Three ways that Ella’s life is totally messed up:__ her new coworker is as cranky as he is attractive__ a mischievous cat has decided she needs a familiar__ she just found out she’s a witch who can read the emotional hologram of a magical death (and isn’t that a mouthful) And oh yeah, there’s five dead bodies, and no one knows how they are connected. Now she’s drawn into a madcap investigation at … she’s drawn into a madcap investigation at the casino where she’s managed to snag a job. She must navigate learning her new mage abilities, a topless burlesque show, a jealous girlfriend, gamblers of all varieties, and magical chocolate cake, all while not setting herself or others on fire before the murderer makes her the next victim.
A paracozy (aka Paranormal cozy mystery)
A humorous adventure!
“Ella’s new job turns out to be more than she bargained for when she finds herself immersed in a world of mages, spells, and murder. This imaginative and addictive read is sure to please fans of mystery and magic!” Kristina B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
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Good summer read with fun characters and lots of action!
This first book in the series does a lot of world building and introducing of characters so at times it is slow going. Having said that, it’s an interesting premise and a good set up for future books. There were several places I got frustrated at the lack of clarity and others where it was repetitive, which contributed to the lag times in the reading.
My one significant problem with the premise of the book is that if Ella’s father loved her so much, and clearly invested time in preparing her (even if she didn’t know it) why wouldn’t he have told her the truth. He had to know it would be dangerous for her to be caught unawares.
Other than that the mystery is intriguing with lots of good red herrings. I was sure at different points who the killer was only to have a plot twist. I did suspect the person who turns out to be the villain a couple of times and the clues were cleverly inserted.
There is clearly much more to come as hints were dropped to other story lines that did not get resolved here. There is also a lot more character development that needs to occur and things ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. Not in this story but for the overall series story arc. I’m sure I will read further books in the series.
No better way to deal with finding out that you are a Mage with a special gift to read emotional imprints than getting on with it and trusting your gut instinct and getting on with it as Ella is forced to do with the help of her coworker and a special type of cat that chose her. There is enough mystery and humor that got me hooked!Nikki Haverstock
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
I have to say that this new series started w/ a bang.
From the first page, I was suck in.
I did not want to put the book down.
Ella just found out that she is a witch.
She is able to read the emotional imprint of a magical death.
What the person was feeling when they died?
Ella is freaked out when she finds out, but she learns to go w/ the flow.
The owner of the casino ask for Ella’s help.
She wants to solve the mysteries involving all of these deaths that are happening at the casino.
Is Ella strong enough to control her powers to be able to help?
You will have to read the book to find out.
Really enjoyed this quick read!
Of Murders & Mages #1 – I was first introduced to Ella with The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin, which I liked it. This is a well written story full of intrigue, suspense, emotions and humor. There’s a bit of sexual tension between Ella and Vincent, although they haven’t discovered it in this story nor is it as strong as it was the short story with the exploding pumpkin. I had a lot of fun reading this, especially since it is so better edited than books in this genre; no distractions from the story.
There’s a good overview, which I appreciate knowing about a story before I read it. Needs very minor editing. 4*
Nikki Haverstock, The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin – My first story by this author. I found it funny, entertaining, but I kept seeing Vin Diesel as the Vincent, and interesting with good sexual tension. I read it in the Witch or Treat paranormal collection. 4*
Received a free copy for a review. Loved this story and the characters. It is a page turner. Love Nikki Haverstock stories.
Can you say sensational! I was surprised by the outstanding storytelling and the incredible story. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but not the last, for sure. Witches, mages and many other people involved. People dead, who did it? Good mystery, good mystery.