Title: Magic, Mayhem, and Murder
Author: January Bain
Series: Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries #1
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Pages: 213
Book Source: eBook
“Charm McCall, the oldest of the McCall triplets by a whole day—or one minute before midnight if one’s being picky—is the designated driver for her whole town. Why, if it wasn’t for her Snowy Lake would incinerate or fall into Hudson’s Bay. Now add her Salem Witch heritage that’s gifted her with some unique abilities and she’s all set to keep her family and town safe and on its proper course.
That is, until a hot Mountie moves into town, a busload of strippers breaks down on Main Street and Mrs. Hurst goes and gets herself murdered with poisoned jam. Jam crafted by Charm’s family at the Tea & Tarot café. Now it’s up to her to solve the murders—yes, plural, when another local business owner ends up dead.
Charm knows just what to do. What’s breaking a few laws if she can sleuth out the culprit? She knows the people of Snowy Lake better than any new lawman possibly could. So why can’t he just leave her be to get on with things? And why does he have to be so darn hot?” -Amazon
Kim’s Review:
A magical start to a new cozy series! What is a must for me with cozy mysteries are characters that have a lot of personality. And January Bain does a fantastic job creating characters I want to get to know more. For a first book, they are nicely developed and I look forward to seeing them grow even more in future books.
The McCall family is a perfect combo; gentle and wise grandma, crazy aunt, responsible oldest, middle child who just wants to keep the peace, and the youngest who wants to get all the attention. And the other characters, especially Ivana, the Russian renter and Christine, the rich woman, add another fun layer to the novel. Of course, I can’t forget Baby Ling Ling, with her sass and fluffy white fur.
I’m enjoying the relationship between Ace and Charm. Bain doesn’t make us wait books and books until they decide to kiss. Although the twist that she throws in may still keep us waiting for more, but I’m fine with that…. For now!
Looking forward to future books in the series to see how all of their powers develop, what happens when their mother returns, and who’ll get murdered next when the Witches and Wolves movie starts filming in their town.
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