Audiobook Review: To Catch a Witch by Heather Blake

Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather might be a witch with the ability to grant wishes for others, but wishing isn't going to help her catch a killer....

When wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather's personal concierge company is hired by elite runner Abby Stillwell to organize the Wicked Mad Dash, a competition that takes place in the Enchanted Village, Darcy is more than willing to help her friend. As blizzard conditions rage on the morning of the race, Darcy's main concern is the terrible weather - until Abby goes missing...and is later found dead, buried in the snow.

As Darcy investigates her friend's untimely death, she learns she didn't really know Abby well at all. Those closest to the woman - her secret fiance, her roommate, her ex-boyfriend, and her coworkers at Balefire Sports - seem to have plenty to hide, too. As Darcy digs deeper, she uncovers complicated relationships, a possible embezzlement scheme, and allegations of cheating against a top athlete.

Just when Darcy is convinced she's hit a dead end in the case, a startling burglary and the hunt for Abby's elusive ex send Darcy down a dark, dangerous trail. It will take the help from friends, family, and a little bit of magic for Darcy to stop a stone-cold killer from striking again.[summary via Audible]

Early on I discovered Heather Blake's writing when she was writing as Heather Webber with her Lucy Valentine mysteries. I was hooked instantly and I've been a fan ever since. She perfectly blends magic and mystery together, and each novel is utterly delightful. Her Wishcraft mysteries fit this description just beautifully!

To Catch a Witch is the 8th book in the series, and if you've been following along with the series you know there is a lot going on. Darcy and policy detective, Nick, are living together with Nick's daughter Mimi, and their assortment of animals. In Darcy's unofficial title of Witchcraft Investigator though, life is anything but boring! When elite runner, Abby Stillwell goes missing (and is later found dead), Darcy and Nick must work together to find a murderer and solve the mystery.

There is a lot going on in To Catch a Witch. Between witchcraft politics, a murder mystery and Darcy's sister, Harper's sudden illness, the reader never fear getting bored! For this reason, I absolutely loved this book. I listened on audiobook and I found myself wanting to do the housework just so I could keep listening!!!

The Wishcraft mysteries keep getting better with every book, and I don't want to give too much away with this one, but it was very, very good. While I don't say it with every series, this is a series that you need to read in order. Each book builds on the previous book, and reading in order is a must. While this is the 8th book in the series you'll find once you start you can't stop! So set aside a couple of weeks and binge this series!

I listened on audiobook and I absolutely love Coleen Marlo's narration. I've tried to listen to the audiobooks for all of this series, but even when I'm reading the print book I keep hearing Coleen's voices for each of the characters. Especially the familiar's like Archie and Pepe. Her narration is spot and enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

To Catch a Witch was a magical, stellar read and I strongly encourage readers to pick it up.

Book Review: Gone with the Witch by Heather Blake

Darcy and her dog Missy are determined to put their best foot forward at the Enchanted Village’s annual Pawsitively Enchanted pet contest. She’s happy to lend a hand when the show’s organizer hires Darcy to keep an eye on things among growing suspicions that someone is sabotaging the event. But Darcy’s quest for justice is thrown off the scent when her lead suspect is found dead at the competition.

As if a murder weren’t bad enough, someone begins snatching up prize-winning pets right from under their owners’ noses. Darcy is determined to protect the pampered participants at whatever cost. But she’ll have to work fast to sniff out the thief before she becomes the next victim of a killer determined to stop her dead in her tracks...[summary via Goodreads]

I cannot hide my absolute love for the Wishcraft Mysteries by Heather Blake. I've been a fan of Heather Webber Blake's books since I discovered the Lucy Valentine Mysteries many years ago, and have been hooked on the Wishcraft Mysteries since the beginning. 

In the latest mystery, Darcy, Wishcrafter and owner of As You Wish, where wishes are magically granted, becomes involved in a local pet contest, when the organizer is worried someone is sabotaging the event. Things quickly turn to murder when one of the competitors turn up dead. Darcy must untangle the mystery, alongside the mysterious pet snatching.

I love this series! My favorite thing about it is that it's not just centered on the murder mystery. There have been underlying storylines that have run through each book, and it's those storylines that make me come back for more. Darcy's relationship with police officer, Nick, and the obstacles they've overcome, and the identity of the Elder are two of my favorites. While I'm good at solving murders, I have never been able to fully guess the identity of the Elder and I was so happy to see that Heather Blake finally reveals her identity in Gone with the Witch. The scene where Darcy discovers the identity of the Elder was so beautiful and heart-warming and I just loved it.

