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thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
5.0
Moons, Magic and Mystery: A Paranormal Anthology” by 16 amazing authors. Some authors are new to me and others are old friends. What a great read to get ready for Halloween! A terrific collection of varying stories involving Witches, psychics, and supernatural sidekicks..
Lost Cases and Hallowed Places by Trixie Silvertale
A remote cabin. A hidden chest. Will this psychic sleuth find treasure or tragedy? Mitzy Moon thinks exploring the wooded island will be fun, but a trapped spirit has other plans. If she and her alchemist mentor can’t solve the mystery of the missing witch, the consequences will be deadly!
This is only the second book I have read starring Mitzy Moon but I plan on reading more in the series after this.
Dead on a Blue Moon by Lily Webb
The magical residents of Starfall Valley live according to the stars. But when a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Moon illuminates new clues in an unsolved murder, it’s up to psychic witch Selena Smith to follow the light. Can her prophetic powers solve the case, or is she reaching for the moon?
I am a huge fan of this series and love the protagonist Selena! I was super excited to read this short by Lily Webb as it’s been a few months since I visited Starfall Valley. The story was entertaining, full of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Once in a Brew Moon by Erin Johnson
It’s All Hallows Eve, and the fortune-telling festivities abound at a magical party near charming Bath, England. Only no one predicted that the coven leader would be poisoned! Now, new witch, Minnie Marsh, and her vampire bestie, Gus, must catch the killer before Gus’s secret gets out.
I hadn’t read any of the books previously but I really enjoyed this short story about Minnie Wells the newbie witch set in Bath, England. I’m intrigued by her Vampire BFF, and can’t wait to read "The Magical Tea Room Mysteries" series by Erin Johnson.
Doom and Moon by by Nova Nelson
A night shift at Eastwind’s 24-hour diner turns chilling for Nora Ashcroft when her psychic landlady arrives with shocking news: someone is about to be murdered there. To trap the murderer inside, they must lock all the doors... and wait. Who will die, and who is the killer?
This is the second short story I have read of the Eastwind’s magical mysteries once again I was pleasantly surprised by this story and plan to read the series.
A Moon for Manifesting by Amorette Anderson
In the quirky magical village of Covenstead, manifesting and moons go together like candy and trick-or-treaters. New witch Grace Littleton doesn’t know much about lunar magic, but it’s high time to learn! A local is missing, and it’s up to Grace to follow the celestial clues…
Lunar Croakies by Sam Cheever
Moon Madness has hit Croakies like an out-of-control freight train. My demon dog is howling at the moon. Somebody ate one of my neighbors. And things are falling apart up and down Arcane Avenue. Buckle up lunar lovers. Things are about to get bumpy.
All in Vein by Jane Hinchey
She’s an ex-assassin. He’s ex-military. Together they are Clean Scene Inc, where blood splatter matters, and these vamps, along with their adorable vampire kitty, Fang, are on the case.
The Sigil Detective by Kirsten Weiss
Metaphysical detective Riga was never all powerful, but she was once a lot more magical than she is now. Now, she’s back to basics… and trapped in a faux-Viking village. But will brains and the basics of magic be enough to bring a murderer to justice?
Luna the Magickless Fluff by Molly Fitz
If you’ve never been to a magical cat wedding, then you are definitely missing out! But with so many supernatural creatures gathered in one small space, there’s bound to be a kerfuffle or two. Luckily, Gracie Springs, resident human, wedding planner, and familiar extraordinaire, is on the case. (NOTE: This standalone short fits between Merlin Fights a Ghost and Merlin Kills a Zombie.)
Murder in the Moonlight by J A Whiting
Peggy, Jennifer, and Nadine are middle-aged women with “special” skills. Nicknamed the “Murder Posse,” they’re members of their town’s murder mystery book club. While working to set up the annual Halloween celebration, something unexpected happens. Will they figure out who the killer is before he or she comes for them?
Drac’s Back by Summer Prescott
A notorious vampire mends his bloodthirsty ways, settles into a relatively normal life in small-town Iowa, and discovers a delightful gal. But when a body is discovered, suspicious glances are quickly cast his way. Can he solve the crime and get the girl, or will he meet his fiery end?
Totally in Moon by Wendy Meadows
Thea has a gift, but her bubble of tranquility is soon dashed when death comes calling. Thrust into investigating a mysterious death, working with her cat, Pebbles, she learns a date with destiny doesn’t always arrive when you’re ready.
