A quiet Irish village? Not so much!
An ancient curse seems to be causing bad luck in the charming village of Ballydehag, Ireland—witch Quinn Callahan’s new home. When someone is murdered is it the curse? Or is there a very human murderer on the loose? Moving to a small Irish village was supposed to keep the middle-aged witch out of trouble. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Quinn and her bookish … and her bookish vampires must find the real killer and end the curse before someone else dies.
If you like quirky characters, mystery, humor and a touch of romance, don’t miss this second instalment in the Vampire Book Club series from the best-selling author of The Vampire Knitting Club. Each book is a complete story that can be read on its own.
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A lively mystery and thrilling fairy-tale magic
Audiobook edition: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This second book in this paranormal women’s fiction and cozy mystery series absolutely bowled me over with magical thrills and a delightfully unpredictable new character. In addition, the handsome Lachlan Balfour makes a cool appearance or two helping the lovely Quinn Callahan. This second book was absolutely delightful! Quinn is very relatable, and her adventure was highly entertaining. The mystery really kept me guessing, and I really cared about the victim and solving it. I thought that the climax/showdown was very exciting as well. I look forward to listening to the rest of the series because Nancy Warren has taken it in an exciting direction. I highly recommend this series. The fantastic narrator, Hollis McCarthy, gave a wonderful performance that further enhanced the high quality of this audiobook. She is one of my favorite narrators. This mystery was so good that I plan to re-listen to it.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It seems that someone in Ballydehag doesn’t want Quinn in Ireland. Quinn is getting better at finding the killers. It was nice to learn more about Quinn’s past. I like this book cause I can get so lost in it. The way Nancy Warren describes Ireland makes me wish I was there. I can’t wait for other books to come out in this series.
I recommend this series, not only the book.
Nancy Warren is a superb writer!
Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
This is a joint review with Bea from Bea’s Book Nook.
Plot
AVR: I like the plot in this one. It wasn’t exactly clear who the murderer was or even why. And the addition of a local legend makes for an even more interesting story.
Bea: This story was much tighter than the first one, more focused on the mystery and on character building. The local legend adds quite a bit of color to the story and identity of the murder was a guessing game. I did not see it coming. All the details came together nicely and we get a hint of politics and possible treachery.
AVR: I agree. I forgot about the hint of politics and treachery. Good call on that. Hopefully that will get expanded upon in future stories.
Characters
AVR: The characters are coming together. I was worried in book 1 that the town would be too tiny to make for a decent long running series, but I’m beginning to think it’ll work. At least for a while anyway. I think adding Biddy O’Donnell may be the key to some serious future shenanigans. She’s a very interesting character and I hope she doesn’t just fizzle out.
Bea: To be honest, I’m still worried about the town being too tiny for a source of multiple murders or a long-running series but so far, Warren is handling it. I liked that fallout from events in the first book weren’t swept under the rug but were realistically dealt with. Quinn’s rather dramatic antics in the first book left her with some uncomfortable relationships with people in town and now she has to deal with that. I was apprehensive at first when Biddy O’Donnell was introduced but by the end of the story I was warming up to her and her potential as a long-running character.
AVR: Oh, yes! The fallout from book 1 is definitely touched upon and well-deserved, too. But Quinn is handling it which I like. I’m kinda hoping the author adds a few characters here and there as the series goes on thus alleviating the very tiny town being able to carry a cozy murder series. A B&B would certainly help to do that.
World Building
AVR: There’s a bit more description of the world, but not as much as the building of the characters. Which is ok by me. I really like that this series seems to be focusing more on the witchy magic stuff than the Vampire Knitting Club series.
Bea: I actually felt there was a pretty good balance between the actual world building and the character exploration and growth. I like how Quinn balances both magic and basic investigative skills to solve murders and mysteries and I like that she makes mistakes. She’s an amateur detective and it shows. Luckily, she has a crew of vampires ready and willing to help, as well as some human accomplices.
AVR: I agree Quinn is an amateur detective, but she seems to do it in a not so in your face nosy kind of way which is refreshing. And I love the vampires helping with investigations. How exciting for them! I mean, living a long life might get a bit boring after a while.
