A cauldron, a coin, and a corpse.Three things that don’t belong in the woods.The man standing over the body shouldn’t be there either, but when Hazel finds him with the victim, she suspects she’s already found the killer.The only thing that keeps the prime suspect from being arrested is the absence of a murder weapon and a motive. But in a town as weird as Wormwood, a motive for murder is only …
But in a town as weird as Wormwood, a motive for murder is only one dark secret away.
If you like talking cats, smart mysteries, and snarky humour, you’ll love this magical mystery series.
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The second book in this cozy paranormal series follows the continuing struggles of Hazel Salem, a descendant of a strong witch family who doesn’t seem to have any magic! Her snarky black cat familiar, Hemlock, and her two aunties drive her crazy, but Hazel is beginning to believe in magic, and occasionally can even make a spell work.
Good characters, a well-written storyline, and a twist or two make this an entertaining easy read in a cozy witchy series.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion. I like it so much, I also bought a copy!
This series is quite new, this is only book 2, but it is already developing into a fascinating paranormal mystery series.
I love the characters, including the feline ones, but especially Hazel and her aunts. It was also nice to have an appearance by the character of January Chevalier from the ‘Death’s Supernatural Mysteries’ series which Ruby Loren writes under her other pen name of Silver Nord.
The story is ingenious, and as always there are lots of twists and turns, but nicely lightened by humour which is dropped in just the right places to have maximum effect.
I also like that this series is becoming something of a medical herb tutorial, and credit must be given to the author for her research which really shines through.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the book, and I have voluntarily reviewed it.
Oooh! That was amazingly good! Hazel has really gotten into the thick of things! I can’t wait to read more!
This series picks up speed with Vervain and a Victim. Hazel’s magic continues to puzzle her. Hazel stumbles across another body in the woods who turn’s out to be Wormwood’s blackmailer. The mayor is making more shady deals. In other words. it is business as usual. I found it impossible to put down this book. If you are a fan of paranormal mystery series, Do not miss The Witches of Wormwood!
Where is my buddy, Hedge? I miss you. You are just as mysterious as Hazel.
Hazel finally gets her magic but still does not understand it. No one to help her. Interesting magic too.
Jesse has yellow eyes like Hazel, someone else has them and even Hedge has them. What is the significance of the yellow eyes? What kind of magical group are they?
What is with the mayor and the deals? There are just too many secrets in Wormwood?
On top of all this there is murder to solve.
I have more questions than answers after reading this book. I need the next one now!!! Read this book but you might want to catch up on the previous books first. Just to get caught up on who is who and the details that you will miss in this one.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Vervain and a Victim #2 – Getting better with each addition. I knew Jesse wasn’t an angel nor did I think he was the devil himself. Missed not seeing Hedge, but he’s there. Got a lot of happenings in this story filled with intrigue, suspense and a touch of humor. The characters are filling out more as their roles increase. There are several surprises or kinks in this well thought out, fast paced story. Ms. Loren does a great job with her descriptions, her storylines and that snooty cat. The Aunties are giving a little bit or two about Hazel or events, but they’re involved in a bit of trouble; the ending isn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but a heads up to rough sailing ahead. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
The Witches of Wormwood:
Hemlock and Hedge, Prequel – A different approach to starting life as a witch after the death of her mother sets up the foundation in this introductory prequel. Basic development of characters but since this is a series, Ms. Loren will be having plenty of character growth as the series progresses. Interesting storylines, which of course will develop more, too.
Again there’s an interesting animal involved; the familiar is a hoot with intelligence. Working together although unbeknownst to Hazel, she and Aziraphale solve the mystery. Aziraphale’s secret comes out along with other secrets. There’s good suspense and intrigue, and the thought process used to solve the mystery is good, but Ms. Loren writes more substantial plots than the usual cozy genre. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
Mandrake and a Murder #1 – Takes place about six months after Hemlock and Hedge ended. There are a lot of secrets and surprises included in this fast paced, intriguing story. More characters join the cast, some good and some intriguing and some not very nice to be polite. The storylines twist here and there and some are concluded, while others carry into the next book – but no cliffhangers, just teases of what’s to come. It’s hard to pick a favorite characters since there are quite a few that are endearing or just plain loveable. There are more likeable characters but the nasty ones make themselves known. 5*
The Witches of Wormwood end.