The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell

Title: The Last Curtain Call (Haunted Home Renovation #8)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library

Mel Turner can’t resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco Art Deco movie palace, back to life. But there’s a catch for Turner Construction: Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren’t the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater.…

When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds being on the other side of a home renovation project more challenging than she expected.

When Mel discovers that the former owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn—one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.

Yeah! I’m so excited that Juliet Blackwell wrote another Haunted Home Renovation book. I really enjoyed this series and Mel’s world of construction and ghosts. (Although, I must admit that I enjoy Lily’s series more than Mel’s.) This volume is a delight with the theater setting. I enjoyed the ghostly mystery involved. I was less enamored with the human murder and the human characters. Too many shifty people in this book. And I’m still not convinced that Landon is the best choice for Mel. (Seems to echo my uncertainty with Lily and Sailor) Overall I did really enjoy this book.

Haunted Home Renovation

Next up on the TBR pile:

Bewitched and Betrothed by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Bewitched and Betrothed (Witchcraft Mystery #10)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Cloak and Dagger

When Lily Ivory stumbles on the uniform of a former prisoner from Alcatraz and SFPD inspector Carlos Romero’s cousin is kidnapped, Lily suspects something dangerous has been unleashed on the ghost-ridden island of Alcatraz. She'll have to sleuth out the culprit—when she’s not busy entertaining her visiting relatives and resolving romantic conflicts as her wedding date approaches. Could recent omens be pointing to the magical threat in her adopted city? If so, she'll have to line up her allies to change the fate of the Bay Area. Because no matter what, Lily's determined to celebrate her marriage with her friends by her side—even if it means battling a demonic foe before she can make it to the altar.

We finally get another Witchcraft Mystery. I loved the big mystery/adversary in this one! The location of Alcatraz was great and way too fun as someone who lived in the San Francisco area. And we get so much more from Oscar this volume. I loved it! My biggest problem with this series and specific volume is too much Sailor and too little Aidan. Seriously we need more about the larger magical community and upcoming battle. I’ll probably have to wait at least another year for the next volume.

Witchcraft Mystery

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Magical Match by Juliet Blackwell

Title: A Magical Match (Witchcraft Mystery #9)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 327

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Catch-up

Lily Ivory and her friends are planning a 1950s-themed brunch to benefit the local women's shelter. When a figure from her past shows up unannounced, threatening her unless she returns something that belonged to him, Lily's fiancé, Sailor, steps in to defend her. After the same man is found dead later that day, Sailor is the primary suspect. He swears he's innocent, but multiple witnesses ID him as the perpetrator of the assault. Lily vows to clear his name...only she's not sure where to start with the mounting evidence against him.

Finally I got ahold of this latest Witchcraft Mystery volume! I was so excited to get back into Lily’s story and world. I really enjoyed this volume much more than the last one. I loved the murder mystery, but even more I loved the interactions between all our main characters. And we finally get to meet Graciela and Lily’s mother in this volume. So great! And the reveal of info at the end of the book has got me thinking about what’s coming next for our band of San Franciscans!

Witchcraft Mystery

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell

Title: A Ghostly Light (Haunted Home Renovation #7)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2017

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 315

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Read a book you're sure you'll love

When her friend Alicia hires Turner Construction to renovate a historic lighthouse in the San Francisco Bay, Mel Turner can’t wait to get her hands dirty. Alicia plans to transform the island property into a welcoming inn, and while Mel has never attempted a project so ambitious—or so tall—before, she’s definitely up for the challenge.

But trouble soon arises when Alicia’s abusive ex-husband shows up to threaten both her and Mel, and later turns up dead at the base of the lighthouse stairs. With no other suspects in sight, things start looking choppy for Alicia. Now, if Mel wants to clear her friend’s name, she’ll need the help of the lighthouse’s resident ghosts to shine a light on the real culprit...

Another great cozy mystery. I love that this one was set on an island in a lighthouse. Such a great setting. And Alicia has become a great side character. In fact, one of the reasons that I really love this series is all the great side characters. Love this story. Can't wait until Blackwell writes another one.

Haunted Home Renovation

Next up on the TBR pile:

Give Up the Ghost by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Give Up the Ghost (Haunted Home Renovation #6)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2015

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Yellow on cover

San Francisco millionaire Andrew Flynt wants to sell his Victorian mansion, but ghostly music, the squeaking of a long-disappeared weathervane, and an angry ghost keep running off potential buyers. After a famous psychic is called in, she informs the Flynts that their multi-million-dollar renovations to “update” the home have left its resident ghost extremely agitated. So contractor Mel Turner is engaged to track down and replace some of the original features of the house.

