people that as readers we are fond of and not necessarily anonymous people who don’t make as much of an emotional impact.
Blythe is settling in her happy married life, her shoppe is running smoothly, and everyone is looking forward to the fall festival . Especially the Halloween maze run by town favorite, Shands Dunkle.
The author, in just a few scenes is able to impart just how loved Shands Dunkle is by so many, his role within Cauldron Hollow, and his warmhearted personality. So his loss is real and deeply felt. By the reader as well as the town.
Blythe has multiple mysteries to carefully investigate, one that also includes Maude back in town, as well as who murdered Shands. And there’s Lillian to consider as well.
Bourgeois pulls off this story with all its complications and various relationship dynamics so well. It moves swiftly, and carries us through with appropriate spooky moments and emotional scenes.
We’re always left with a few questions about the otherworldly aspects of the town and things that might go bump in the dark. I love it that way.
And now I can’t wait for the next one!
One of my favorite series from this author.
Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)
If the Hat Fits #1
Under The Hat #2
Hat Out of Spell #3
Hat Trick #4
Bear Many Hats #5
Drop of a Hat #6
Veil of Doom #7
Hats off To Boo #8
The Hat Before Christmas #9 – Dec 23,2026
Buy link
Hats off to Boo (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow Book 8)
Blurb
Cauldron Hollow has never been better at Halloween. The Veil is healed, the festival is packed, and for the first time in years, witch and mundane alike are having a wonderful October.
Then Shands Dunkle, the beloved owner of the best haunted hayride in three counties, is found dead inside his barn, after a full day of paying customers rode past him and clapped.
The witches who investigate that barn all come out saying the same thing. Old magic. Again. Worse, Maude Tuttlesmith is back in town and camping behind that barn, and she’s lying about why she came. The coven wants her gone. Blythe isn’t so sure. Something about that barn doesn’t add up, and her blood can tell the difference between a witch’s work and the magic that rises through this town every October.
Sheriff Paine Wilder is on his first case as a married man. He follows the money while his wife follows the magic. The town can’t agree on whether the ride should ever run again. And the one witness who saw everything can only speak on Samhain night.
Meanwhile, a certain red-haired ancestor is back in town to pick out her wedding present, and nobody knows what she wants… yet.
Blythe has until Samhain night to catch a killer, and one chance to hear the only witness.
September 28, 2026
Language
English
Print length
243 pages
Book 8 of 9