The mystery itself was intriguing, and I liked that it is doubled up with a pet-snatching mystery. I wasn't sure if the two were related or not, and it was interesting watching it unravel.

I cannot say enough good things about this series. In the Wishcraft Mysteries Heather Blake has crafted unique, intelligent, and magical mysteries. There is something for everyone in this series, and alike to decadent chocolate you can't just have one! I recommend reading this series in order, as each book builds on the previous and you won't be disappointed with a single one.

Purchase Gone with the Witch by Heather Blake.

Giveaway: Some Like It Witchy by Heather Blake

Today we're giving away a copy of Some Like It Witchy by Heather Blake.

Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather can charm desires into reality, but as the national bestselling Wishcraft mysteries continue, she won’t be able to magically avoid trouble when death holds an open house…  

The Enchanted Village is abuzz when the old Tavistock house finally goes up for sale. Darcy’s friend Curecrafter Cherise Goodwin is hoping she will have the winning bid on the home, but Darcy can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen—and her magical instincts are usually right. 

Sure enough, while Darcy and Cherise are looking at the property, they discover real estate agent Raina Gallagher stone-cold dead on the floor. Clutched in her hand is a gemstone amulet and, on the wall above her, a large red A. While Raina had no shortage of enemies, there’s also a dark legend about the house itself. To track down the killer, Darcy must unlock the secrets of both the deceased and the estate—and she’ll need to act fast, because revenge is a deal that never closes.…[summary from Goodreads]

Check out our review here.

Check out all of Heather Blake's books on Amazon.

To enter:
1. Giveaway is for ONE paperback of Some Like It Witchy.
2. Complete the ENTRY FORM.
3. Giveaway is open to residents of US/Canada and closes on Tuesday April 5, 2016.
4. Winners will be contacted by email.

Book Review: Some Like It Witchy by Heather Blake

The Enchanted Village is abuzz when the old Tavistock house finally goes up for sale. Darcy’s friend Curecrafter Cherise Goodwin is hoping she will have the winning bid on the home, but Darcy can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen—and her magical instincts are usually right.

Sure enough, while Darcy and Cherise are looking at the property, they discover real estate agent Raina Gallagher stone-cold dead on the floor. Clutched in her hand is a gemstone amulet and, on the wall above her, a large red A. While Raina had no shortage of enemies, there’s also a dark legend about the house itself. To track down the killer, Darcy must unlock the secrets of both the deceased and the estate—and she’ll need to act fast, because revenge is a deal that never closes.…[summary via Amazon]

Long before Heather Blake started writing the Wishcraft Mysteries, she wrote the Lucy Valentine novels, and I fell in love with a world of magic. Heather has continued to go on to write other series, and I'm forever hooked on her writing, the characters she has created and the villages she has introduced me to!

At the time of reading the Lucy Valentine novels, I'd never read a series like them with the subtle magic and intrigue. I'm so happy to say that Heather Blake continues to write unique and surprising books, that are filled with mystery, intrigue and magic. There is no other series like the Wishcraft mysteries, and they remain a firm favourite amongst so many readers for that reason. Heather Blake draws you in with a unique premise (a family of wishcrafters that live in a village with other magical crafters), and keeps her readers hooked with intriguing plotlines and interesting characters! In a word, once you discover Heather Blake's books you will be forever hooked!

In Some Like It Witchy, the reader gets drawn in to the case of a diamond heist. These aren't ordinary diamonds though, they are magical! And it's proving that someone will do anything to get them, even murder!! I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery alongside Darcy, and while I did guess part of the mystery, I was still surprised by the unveiling at the end.

I love all the characters in this series, although I do have a special place in my heart for Pepe & Mrs P. Those two deserve a book series all of their own! They are two characters with so much charisma and charm, and I loved every scene featuring them!

From the first page to the last I absolutely loved this book! A visit to the Enchanted Village is always special, and and this one was absolutely magical. I can't wait until the next book (Gone With the Witch) comes  out, so I can take another trip back into the magical world of crafters!

Title Information:
Some Like It Witchy by Heather Blake
Book #5 of Wishcraft Mysteries
Published by Berkley/Penguin
Purchase Some Like It Witchy at Amazon.

Audiobook Review: One Potion in the Grave by Heather Blake

Carly Bell Hartwell lives in Hitching Post, Alabama, a town with the unique reputation of being the number one place couples go to get married. Her mama runs a local wedding chapel, and there is a lot of activity in town as a wealthy senator is in town for his son's upcoming wedding, due to take place at her mama's chapel. However, there is also plenty of activity at her own potions shop, when a old friend stops by. Carly hasn't seen Katie Sue (now Katherine) since she left town many years ago. However it seems that Katie Sue is back to cause trouble for the wealthy Calhoun's. When Katie Sue turns up dead Carly is determined to find a killer and let her friend rest in peace.