Crystals, Cauldrons, and Crime by Shéa MacLeod
Edwina Gale started every morning for twenty years with a maple bacon donut. Until the day the donut maker disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving Edwina sans donut and with mystery on her hands. Supernatural citizens are disappearing during the full moon and it’s her job to find out why.
Jinx Are On Me by Rebecca Regnier
In Widow’s Bay, an empty nest coven of witches keep supernatural forces in balance. But lately, a series of seemingly random, and potentially dangerous accidents are turning Widow’s Bay upside down. Midlife witch, and local reporter, Marzie Nowak, teams up with her best witchy friends to try to uncover what’s turned their cozy town into chaos.
The Case of the Magic Moon by Nikki Haverstock
Ella’s invited along for a Magic Moon girls’ weekend. She doesn't know anyone at the snowed-in mansion, except her sidekick and her black cat familiar, which makes it tricky to be a sleuth when a group spat escalates into unexpected murder.
I would recommend this Halloween Anthology to all my friends that enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one that comes out!
Lost Cases and Hallowed Places by Trixie Silvertale
A remote cabin. A hidden chest. Will this psychic sleuth find treasure or tragedy? Mitzy Moon thinks exploring the wooded island will be fun, but a trapped spirit has other plans. If she and her alchemist mentor can’t solve the mystery of the missing witch, the consequences will be deadly!
This is only the second book I have read starring Mitzy Moon but I plan on reading more in the series after this.
Dead on a Blue Moon by Lily Webb
The magical residents of Starfall Valley live according to the stars. But when a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Moon illuminates new clues in an unsolved murder, it’s up to psychic witch Selena Smith to follow the light. Can her prophetic powers solve the case, or is she reaching for the moon?
I am a huge fan of this series and love the protagonist Selena! I was super excited to read this short by Lily Webb as it’s been a few months since I visited Starfall Valley. The story was entertaining, full of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Once in a Brew Moon by Erin Johnson
It’s All Hallows Eve, and the fortune-telling festivities abound at a magical party near charming Bath, England. Only no one predicted that the coven leader would be poisoned! Now, new witch, Minnie Marsh, and her vampire bestie, Gus, must catch the killer before Gus’s secret gets out.
I hadn’t read any of the books previously but I really enjoyed this short story about Minnie Wells the newbie witch set in Bath, England. I’m intrigued by her Vampire BFF, and can’t wait to read "The Magical Tea Room Mysteries" series by Erin Johnson.
Doom and Moon by by Nova Nelson
A night shift at Eastwind’s 24-hour diner turns chilling for Nora Ashcroft when her psychic landlady arrives with shocking news: someone is about to be murdered there. To trap the murderer inside, they must lock all the doors... and wait. Who will die, and who is the killer?
This is the second short story I have read of the Eastwind’s magical mysteries once again I was pleasantly surprised by this story and plan to read the series.
A Moon for Manifesting by Amorette Anderson
In the quirky magical village of Covenstead, manifesting and moons go together like candy and trick-or-treaters. New witch Grace Littleton doesn’t know much about lunar magic, but it’s high time to learn! A local is missing, and it’s up to Grace to follow the celestial clues…
Lunar Croakies by Sam Cheever
Moon Madness has hit Croakies like an out-of-control freight train. My demon dog is howling at the moon. Somebody ate one of my neighbors. And things are falling apart up and down Arcane Avenue. Buckle up lunar lovers. Things are about to get bumpy.
All in Vein by Jane Hinchey
She’s an ex-assassin. He’s ex-military. Together they are Clean Scene Inc, where blood splatter matters, and these vamps, along with their adorable vampire kitty, Fang, are on the case.
The Sigil Detective by Kirsten Weiss
Metaphysical detective Riga was never all powerful, but she was once a lot more magical than she is now. Now, she’s back to basics… and trapped in a faux-Viking village. But will brains and the basics of magic be enough to bring a murderer to justice?
Luna the Magickless Fluff by Molly Fitz
If you’ve never been to a magical cat wedding, then you are definitely missing out! But with so many supernatural creatures gathered in one small space, there’s bound to be a kerfuffle or two. Luckily, Gracie Springs, resident human, wedding planner, and familiar extraordinaire, is on the case. (NOTE: This standalone short fits between Merlin Fights a Ghost and Merlin Kills a Zombie.)
Murder in the Moonlight by J A Whiting
Peggy, Jennifer, and Nadine are middle-aged women with “special” skills. Nicknamed the “Murder Posse,” they’re members of their town’s murder mystery book club. While working to set up the annual Halloween celebration, something unexpected happens. Will they figure out who the killer is before he or she comes for them?