But when the beautiful psychic is found stabbed, it appears someone had a very human motive for murder. Now Mel must use her ghost whispering gift to uncover the secrets of the haunted house on the hill, and her sleuthing skills to catch a killer.

Another fun mystery! I really love Mel and this story was a good one. The mystery of Flora and Chantelle had some interesting twists. And the subplot involving the housewife added another fun layer. I loved checking back in with Caleb and Stan and Luz and all the rest of the fun characters. The only thing I didn't enjoy: Mel and Graham's relationship. Blergh.

Haunted Home Renovation

Next up on the TBR pile:

Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Keeper of the Castle (Haunted Home Renovation #5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - K; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series Summer - Picnic Read

Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.

With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.

When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…

Not my favorite of the series so far, but I did really enjoy this adventure involving an ancient Scottish monastery, two ghosts, and some intriguing side characters. I loved the continuation of Mel's romance with Graham and her relationship with Caleb. The ghost mystery itself wasn't the most inventive or exciting, but I do enjoy reading this "light and fluffy" mystery series.

Haunted Home Renovation

Next up on the TBR pile:

Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Home for the Haunting (Haunted Home Renovation #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Spring Colors on Cover

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can’t help asking a few of her own—especially about the haunted house next door…the place local kids call the Murder House.

But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?

Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD’s unofficial “ghost consultant,” Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

Another great cozy mystery book from Juliet Blackwell. I really really enjoy this series so much. Mel and her various acquaintances are such great characters. This volume was another fun adventure for Mel and her growing ghost-busting business. I do wish the book had bit more ghost activity, but overall I still really enjoy this.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile:

Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Murder on the House (Haunted Home Renovation #3)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2012

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 338

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Animal

Word has spread that contractor Mel Turner can communicate with the spirits of the dead, and she’s having a hard time maintaining a low profile. She decides to embrace her reputation for the chance to restore a historic house that calls to her. The new owners, who hope to run a haunted bed-and-breakfast, want Mel to encourage the ghosts that supposedly roam the halls to enhance the house’s paranormal charm.

The catch: Mel has to spend one night in the house to win the project. During the spine-chilling sleepover, the estate gains another supernatural occupant when someone doesn’t survive the night. As Mel tries to coax the resident spirits into revealing the identity of the killer, she risks becoming the next casualty of this dangerous renovation.

I sped through this great cozy mystery in one afternoon. I've really fallen for Mel Turner and her band of misfits. I love her continuing storyline with her ghost-reaching abilities and the storyline involving her various men. The one was a great story involving a little girl ghost, a dead old woman, and a potential bed-and-breakfast. I loved following Mel as she uncovered the history of the house and its inhabitants. I really appreciate that fact that Blackwell includes so much great San Francisco history into each book. Definitely be back for the next one.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Dead Bolt (Haunted Home Renovation #2)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2011

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Pink on cover

Turner Construction's latest restoration project is a historic Queen Anne Victorian in San Francisco. This time general contractor Mel Turner has to work around the owners who insist on sticking around- along with some ghosts that insist in their own way that the work stops...

The ghosts aren't the only ones standing in the way of the renovations. A crotchety neighbor, Emile Blunt, secretly wants this house, and could be behind some of the disturbances. But when Emile is found dead, it's Mel who appears guilty. Now she must restore the building-and her reputation-before it's too late.

Second book in this series and I am still loving it! Mel is a great character and this book continues to explore her awesomeness. I loved this story I evolving a beautiful old house, some eccentric characters, and a collection of ghosts. Too fun! And even I didn't quite catch the killer on this one. Oh yeah, and we get some traction on the Mel and Graham front. Love it.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile:

If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell

Title: If Walls Could Talk (Haunted Home Renovation #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2010

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 316

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - I; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - First Book

Melanie Turner has made quite a name for herself remodeling historic houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. But now her reputation may be on the line.

At her newest project, a run-down Pacific Heights mansion, Mel is visited by the ghost of a colleague who recently met a bad end with power tools. Mel hopes that by nailing the killer, she can rid herself of the ghostly presence of the murdered man-and not end up a construction casualty herself...

