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floralaura's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
ker95's review against another edition
4.0
what fun! Ophelia, a small town librarian who has been through some rough times in the past, is trying to ignore her witchcract gifts. Her grandmother, who lives in the same small town in Iowa, came from the Appalachians and enjoys her abilities as a healer, seer.. a witch. Great main and supporting characters, a modern mystery - and you have a quick, enjoyable read. I'll be getting the others in the series!
sarahbeebe81's review
4.0
I'm on the 3rd book of this series, and really enjoying them. They're better written than any of the Charlaine Harris series, and fun, entertaining mysteries for when you want a quick book to read.
amdame1's review
3.0
Ophelia is in denial about her psychic abilities. She just wants to run her library and not be pestered (read: get hurt) by other people. However, when Rick Davis comes to town and starts asking too many questions, and Ophelia finds a dead body, she has to take a few risks.
First in the series, liked it better than the 4th which i (obviously) read out of order.
First in the series, liked it better than the 4th which i (obviously) read out of order.
amyellerlewis's review
3.0
I liked it fine. I found the psychology behind the character building of the heroine to be very reductive, but that is more a function of these types of novels than it is a reflection of Damsgaard's intention. Quick, light, but not too silly. Not something that's going to stick with me, but it suited the mood at the time.
cherylanntownsend's review
3.0
Ophelia and Abby are grandmother and granddaughter. They are also witches, tho the later reluctant and in denial. An instance in their past left Abby’s best friend Brian, dead and is the reason she shuns “the way” she is gifted with. But now the realm is askew, there is a new danger afoot. Fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia are being stolen from farmers. There is a stranger in town who asks too much, looks too hard and plays a bit too unfairly. Then the body shows up.
Abby blames herself for the death of Brian. Since that time, she has shut herself off from physical and emotional contact outside her grandmother. (A fact that is repeated way too often throughout the book.) But current events necessitate the need for a confidant and someone to watch her back. After a few beers, some pizza and a near all-nighter, that need is met.
It's kinda the cliche love/hate relationship between Ophelia and stranger-in-town Rick, but there is so much else going on, you don't mind. Abby & Darci (co-worker at library with Ophelia) are my favorite characters. Fun, bawdy and totally on the ball.
I liked Abby's use of herbs (accurately) and her gentle ways, Ophelia gets on your nerves after a while, Darci..love her, and Rick was a nice add-in. The closer to the climax of the book, the faster the pages turned. It was a one day read, due to the action-filled ending. I sure hope now that Ophelia has accepted life as it is, the next book will be less "woe is me" and more of what made this one exciting. And I do intend to read the next one to see.
Abby blames herself for the death of Brian. Since that time, she has shut herself off from physical and emotional contact outside her grandmother. (A fact that is repeated way too often throughout the book.) But current events necessitate the need for a confidant and someone to watch her back. After a few beers, some pizza and a near all-nighter, that need is met.
It's kinda the cliche love/hate relationship between Ophelia and stranger-in-town Rick, but there is so much else going on, you don't mind. Abby & Darci (co-worker at library with Ophelia) are my favorite characters. Fun, bawdy and totally on the ball.
I liked Abby's use of herbs (accurately) and her gentle ways, Ophelia gets on your nerves after a while, Darci..love her, and Rick was a nice add-in. The closer to the climax of the book, the faster the pages turned. It was a one day read, due to the action-filled ending. I sure hope now that Ophelia has accepted life as it is, the next book will be less "woe is me" and more of what made this one exciting. And I do intend to read the next one to see.
memydogandbooks's review
3.0
What's not to enjoy about a cosy murder mystery with a librarian come witch for my reading around Halloween?! So I enjoyed this indulgent cosy read.
christinask's review
3.0
It was a slow start, but the further you get into the book the better it becomes.
angielisle's review
4.0
Shirley Damsgaard has carved a new niche in the market: Appalachian Paranormal Fiction! Being a West Virginia gal, I love how Appalachia figures into the books without all the negative stereotyping that usually goes along with it!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!