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vof5017's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first contemporary "cozy mystery" book I've read and it was a lovely introduction to the genre and a solid start to a new series! Esme Addison plunks the reader down into the charming, gossipy, and insular seaside town of Bellamy Bay, filled with a lively cast of characters. The mystery plot was intriguing, with several twists, and the undercurrent of....something special (no spoilers!)....added a fun element, which will hopefully be explored more in future books.
My only gripe was with the main character's inclination to form very fast friendships and romantic interests; it just seemed a bit odd for someone who described themselves as "risk-averse." Other than that, it was a very pleasant and engaging read!
This is the first contemporary "cozy mystery" book I've read and it was a lovely introduction to the genre and a solid start to a new series! Esme Addison plunks the reader down into the charming, gossipy, and insular seaside town of Bellamy Bay, filled with a lively cast of characters. The mystery plot was intriguing, with several twists, and the undercurrent of....something special (no spoilers!)....added a fun element, which will hopefully be explored more in future books.
My only gripe was with the main character's inclination to form very fast friendships and romantic interests; it just seemed a bit odd for someone who described themselves as "risk-averse." Other than that, it was a very pleasant and engaging read!
jenniferloverofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I was sent the book from Netgalley and my review is my personal review.
Alex is just a normal woman living in New York City, until she loses her job and heads down South where her mother grew up and mother's family is there.
When Alex gets to her aunt's, she finds out a lot about her mother's side of the family.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had the mystery figured out in the book, but I was wrong. I enjoyed all the characters, but Alex annoyed me a bit.
Can't wait until book 2. I want to see what happens next with Alex.
Alex is just a normal woman living in New York City, until she loses her job and heads down South where her mother grew up and mother's family is there.
When Alex gets to her aunt's, she finds out a lot about her mother's side of the family.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had the mystery figured out in the book, but I was wrong. I enjoyed all the characters, but Alex annoyed me a bit.
Can't wait until book 2. I want to see what happens next with Alex.
bookwoman37's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a 3.5 star review. Overall this is a good start to a new cozy series. Alex has decided to accept an invitation from estranged relatives to visit Bellamy Bay, North Carolina. While there she she helps out in the family herbal apothecary. During her visit she hears all sorts of speculation and rumors about her family and their powers. When one of their customers dies and her aunt is arrested she sets out to solve the crime. I enjoyed the small town setting and the characters. The mystery was good and the solution made sense. However the book does not answer all the questions and I am not a fan of cliff hangers so I will probably read the next book. Enjoy
arkwen452's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was excited to read this book because I heard about the author as a woman of color writing a cozy mystery with hints of magic. However, ACAB. So immediately hearing about Alex's father, then we have a character, Jack and her cousin all being involved in/with the police and law-enforcement. It really put a damper on the book basically from the beginning for me. The High Point for me was watching Alex learn about her mother side of the family and the unexpected magical inheritance that she would gain as being close to her family in Bellamy Bay. I found that they were really welcoming and inviting for her, and that exactly what she needed at this time in her life. and I'd liked the way that Alex navigated finding out about magic in the town and other magic as well as doing her best to seek out the actual killer in the book. This is a book series and I'm not really sure if I will invest the time in the other books just because of all the characters that are somehow involved in law-enforcement. This book is not like other cozy mysteries, where there's one main stern detective that the characters are involved in. For me it just doesn't seem like something I'm going to continue to follow. But if I find the other books by this author, I will be sure to try to pick them up.
My personal thoughts on this book and the series are tied to my personal Ashens and taste but that end no means should stop other readers interested in cozy mysteries that involve magic and rediscovering a family secret that involves magic and following a character who's gone through some serious life changes attempting to start over in the small town. It was an easy read, lighthearted, mysterious and interesting.
My personal thoughts on this book and the series are tied to my personal Ashens and taste but that end no means should stop other readers interested in cozy mysteries that involve magic and rediscovering a family secret that involves magic and following a character who's gone through some serious life changes attempting to start over in the small town. It was an easy read, lighthearted, mysterious and interesting.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to BookBub having this on their list of affordable books in the selection to choose from or it might have taken me longer to find this delightful book and start of a new-to-me series. It is a quick one sitting read, or it was for me. I highly enjoyed meeting the characters, slowly learning the premise and envisioning the setting in North Carolina.
I enjoy reading mostly cozies in November and December and into the first month of a new year. It can be hectic and cozies always tend to mellow me. This one is especially so with its tinge of supernatural added to the mystery. The main character is believably drawn into the investigation, there's the start of a love interest but it looks to be a tussle, the family love is there, and past mysteries to solve.
I am going to definitely look for the rest of the books in the series and read them in order.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
I enjoy reading mostly cozies in November and December and into the first month of a new year. It can be hectic and cozies always tend to mellow me. This one is especially so with its tinge of supernatural added to the mystery. The main character is believably drawn into the investigation, there's the start of a love interest but it looks to be a tussle, the family love is there, and past mysteries to solve.
I am going to definitely look for the rest of the books in the series and read them in order.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
andreanourse's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first cozy mystery, and I enjoyed it - especially the magical elements. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
katmp1892's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
4.0
“A Spell for Trouble” by Esme Addison the first instalment in the "An Enchanted Bay Mystery". What a great start to a new paranormal cozy mystery series.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over 2 days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I love that it included mermaids, witches and a fur baby . The setting of Bellamy Bay was no e too. I a sucker for a cozy set in North Carolina, I can see this series becoming a favourite.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.
The story about Alex's mom seems to be one that might be an intricate part of the series.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. I am looking forward to book two.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over 2 days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I love that it included mermaids, witches and a fur baby . The setting of Bellamy Bay was no e too. I a sucker for a cozy set in North Carolina, I can see this series becoming a favourite.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.
The story about Alex's mom seems to be one that might be an intricate part of the series.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. I am looking forward to book two.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.