Finally started this series after reading and loving Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series. I do enjoy a good cozy mystery now and again. This one really hit the spot. I immediately fell for Mel and her band of misfit characters. The storyline was a great introduction to her world and what we can expect from the rest of the series. Can't wait to dive into the next one.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell

Title: A Toxic Trousseau (Witchcraft Mystery #8)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2016

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Local Author; I Love Libraries; Finishing the Series

Even the most skilled sorceress can’t ward off a lawsuit, and Lily is not at her enchanting best with her hands full as the temporary leader of San Francisco's magical community. So after her potbellied pig Oscar head-butts rival clothier Autumn Jennings, Lily tries to make peace without a costly personal injury case.

But any hope of a quiet resolution is shattered when Autumn turns up dead. As one of the prime suspects, Lily searches for a way to clear her name and discovers a cursed trousseau among Autumn’s recently acquired inventory. Lily must deal with a mysterious dogwalker and spend the night in a haunted house as she delves into the trunk’s treacherous past. She’s got to figure out who wanted to harm Autumn fast, before the curse claims another victim…

The last volume in this series was a bit of a disappointment when comparing it to the rest of the series. Thankfully this one brought the storyline and characters back to where they should be. We get an interesting storyline, the inclusion of the Winchester House (I'm sorry, the Rodchester House), and some great revelations. I loved the side plot of Aidan going out of town and Lily becoming the holder of the satchel! This story finally revealed a bit of what has been teased in the last couple of stories about a gathering story in San Francisco. Hopefully the next book in the series will have more revelations. Loving this one!

Witchcraft Mystery

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Spellcasting in Silk (Witchcraft Mystery #7)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2015

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Popsugar - Next in a series I've started; Library Love

Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival. But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case.

A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic…

Oh my I loved this volume so much! I think this series has really progressed with lots of growth from Lily and more big interactions between her and the side characters. I cannot wait to see where Lily's relationships with Sailor and Adrian go in the next book. This should be interesting...

As to the storyline of this volume, I loved the inclusion of new witchy characters and lots of San Francisco locales. I did not guess the perpetrator at all! So yeah, for unpredictability. Definitely a fun little cozy mystery. Can't wait to read the next one.

Witchcraft Mystery

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell

Title: A Haunting is Brewing (Witchcraft Mystery #6.5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: InterMix 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 113

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - H; Finishing the Series

When Mel Turner is hired to rehab an old Victorian mansion to act as the eerie setting for a Halloween bash, she’s expecting the normal challenges—old wiring, bad plumbing, maybe a ghostly specter or two. But when a young man is killed after spending the night in the house, and the mannequins in the attic start to come to life, it’s clear that this is serious paranormal activity. Maybe this time, a real witch is needed.

I haven't read the Haunted Home Renovations series, but I'm deep into the Witchcraft Mystery series. this one was a fun crossover novella. I loved seeing Lily help solve a murder in a very strange old house. The life size dolls were definitely creepy characters. I loved reading this novella. I'm ready to move onto the next Witchcraft Mystery book.

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Vision in Velvet

Title: A Vision in Velvet (Witchcraft Mystery #6)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 309

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

As soon as Lily opens the trunk, she feels strange vibrations emanating from a mysterious velvet cloak. When she tries it on, Lily sees awful visions from the past. And when the antiques dealer who sold her the cape is killed, Lily suspects a supernatural force might be behind his death.

Then Lily’s familiar, Oscar the potbellied pig, disappears. Lily will do anything to get him back—including battling the spirit of a powerful witch reaching out from the past. But even with the aid of her grandmother, unmasking a killer and saving Oscar might be more than one well-intentioned sorceress can handle.

After a volume that wasn't my absolute favorite, this one in the Witchcraft Mystery series got me right back in the groove. I loved the storyline of the oak tree, Oscar's disappearance, Deliverance, the Ashen Witch, and Bart. I loved the interlude at the cocktail party hosted at the Cal Academy (seriously, I love that museum, wish we lived a bit closer, or at least that it was easier to get to by public transit as I hate parking there). I loved the return of Sailor even if I don't think he's ultimately the right guy for Lily. I loved the bigger storyline for Conrad. And I definitely loved all the action in this one. Can't wait to pick up the next volume in the series. Good thing it's sitting on my nightstand!

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Tarnished and Torn (Witchcraft Mystery #5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Audiobook

When Lily arrives at an antique jewelry fair, her bargain sensors go off left and right—but she also picks up a faint vibration of magic. Could the hard-bargaining merchant Griselda be a fellow practitioner? It certainly seems that way when a sudden fire sends panic through the crowd, and Lily discovers Griselda murdered in a way that nods to an old-fashioned witch hunt…

A crime that hits close to home turns into an unwelcome flash from the past when the police bring in their lead suspect—Lily’s estranged father. Though he may not deserve her help, Lily is determined to clear her father’s name and solve a murder that’s anything but crystal clear.

