A review by witcherswife
The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was a good book—comfy, cozy, magical, and very "Disney-like." The pacing was mostly great, though I hit a bit of a slump in the middle. The way the food was described, especially the baked goods, was mouthwatering. As someone who isn’t American (or from the Europe), this book introduced me to so many delicious sweets and treats that I’m now craving without even tasting them!

The setting was charming and had that perfect small-town vibe. The plot was light—not a heavy mystery but engaging enough to keep me hooked. I think the author focused more on building Havenwood and its magical world than on the actual mystery, which made the story feel a bit scattered at times. The ending was anticlimactic for me, and Harper, the main character, often felt impulsive and, honestly, a little naive. But hey, fate seemed to have her back.

One thing: the writing was very descriptive—sometimes too much. Some side characters got way more description than they really needed, considering their irrelevance to the story. I also felt like Harper was doing a lot but not really getting anywhere with solving the mystery, only to dive headfirst into it later.

Still, this was a new experience for me since I don’t usually read witchy and heartwarming stories (yes, I’ve seen Harry Potter, but reading it is still on my list!). I liked it enough to want to explore similar books. Overall, I’d give this 3.25/5. It was cozy and magical, but it felt more like an introduction to the world of Havenwood than a standalone story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.