Overall
AVR: I think this is a much tighter book than book 1 and that may be because book 1’s usually bear the brunt of introduction. The writing is fast and smooth and keeps the pages turning. The murder mystery kept me guessing and Biddy O’Donnell’s story arc is fascinating. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Bea: I agree, this book was tighter; it seems like the author has found her rhythm with this series. I’m optimistic about the future of the series and looking to the next book.
AVR: Yay we agree again! Bring on book 3!
Chapter and Curse is the delightful second book in the Vampire Book Club series. Quinn, an American witch banished to a sleepy Irish town, has a culture shock when told to attend a funeral of someone she barely knew. Events soon take a turn for the worse and she finds herself caught up in another murder investigation and an ages old curse.
This a a great read with wonderful characters and a hint of humour. Whilst it is a great stand-alone I suggest reading the first book as it is a very good read and gives more in-depth background to this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
Chapter and Curse by Nancy Warren
The Vampire Book Club Series Book Two
Quinn Callahan has been in Ballydehag, Ireland, running The Blarney Tome for about a month now. She’s beginning to love this small town and the people there.
Not that all the people love her so much. After trying to solve a murder, she made a few enemies by bringing their secrets to light. Starting on her first day in town. Not the best start, but at least a murderer was off the streets.
Now, an older man has died. Of natural causes, thank goodness. But…something else is amiss. An old woman, a yew tree, and an old story of an evil witch. And of course, Quinn is in the center of things once again, which is just fine for the vampire book club members who always enjoy a good mystery to break up their boring immortal lives.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2014/01/nancy-warren-book-list.html
I’m in love with this series! The main character, a strong, intelligent middle-aged woman and her supporting cast of witty, intelligent people are wrapped in a well developed and well thought out plot that will keep you guessing! The cast of potential killers is intriguing including a demented ghost, but the twists and turns of the story line will have you excitedly turning pages to see who the real killer is! If you haven’t started reading this series yet, you absolutely should! This series is brand new with a fresh spin to a paranormal cozy mystery to have you delightedly entranced in murder!
Quinn seems to be settling in. Her character shows growth in her acceptance to her new living arrangement and her sleuthing role. In the midst of the curse revelation, I was a little creeped out, but Quinn was bold and self-assured. I solved the murder mystery, it was so obvious, not! Her silent partner, Lochlan is very intriguing and her family tree is interesting…. Again, never a dull moment.
I am voluntarily reviewing a free copy.
Yet another sensational story by Nancy Warren! This is the perfect blend of paranormal and mystery with superbly developed characters and terrific plot lines. Could not put it down and can’t wait for the next one.
CHAPTER AND CURSE- is a standalone read with a great ending. No sex scenes or colorful language. This is a cozy mystery. Always a dead body but not the kind that nightmares are made of. It is a fun mystery with a bit of light flirting.
Quinn was banished to the small village of Ballydehag, Ireland. Quinn broke a big rule in the witch world and as a result she had to leave Seattle, Wash., her home, job, etc. and go to this village. She is not sure why she was sent here. Each episode a little more is explained.
Quinn had to attend the wake of Billy O’Donnell. She didn’t want to go as she didn’t even know the man but her friend Kathleen explains that the wake is a big important part of Ireland and she has to go or she will upset the locals. So she goes. At first it is not too bad until she rounds a corner and there in the dining room, laid out in his casket is Billy. She feels a heaviness and a darkness in the house. She really wants to leave but Kathleen says not yet. So Quinn goes upstairs and to the bathroom to wash her face with cold water. As she looks up in the mirror she does not see her own reflection, she sees a very old hag of a woman, her eyes are radiating anger and evil. Quinn almost falls back but she catches herself and runs from the bathroom. She has no idea who the witch is and why she showed herself to Quinn. What does it all mean?
This is a great story. There is a 400 year old evil with and her familiar – her cat, running loose. Both have been buried for some time so they are not very pleasant to be around. But the witch holds some very big secrets.
And then she finds the body of Billy’s daughter. Someone has bashed her head in with a heavy candlestick. Why? Who would want to kill her. Quinn feels she is duty bound to unravel all these secrets. This is a good mystery and the ending you will not see coming. It is an entertaining read and I highly recommend it.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 7/8/2020
Another winner from Ms Warren!