Grabbed this one in audiobook form as I thought it would be easy to listen while driving everywhere and I needed an audiobook for the Popsugar challenge. Unfortunately the audio version wasn't super enjoyable to me. Overall, I really enjoy these books. They are fun little supernatural mysteries that can speed through in between heavier books. While reading then, I often skim through the sections where Lily talks about her background (stuff I've already learned by reading the previous books in the series). With the audio version, I had to listen to all those passages (can't fast forward while driving) and there are many of those passages. It really got annoying after awhile. However, I really did enjoy the characters and the storyline in this one. The opening at the gem fair was especially fun. Definitely a good read. I'll just stick to the print versions for the rest of the series.

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

dc049a522d84b84f_PS16_JP_Living_2017ReadingChallenge_List_R2-259x1024.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell

Title: In a Witch's Wardrobe (Witchcraft Mystery #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2012

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 337

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Taking a night off from running her successful San Francisco clothing store, Lily attends a local art deco ball where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event falls under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses that a curse was placed on the woman’s corsage.

Before Lily can solve the woman’s magical ailment, she’s asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She’s gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women’s charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany…

I feel like this series is finally hitting it's stride. I love the storyline revolving around the Art Deco Ball, the Paramount Theater, and other great places around the Bay. I loved meeting some new and interesting characters, especially Calypso. I loved the development of Lily and Sailor's relationship. I loved seeing more from all the great side characters like Bronwyn and Maya. And Oscar is just a treat. I really really love where the series is taking Lily's story. I can't wait to start the next one in the series.

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Hexes and Hemlines (Witchcraft Mystery #3)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2011

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a name - X

Lily gets called away from her vintage clothing store to give police a witch's take on how the leader of a rationalist society could be murdered, surrounded by superstitions he discredited.

Evidence points to dark witchcraft. Lily's determined to use magic of her own to find the murderer, before everyone's luck runs out.

Another great volume in this oh-so-fun series. I loved getting to know Lily even more and see her get more comfortable in her newly adopted hometown. And oh my the secrets that are starting to come out. Each volume we get just a bit more of what is going on behind the scenes. I love how Blackwell teases out some clues and hints about the larger paranormal world in the Bay Area. This one was super fun. I loved the new incarnation of the Thirteenth Club. Great subject matter!

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next upon the TBR pile:

A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

Title: A Cast Off Coven (Witchcraft Mystery #2)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2010

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Lily Ivory is not your average witch. She runs a vintage clothing store called Aunt Cora's Closet and has the magical ability to sense vibrations of the past from clothing and jewelry. When students are spooked at the San Francisco School for the Arts, Lily is called in to search for paranormal activity. She finds a dead body and a closet full of old clothes with some very bad vibes.

Really digging this series... I loved diving back into Lily Ivory and her witchy ways. We get more appearances by some great side characters (hello Aidan!) and a fun storyline involving an old nunnery, ghosts, and a demon. The only thing I'm not loving is Max. I get that we need a skeptical character, but seriously he treats Lily like crap most of the time. I hope he gets his act together in the next book. Overall, this series is just what I need for a fun enjoyable read!

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Secondhand Spirits (Witchcraft Mystery #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2009

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 313

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name -- Alliterative Title; New to Me

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her "witchiness" in San Francisco. It's there that she opens her vintage clothing shop, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically.

Just when things seem normal, a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that some bad phantoms are behind it. Can she keep her identity secret, or will her witchy ways be forced out of the closet as she attempts to stop the phantom?

Such a great little cozy mystery! Bonus points for being set in San Francisco, my adoptive city across the bay. I loved diving into Lily Ivory's world of clothing, mystery, witches, romance, and goblins (or pigs). I sped through this book waiting impatiently to find out the mystery behind La Llorona, Frances Potts, and all the other fun characters. I loved the world building in this volume. Can't wait to pick up the next in the series!

Witchcraft Mystery

#1 Secondhand Spirits
#2 A Cast Off Coven
#3 Hexes and Hemlines
#4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
#5 Tarnished and Torn
#6 A Vision in Velvet
#6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#7 Spellcasting in Silk
#8 A Toxic Trousseau
#9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile: