A review by arkwen452
A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison

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.