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lillytjm's review
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
caecilliadheandraa's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elizabethmarley's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jennilien's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
asreadbykat's review
3.0
True Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: vague references to domestic abuse, grief, references to death of a spouse
My Thoughts
"Brynn, it's okay. It's okay to feel confused. It's okay to feel lost. It's okay to feel."
Although categorized as a cozy mystery, the heart of this story is no mystery. In fact, the mystery serves as the catalyst for the true plot: the journey of grief.
Brynn Warren lives with her two aunts at a B&B in their hometown of Evenfall. One day, a guest is found dead, not long after one of Brynn's aunts made some not-so-veiled threats about killing her. Word gets around, and the Warrens suddenly find themselves underneath intense scrutiny. When her aunt is pointed to as a main suspect, Brynn knows she has to do something. But with her magic not working, and her own emotions continuously threatening to tear her apart, Brynn's not sure if she'll be able to prove her aunt's innocence.
If I rated this novel solely as a mystery, even a cozy one, the star rating would be much lower. There's less mystery shenanigans than the synopsis and genre hints at, which will discourage readers who want the story's focus solely on the mystery. The mystery plot is thin, and the investigation is even more simple than a Nancy Drew mystery.
Where this book shines and earns it's 3.5 stars from me is the story of Brynn and her journey through the grief she feels over the death of a loved one. Brynn's powers and her emotions are interwined, which isn't a new idea; but the author's dedication to depicting the finer points of grief and the difficulties of dealing with it along with the family's expectations, makes the scenes more poignant. The writing isn't the highest caliber, but it's beautiful in its simplicity. Anyone who has lost someone will be able to appreciate what Brynn is going through, just as anyone dealing with difficult family members will be able to appreciate several other characters in the story.
If you want a solid, well-written mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie, Holmes, or even older ones for younger readers like Nancy Drew, this probably won't be the book for you.
However, if you're a fan of books like "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" and very low-stakes cozy mysteries, this may tickle your fancy.
Content/Trigger Warnings: vague references to domestic abuse, grief, references to death of a spouse
My Thoughts
"Brynn, it's okay. It's okay to feel confused. It's okay to feel lost. It's okay to feel."
Although categorized as a cozy mystery, the heart of this story is no mystery. In fact, the mystery serves as the catalyst for the true plot: the journey of grief.
Brynn Warren lives with her two aunts at a B&B in their hometown of Evenfall. One day, a guest is found dead, not long after one of Brynn's aunts made some not-so-veiled threats about killing her. Word gets around, and the Warrens suddenly find themselves underneath intense scrutiny. When her aunt is pointed to as a main suspect, Brynn knows she has to do something. But with her magic not working, and her own emotions continuously threatening to tear her apart, Brynn's not sure if she'll be able to prove her aunt's innocence.
If I rated this novel solely as a mystery, even a cozy one, the star rating would be much lower. There's less mystery shenanigans than the synopsis and genre hints at, which will discourage readers who want the story's focus solely on the mystery. The mystery plot is thin, and the investigation is even more simple than a Nancy Drew mystery.
Where this book shines and earns it's 3.5 stars from me is the story of Brynn and her journey through the grief she feels over the death of a loved one. Brynn's powers and her emotions are interwined, which isn't a new idea; but the author's dedication to depicting the finer points of grief and the difficulties of dealing with it along with the family's expectations, makes the scenes more poignant. The writing isn't the highest caliber, but it's beautiful in its simplicity. Anyone who has lost someone will be able to appreciate what Brynn is going through, just as anyone dealing with difficult family members will be able to appreciate several other characters in the story.
If you want a solid, well-written mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie, Holmes, or even older ones for younger readers like Nancy Drew, this probably won't be the book for you.
However, if you're a fan of books like "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" and very low-stakes cozy mysteries, this may tickle your fancy.
jadebrard's review
4.0
Sabrina the teenage witch meets Lorelei from Gilmore Girl.
Lovely book about a witch who tries to solve a murder to help her aunt. It is so full of love and feels so much like a blanket that I cried at the end.
Lovely book about a witch who tries to solve a murder to help her aunt. It is so full of love and feels so much like a blanket that I cried at the end.
snoopdagu's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0