Drac’s Back by Summer Prescott
A notorious vampire mends his bloodthirsty ways, settles into a relatively normal life in small-town Iowa, and discovers a delightful gal. But when a body is discovered, suspicious glances are quickly cast his way. Can he solve the crime and get the girl, or will he meet his fiery end?
Totally in Moon by Wendy Meadows
Thea has a gift, but her bubble of tranquility is soon dashed when death comes calling. Thrust into investigating a mysterious death, working with her cat, Pebbles, she learns a date with destiny doesn’t always arrive when you’re ready.
Crystals, Cauldrons, and Crime by Shéa MacLeod
Edwina Gale started every morning for twenty years with a maple bacon donut. Until the day the donut maker disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving Edwina sans donut and with mystery on her hands. Supernatural citizens are disappearing during the full moon and it’s her job to find out why.
Jinx Are On Me by Rebecca Regnier
In Widow’s Bay, an empty nest coven of witches keep supernatural forces in balance. But lately, a series of seemingly random, and potentially dangerous accidents are turning Widow’s Bay upside down. Midlife witch, and local reporter, Marzie Nowak, teams up with her best witchy friends to try to uncover what’s turned their cozy town into chaos.
The Case of the Magic Moon by Nikki Haverstock
Ella’s invited along for a Magic Moon girls’ weekend. She doesn't know anyone at the snowed-in mansion, except her sidekick and her black cat familiar, which makes it tricky to be a sleuth when a group spat escalates into unexpected murder.
I would recommend this Halloween Anthology to all my friends that enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one that comes out!
cj_mo_2222's review
4.0
I had been hearing good things about Moons, Magic, and Mystery, a collection of paranormal cozy short stories/novellas, and was pleased to be able to find it on Kindle Unlimited. This book includes several humorous mystery short stories that include werewolves, witches, vampires, ghosts, and other supernatural beings as the main characters.
My two favorite stories in the collection are by authors I was already familiar with. I really enjoyed Erin Johnson's story about a new witch solving a murder while trying to find her place in life, which is a prequel to her Magical Tea Room Mysteries. I also loved Trixie Silvertale's story about psychic sleuth Mitzy Moon investigating the case of a powerful witch who has been missing for five years.
Other authors represented in this collection include Kirsten Weiss, Sam Cheever, Nova Nelson, Summer Prescott, and several others. I was happy to get the chance to meet several new authors and their characters.
My two favorite stories in the collection are by authors I was already familiar with. I really enjoyed Erin Johnson's story about a new witch solving a murder while trying to find her place in life, which is a prequel to her Magical Tea Room Mysteries. I also loved Trixie Silvertale's story about psychic sleuth Mitzy Moon investigating the case of a powerful witch who has been missing for five years.
Other authors represented in this collection include Kirsten Weiss, Sam Cheever, Nova Nelson, Summer Prescott, and several others. I was happy to get the chance to meet several new authors and their characters.
jessjess125's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
wulfwyn's review
5.0
Anthologies are my favorites! I really look forward to the one paranormal cozy mystery authors put out. I have read books by most of the authors in this collection. The few that were new to me, I plan to read more of.
I thought my favorite book would be the contribution by Trixie Silvertale, Lost Cases and Haunted Places. The Mitzy Moon series, which this story is from, is my current favorite series. This story would fit in the early books, maybe after the second one. That is why I was expecting this to be my favorite story. What I found was a lot of stories that I loved and difficulty picking a favorite.
In Crystals, Cauldrons & Crime by Shea MacLeod, I enjoyed the humor that I found there. The confrontation with Fred was hilarious to me. I could picture that. I love that main character, Edwina, is an older women who, like me, loves maple bacon bars. This author makes the scenes come alive with her descriptive words. I first read this author when she was in last years anthology. I liked her then and love her now.
All in Vein by Jane Hinchey starred a vampire couple who have a ... vampire kitty! I was delighted with this. I really enjoyed this story. I had forgotten how fun vampires can be. The ending with Elena was a surprise that left me wanting to read more.
I love the variety of characters in Sam Cheever’s Lunar Croakies. Having different species in a book always makes me perk up. I love seeing how they interact. I love dogs in my stories and Vel, a demon dog, hit my feels. I also love the fun exclamations that I find in this series. It was interesting to have a story directed at moon ruled species.
The next story was set in a Viking village! In The Sigil Detective, by Kirsten Weiss, an app that designs sigilos for spell casting is missing and an engineer was found murdered. This was an interesting story for me as my stepchild works on apps, (I also know a couple of others who do), and I have seen some of what goes into it. I also happen to enjoy history and anything Viking catches my eye. I liked the mix between the Viking village of old and the technology of today. I was also captivated by Riga and her missing powers.