I've been a fan of Heather's writing since my days of reading the Lucy Valentine books. It's been a joy to watch her develop her writing range, and move onto the magical mysteries, by the way of the Magic Potion Mysteries and the Wishcraft Mysteries. Up until now, I've favored the Wishcraft Mysteries slightly more. With already four mysteries in the Wishcraft Mysteries (and a new release coming in May), I've been reading that series longer. However, after finishing One Potion in the Grave, I don't think I could pick a favorite between the two series anymore.

While I certainly enjoyed A Potion to Die For, One Potion in the Grave made me really love this series. Narrated by Carly Sue, we hear a story of a woman with a troubled past, that certainly didn't deserve to die before her time. Carly Sue is determined to find the killer, at all costs. For me, Carly is so real. She has a on-and-off again relationship with police officer, Dylan. Not all love is black and white, and Carly and Dylan certainly have a colorful history, including a burning chapel! She's passionate about her friends and family and confused about her relationship with Dylan, and one of the most delightful amateur sleuths I've read.

I loved the mystery in this story. While I did guess several aspects of the mystery, I was surprised by the final denouement. Heather Blake writes human nature and emotions and in this story she really taps into the dysfunctional family very well.

One side story line that I loved was Carly's relationship with her cousin, Delia, who is the black to Carly's white, and they are a odd couple, but it is a joy watching them get closer. More than this, I loved Carly's relationship with her Aunt Margie. Margie is a riot. She shoots people for trespassing and uses a pitchfork to ward off unwanted guests. After an injury she ends up staying with Carly and it was fun watching them interact and their relationship grow stronger and closer.

With such an eclectic range of characters, readers will adore this series. It is full of characters that you will remember long after you've turned the last page, and fondly be looking forward to another visit to Hitching Post.

I listened to One Potion in the Grave on audio and I loved Carla Mercer-Meyer's narration. While I don't live in the south, her southern accent sounded authentic and she brought all the necessary emotion required to Carly, as she hunts down a killer, while mourning the loss of her friend. I hope she continues to narrate this series as I'm really enjoying the extra enjoyment she brings for me to this series.

Book Review: The Goodbye Witch by Heather Blake

It’s time to take a visit to the Enchanted Village. In the Enchanted Village you can wander the cute, quaint stores, like Lotions & Potions and As You Wish, but can you guess who the witches are and who are mortals? Witch Darcy Merriweather lives in the Enchanted Village, with her sister Harper and Aunt Ve. She’s a wishcrafter, which means she has the power to grant wishes, and loves working side-by-side with her Aunt Ve at As You Wish. She’s dating police officer, Nick, and her life is pretty perfect right now. When her best friend, Starla, bursts into As You Wish claiming her ex-husband, the same one that tried to strangle her and ran away as a fugitive, is back in town, life is about to change. Starla’s life is turned upside down as Will tries to contact her. When Will turns up dead, all evidence points to Starla and it looks like Starla will end up spending life in prison. That is unless Darcy can find the killer!

Ever since I read It Takes a Witch (the first book in the series, check out my review here) I’ve fallen head over heels for Darcy Merriweather and all the witches and mortals in the Enchanted Village. I’ve been [im]patiently waiting for the next book in this series to be published and I knew that I would be reading The Goodbye Witch as soon as it hit the shelves!

In the first three books Heather Blake took my breath away with this magical town full of interesting people and even more fascinating familiars. So the bar was set pretty high for the fourth book in the series, and I have to say that she exceeded all expectations I had.

In The Goodbye Witch, Darcy and the readers learn more about the sweet town and inhabitants than we thought we knew. We learn about Starla’s past and more about the different crafters in the Enchanted Village. As usual Heather Blake provides a flawless plot as she weaves new elements into the village, mixing with the elements about the crafters that we already knew. Most cozies are not known for world building, but Heather Blake has shown she sure knows how to build a wonderful fictional world. She’s created a fictional village, alive with magic, that is as believable as any real cozy town.

I couldn’t put The Goodbye Witch down. Even when I had to reluctantly put it aside for real life errands [and sleep] I was constantly thinking about the characters and wanting to get back to the investigation with Darcy and Nick. This series has that effect on me. Even after the last page is turned I am still thinking about my next adventure in the Enchanted Village.

If you are looking for a new series to devour this summer I highly recommend picking up It Takes a Witch and starting on a adventure with Darcy Merriweather in the Enchanted Village. It will be one adventure you won’t forget in a hurry!