I just love this authors books and this new series is no exception! I can really relate to our main character Quinn and the somewhat bad choices she has made in her past. She is banished to Ireland and trying to do as the Irish do, but can an American cope with an Irish wake? And what of the old witch buried under the tree? Why is she visiting Quinn? So many things going! Keep me interested until the very end!
I received and ARC. This is my honest review.
Chapter and Curse is the second book in the Vampire Book Club Series by Nancy Warren. This is quickly becoming a favorite series for several reasons. First the main character is older, has regrets which we all do as we age, has to learn her way around in a new place and that place is a small village in Ireland. Quinn is nearer my age than Lucy another character in a favorite Nancy Warren series. Quinn more like someone who could be a friend especially as she maneuvers through new circumstances in her life.
Still paranormal and cozy mystery that is excellently written so that you are completely caught up in the story. May Quinn not fall under any old ancient curses, bad luck or foul play as she continues to solve the murders that happen in this charming if unusual village.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon reading. Quinn, our resident witch is a great character. She is not perfect and the rest of the characters in the village are original and fun. This is full of magic and mystery.This is the second book in the series and I would recommend reading the previous book first. I would definitely recommend this book. I was given an arc. This is my honest review.
Can I just say that I devoured this book?! I love the characters, the setting and the plot. I also appreciate those humorous moments that pop up. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second one even more. I can’t wait for the third! Don’t worry, the book can stand on its own, but I will bet you will want the first if you haven’t read it.
If you enjoy witches, vampires, paranormal and a great setting, don’t miss this one.
The Vampire Book Club is going to be just as great as the Vampire Knitting Club series. I love it. I love it.
I love that it takes place in Ireland. Cannot wait for hopefully Irish and Celtic lore to show up?. Maybe?
You know that old saying do not judge a book by its cover? The moral being that it may not be what it seems. That applies to the people in this story. (Also applies to everyday life.) It is amazing how things can be blown out of proportion or misunderstood. What it leads to are curses, legends, good and bad, and judgement of people and their character.
I even got fooled by the who done it. My suspect was not it. Took till end of the book at the reveal to see I was wrong. Will you figure it out correctly? Before the end?
Without a doubt. I need to hurry and get book one in this series read. I missed it because I thought it was just a cover change. Bad me!!! Bad me!!!
I can definitely say can be read as a standalone (by itself). Easy to read, fun cozy mystery. Thoroughly enjoyable.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
“Being from the outside makes you different. Being single makes you different”
Seattleite Quinn Callahan is currently living and working in Ballydehag, Ireland where she was “banished to” after a “situation” involving magic. You see, Quinn is a witch.
When William O’Donnell dies, his wake is held in his home, as was the tradition in this small town. His daughter, Brenda, is holding it together, barely, and quickly begins the process of clearing out the old Georgian home where she had once lived. Quinn agrees to dispose of the collection of books for her, and in doing so, finds in amongst the dross, a few books she returns to Brenda…or tried to. Brenda has been hurt and the result is her death. And Quinn and the Vampire Book Club set out to find out what really happened.
Nancy Warren has written a fantastic sequel to her first Vampire Book Club. We’re learning more of the reasons behind Quinn’s coming to Ballydehag and the twists in this novel kept my reading almost entirely in one sitting. Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and chose to read and review it]
Quinn Callahan, witch, has been exiled to Ballydehag, Ireland from Seattle. She is now manager of a bookshop and resident of a small cottage. Her friends include a coven of vampires. Getting used to living in a small town where you’ll always be the new person in town is tough. Getting involved in solving murders and old curses just makes it all the more difficult.
This is the second in a new series by Nancy Warren. I really enjoy it and the characters. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Second in the series and even better than the first one!
I like many of Ms. Warren’s books such as the Vampire Knitting Club series and the Great Witches Baking Show series as she has a deft touch with paranormal cozy mysteries. While this series still is fun to read, it is a bit more layered than the others as the MC is older with a few “wrong” life decisions in her past, one of which led to her being banished from her previous home and friends. She’s finding her way in this new environment as she develops friendships and begins to trust she can balance her innate compassion with wise choices.
It was my pleasure to receive this ARC and give my honest review.