Erin Johnson, Once in a Brew Moon was fabulous. Yet another fun story that had a vampire in it. All these vampires are leaving me with a taste for more. The setting of a fairground brought to mind, her new Renaissance Fair series, (you want to check that awesome series out too as it has stories from some of the authors contributing to this anthology). I loved seeing witches in a coven alongside a solitary witch looking for a coven. It was fun seeing soul cake being played by the coven. Years ago I played that, (it was called fortune cake when I played and I don’t recall all the fortunes but I do remember the fun of it), making it amazing to see it in a story.
Nova Nelson’s contribution, Doom & Moon, is from her Eastwind Witches series. I just became interested in it after reading Nova Nelson’s Renaissance Fair book. Eastwind is another magical town series that has many types of paranormal beings in it. Nora is a psychic witch. I also enjoyed meeting the Grim Reaper. I will be reading more Eastwind books. In this story, another witch informs Nora of her vision that a death will occur in Medium Rare. I have to say I’m not certain how I would feel being locked in with a possible murderer. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be as entertaining as this story.
I did read and enjoy all the stories included in this book. To mention each one would make this review incredibly longer. The stories are as varied as the authors but each were fun to read. I would recommend it to all paranormal cozy mystery readers. What a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!
I thought my favorite book would be the contribution by Trixie Silvertale, Lost Cases and Haunted Places. The Mitzy Moon series, which this story is from, is my current favorite series. This story would fit in the early books, maybe after the second one. That is why I was expecting this to be my favorite story. What I found was a lot of stories that I loved and difficulty picking a favorite.
In Crystals, Cauldrons & Crime by Shea MacLeod, I enjoyed the humor that I found there. The confrontation with Fred was hilarious to me. I could picture that. I love that main character, Edwina, is an older women who, like me, loves maple bacon bars. This author makes the scenes come alive with her descriptive words. I first read this author when she was in last years anthology. I liked her then and love her now.
All in Vein by Jane Hinchey starred a vampire couple who have a ... vampire kitty! I was delighted with this. I really enjoyed this story. I had forgotten how fun vampires can be. The ending with Elena was a surprise that left me wanting to read more.
I love the variety of characters in Sam Cheever’s Lunar Croakies. Having different species in a book always makes me perk up. I love seeing how they interact. I love dogs in my stories and Vel, a demon dog, hit my feels. I also love the fun exclamations that I find in this series. It was interesting to have a story directed at moon ruled species.
The next story was set in a Viking village! In The Sigil Detective, by Kirsten Weiss, an app that designs sigilos for spell casting is missing and an engineer was found murdered. This was an interesting story for me as my stepchild works on apps, (I also know a couple of others who do), and I have seen some of what goes into it. I also happen to enjoy history and anything Viking catches my eye. I liked the mix between the Viking village of old and the technology of today. I was also captivated by Riga and her missing powers.
Erin Johnson, Once in a Brew Moon was fabulous. Yet another fun story that had a vampire in it. All these vampires are leaving me with a taste for more. The setting of a fairground brought to mind, her new Renaissance Fair series, (you want to check that awesome series out too as it has stories from some of the authors contributing to this anthology). I loved seeing witches in a coven alongside a solitary witch looking for a coven. It was fun seeing soul cake being played by the coven. Years ago I played that, (it was called fortune cake when I played and I don’t recall all the fortunes but I do remember the fun of it), making it amazing to see it in a story.
Nova Nelson’s contribution, Doom & Moon, is from her Eastwind Witches series. I just became interested in it after reading Nova Nelson’s Renaissance Fair book. Eastwind is another magical town series that has many types of paranormal beings in it. Nora is a psychic witch. I also enjoyed meeting the Grim Reaper. I will be reading more Eastwind books. In this story, another witch informs Nora of her vision that a death will occur in Medium Rare. I have to say I’m not certain how I would feel being locked in with a possible murderer. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be as entertaining as this story.
I did read and enjoy all the stories included in this book. To mention each one would make this review incredibly longer. The stories are as varied as the authors but each were fun to read. I would recommend it to all paranormal cozy mystery readers. What a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!
momma_bear_906's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
This book contains 16 short stories, so it takes a little to get through. But since each story is short it does make you feel like you're making progress. I enjoyed some of them, and found only one that I couldn't actually finish. Most are small tales that lead into full series by the same authors consisting of the same characters, great for those that want a small taste of new characters.
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