A review by crafalsk264
Beguiled by Darynda Jones

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious slow-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

3.5

 This is the third book in this series that is rich with fantasy, romance (open door), magic and mystery.

In the first two books in this series, we met Defiance (Dephne) Dayne and her BFF Annette. Dephne lost her restaurant, her money and her husband all in one day (the husband was responsible for the other losses). So when she learns she had a grandmother who has just left her a house in Salem, MA it is too good to be true. Then she discovers that the house (quasi-mansion) is haunted by her long dead grandfather, Perceval, there is a hunky shapeshifter who lives in the basement as a full-time “handyman” and her grandmother has been yanked out of the afterworld into a quasi-corporeal existence.

In this book, we pick up six months after Dephne has found out about her powers and she is coming into her own as a super-witch (one of three Charmlings dedicated to saving the world). She has acquired a 4 year old ghost child and is being tracked by a warlock hunter. Annette is exhibiting uncontrolled powers. And the neighbors have turned out to be killers in disguise.

The series is just fun and entertaining. In the first two books, the characters were coming into their roles and personalities and the world building to shape the location was continued. It has been well created for an expanded series. I look forward to more of the series. Recommend to readers interested in fantasy, magical realism, witches, and mysteries. Caution to readers who have issues with open door sex scenes.