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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell is the eighth Witchcraft Mystery novel. Lily Ivory owns Aunt Cora’s Closet in San Francisco, California. Lily sells gently used vintage clothing and encourages her customers to wear the items (Lily loves to wear the clothes from her store). Lily is in the store when a young woman approaches her. It turns out that Lily is being sued. Autumn Jennings came into the store recently and was disdainful of the merchandise. Oscar, Lily’s shape-shifting familiar, gave her a nudge (well, maybe a head butt) into some clothing. Ms. Jennings is claiming that she was injured (from falling into some clothing) and is suing for compensation. It turns out that Autumn owns a vintage clothing store as well, though she carries older clothing (Victorian, 20s, Edwardian) with designer labels that people could not wear on an everyday basis (they are better for museum displays). Lily cannot afford a lawsuit and goes to talk with Autumn (and takes Maya with her). They do not find anyone in the store and then they hear thumping above. They go to investigate and end up with a gun pointed at them. Autumn is unstable on her feet and then collapses. Unfortunately for Lily, she ends up a prime suspect because of the lawsuit. Inspector Carlos Romero (whom Lily is used to working with on cases) did not get assigned the case. Inspectors Stinson and Ng get the case and they hope for a quick solution. Lily feels compelled to investigate. Sailor tags along to keep Lily safe (he has certainly changed) and Oscar manages to join in (he does not want to be left out especially if there is going to be food). Lily investigation leads her to a cursed trousseau, a supposed haunted house, and a dog walker (who just happened to be the process server). Lily is not sure if there is anything magical in this case, but it is definitely suspicious. In addition, Aidan Rhodes is going out of town and asks Lily for a favor (she owes him one). Lily needs to take of Aidan’s satchel (which everyone is afraid of) and handle witchy disputes (and some licensing issues). Lily is going to need her wits about her to get through this week! Join Lily, Maya, Bronwyn, Sailor, and Oscar in A Toxic Trousseau.
A Toxic Trousseau was just delightful. It was wonderful to visit Lily Ivory, Sailor, Oscar, Maya, and friends in San Francisco. The mystery was complex, twisty, and hard to figure out (just the way like them). There is some misdirection as well (to throw the reader off the scent of the real killer). I enjoyed the information on vintage (Victorian) clothing and how certain colors were created (green wallpaper was known to kill off people). Oscar’s hijinks are humorous and highly entertaining. I did not want this book to end. I give A Toxic Trousseau 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it as you can tell). A Toxic Trousseau has an enchanting (and romantic) ending! I cannot wait for the next book in A Witchcraft Mystery series. We will finally get to meet Lily's grandmother, Graceila and her coven (and Lily's mother). If you like magical cozy mysteries, you will be delighted with this book and series. A Toxic Trousseau can be read alone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series. They will help you understand the characters, their relationships, and their abilities. In A Toxic Trousseau will get more information on the upcoming magical battle and meet the enemy (it will surprise you).
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.
A Toxic Trousseau was just delightful. It was wonderful to visit Lily Ivory, Sailor, Oscar, Maya, and friends in San Francisco. The mystery was complex, twisty, and hard to figure out (just the way like them). There is some misdirection as well (to throw the reader off the scent of the real killer). I enjoyed the information on vintage (Victorian) clothing and how certain colors were created (green wallpaper was known to kill off people). Oscar’s hijinks are humorous and highly entertaining. I did not want this book to end. I give A Toxic Trousseau 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it as you can tell). A Toxic Trousseau has an enchanting (and romantic) ending! I cannot wait for the next book in A Witchcraft Mystery series. We will finally get to meet Lily's grandmother, Graceila and her coven (and Lily's mother). If you like magical cozy mysteries, you will be delighted with this book and series. A Toxic Trousseau can be read alone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series. They will help you understand the characters, their relationships, and their abilities. In A Toxic Trousseau will get more information on the upcoming magical battle and meet the enemy (it will surprise you).
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.
bibliocatts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
katreader's review against another edition
5.0
A TOXIC TROUSSEAU by Juliet Blackwell
The 8th Witchcraft Mystery
Lily Ivory is surprised when she is served papers and finds herself being sued! Autumn Jennings is claiming that Oscar attacked her in Aunt Cora's Closet and is seeking compensation. But Autumn is no ordinary customer. In fact, not only does she run a high end vintage clothing shop she's also in debt to the witchy godfather of San Fransisco - Aidan Rhodes. When Lily and Maya go to Autumn's store to attempt to work things out-they find her spouting paranoid ideation while holding a gun on them and ultimately collapsing. Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics Autumn dies in the hospital. When doctors and police suspect poison Lily and Bronwyn top their suspect list. Now Lily needs to find out what's really going on. Could it have something to do with Autumn's latest clothing addition? With Sailor and Oscar for support Lily searches for the truth while handling city matters for Aidan and preparing for the Nebulous Big Nasty which is heading their way.
A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is unique in that the mystery takes a more meandering path. In fact, we're not sure what the mystery really is. The mystery of the trousseau, of the curse, of the house, of the death, and who and where is Scarlet; all these questions entwine Lily, along with the mysterious satchel and the job with which Aiden has tasked her. Instead of a simple mystery story it's more of a preparatory book, setting the stage for a huge magical showdown. By the end of the book we have a much clearer view of that Nebulous Big Nasty heading their way, as well as a group of reinforcements coming to town.
Lily and her friends continue to delight. These characters are imbued with such spirit and vitality, it's sometimes difficult to believe they're fictional. Character development has been an integral part of this series, deepening the bonds connecting the characters, both with each other and readers. Lily has grown so much, yet she still manages to keep a sense of innocence, awkwardness, and charm even as she has become a powerful woman. Part of that power has come from her ability to accept help and friendship from others. While a part of her will always be a solitary witch, she can count on the love and friendship of others to support and encourage her, even as she supports and encourages them. And while Sailor remains swoonworthy, it is Oscar who has truly captured my heart!
Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft series continues to be one of my most favorite series. A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is a multifaceted mystery including a local legend involving a curse, a fictional representation of the famous Winchester House, and a fascinating part of fashion history which combine to create a captivating story.
The 8th Witchcraft Mystery
Lily Ivory is surprised when she is served papers and finds herself being sued! Autumn Jennings is claiming that Oscar attacked her in Aunt Cora's Closet and is seeking compensation. But Autumn is no ordinary customer. In fact, not only does she run a high end vintage clothing shop she's also in debt to the witchy godfather of San Fransisco - Aidan Rhodes. When Lily and Maya go to Autumn's store to attempt to work things out-they find her spouting paranoid ideation while holding a gun on them and ultimately collapsing. Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics Autumn dies in the hospital. When doctors and police suspect poison Lily and Bronwyn top their suspect list. Now Lily needs to find out what's really going on. Could it have something to do with Autumn's latest clothing addition? With Sailor and Oscar for support Lily searches for the truth while handling city matters for Aidan and preparing for the Nebulous Big Nasty which is heading their way.
A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is unique in that the mystery takes a more meandering path. In fact, we're not sure what the mystery really is. The mystery of the trousseau, of the curse, of the house, of the death, and who and where is Scarlet; all these questions entwine Lily, along with the mysterious satchel and the job with which Aiden has tasked her. Instead of a simple mystery story it's more of a preparatory book, setting the stage for a huge magical showdown. By the end of the book we have a much clearer view of that Nebulous Big Nasty heading their way, as well as a group of reinforcements coming to town.
Lily and her friends continue to delight. These characters are imbued with such spirit and vitality, it's sometimes difficult to believe they're fictional. Character development has been an integral part of this series, deepening the bonds connecting the characters, both with each other and readers. Lily has grown so much, yet she still manages to keep a sense of innocence, awkwardness, and charm even as she has become a powerful woman. Part of that power has come from her ability to accept help and friendship from others. While a part of her will always be a solitary witch, she can count on the love and friendship of others to support and encourage her, even as she supports and encourages them. And while Sailor remains swoonworthy, it is Oscar who has truly captured my heart!
Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft series continues to be one of my most favorite series. A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is a multifaceted mystery including a local legend involving a curse, a fictional representation of the famous Winchester House, and a fascinating part of fashion history which combine to create a captivating story.
fluffymao's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, how I love this series! I've read them sort of out of order and it didn't diminish the enjoyment at all, though did feel like I'd missed something by reading #9 before #8. Just a bit.
I enjoy many things about the series. I like seeing how much Lily Ivory, the main character, has grown in her powers and her personal/emotional life. I really like her friends. Her familiar, Oscar, is a hoot. The bad guys can be difficult to discern and that makes for a really good page-turner-faster book.
The part of what is called 'The Rodchester House' has bumped the Winchester House up on my bucket list of places to visit. The description enhanced what I saw in a documentary once. I'd love to do a sleepover like Bronwyn and her coven host in the book.
I always learn new things about vintage clothing. It plays a huge role here, especially cursed clothing and trousseaus and how dangerous it was to wear clothing when wealthy.
An excellent mystery and history lesson, great views into the magical world. Do yourself a favor if you haven't read this series or this author. She has another series, Haunted Home Renovations, that is just as fabulous.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I enjoy many things about the series. I like seeing how much Lily Ivory, the main character, has grown in her powers and her personal/emotional life. I really like her friends. Her familiar, Oscar, is a hoot. The bad guys can be difficult to discern and that makes for a really good page-turner-faster book.
The part of what is called 'The Rodchester House' has bumped the Winchester House up on my bucket list of places to visit. The description enhanced what I saw in a documentary once. I'd love to do a sleepover like Bronwyn and her coven host in the book.
I always learn new things about vintage clothing. It plays a huge role here, especially cursed clothing and trousseaus and how dangerous it was to wear clothing when wealthy.
An excellent mystery and history lesson, great views into the magical world. Do yourself a favor if you haven't read this series or this author. She has another series, Haunted Home Renovations, that is just as fabulous.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
violetwillow's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
manda7179's review against another edition
5.0
A quick fun read. I love that I can put these down for awhile a s then pick them back up. I’m hoping to get through books nine and ten before the eleventh comes out. I never trusted the cupcake lady. She just seemed too sweet, pun intended. I can wait for the show down that Aidan keeps hinting out and that Lily saw. Will they join forces? Gotta read to find out.
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
This is the eighth installment in the Witchcraft Mystery series and it is a great addition. What I love about this series is that the authors just pulls the reader in with each new book and has them engaged until the story ends. The books are all well written, which is what we have come to expect from Ms. Blackwell. She weaves an entertaining series that is full of delightful characters. Lily is really starting to come into her own both with her powers and her acclimation to the "normal" world. Her character has really grown over the course of the series and is now filled with friendship and love. The mystery is a bit historical in nature and perhaps more complex because of it but well plotted, at least in my opinion. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the culprit is revealed.
This is one of my favorite series. I enjoy the paranormal element to the story. The characters are full, complex, well rounded characters that have depth to them. The mystery is complex with plenty of twists and turns. I will definitely be back to see what is in store for the next book in the series.
This is one of my favorite series. I enjoy the paranormal element to the story. The characters are full, complex, well rounded characters that have depth to them. The mystery is complex with plenty of twists and turns. I will definitely be back to see what is in store for the next book in the series.
dmpphoto's review against another edition
4.0
The series is way more then your typical "cozy mysteries" because you can tell the author really did her research, It pays off.