Magic, murder, and mayhem at a high-society house party.Recovering from a recent supernatural attack, twentysomething witch Alma has sworn off violence to devote herself to the old ways of magic—without hurting anyone. But soon she’s drawn out of her cozy bungalow in the redwoods to investigate a murder at a high-society house party on the California coast. She’s forced to summon old powers and … to summon old powers and new, make allies she might not be able to trust, and face a shocking truth about her own identity. And maybe—if she can survive long enough—unmask a killer.
“Fantastic characters and some of the best world-building in the genre.”—Amazon review
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The author has a way with story telling. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of her books.
I couldn’t put it down. Had to keep reading to see what happens next. Really enjoyed this book.
A little long and convoluted.
I adore mysteries and this is a great way to enjoy the form with paranormal characters and unique plot twists. Well done!
This book is entertaining and reads smoothly. Something is always happening that is unexpected. A good book.
such a fun book
I’m an avid and somewhat picky reader. I found this book to be a fun little twist. Although there’s more drama constantly happening with the characters it’s not a heavy read. Quite refreshing I found and I look forward to reading the 2nd!
This is a solid ‘whodunit’ in a world of witchcraft. The protagonist is human and believable. The mystery has lots of twists. At the satisfying conclusion I am left wanting to read more stories about the main character.
I didn’t see it coming and I usually do. Well Done
Galway’s Sonoma witch series is comfort reading for me. I like the characters and the world she has built.
Alma Bellrose just wants to be left alone, tucked safely in her cottage surrounded by herbs and crafting her focus beads. But fate in the form of The Protectorate just will not let this hearth witch be. Forced by the head of the San Fran office to go undercover at a week-long party hosted by well-known witches, Alma finds not only drama and danger but a little bit more about herself!
To say this series is bewitching is an understatement! While the first book introduced to the characters, Silverpool and the magical world of the series, this second book now focuses more on Alma. Sent up the coast to this house party at Hawk Ranch, Alma finds herself surrounded by powerful witches, including one from a family as old as the Bellrose name. Alma is clearly outside her comfort zone in more ways than one – far from the home where her powers are the strongest. It is up to her to unravel the mysteries swirling like the mist around the Mendocino coast. So what is the Protectorate investigating and why do they need her here at this gathering? What is this “bond” she has with Raynor, head of the San Fran Protectorate office? Like peeling back the layers of an onion, Alma begins to discover new truths about herself along with deep questions about her roots and background.
I found the story well-written and so engrossing – I loved that we get a glimpse of Alma’s time with The Protectorate as Alma once again finds herself in the company of her former partner, Darius Ironford. I remain more fascinated than ever by Birdie, who is exploring her “witch” powers she never knew she had. And Raynor and Seth…..they have a strong link to Alma, but why? Are they romantic interests? Are they related? The questions remain for the reader, and for Alma, as Malcolm Bellrose once again throws Alma’s life in turmoil at the end! I am craving, yes CRAVING, the next phase in Alma’s life!
This is the second book in the Sonoma Witches series and continues where it left off in Dead Witch on A Bridge. If you’re new to the series, you can read the review here.
Without giving away too many spoilers, this book has it all: friendship, chemistry, tension, blackmail, and murder.
I loved to see the friendship between Alma and Birdie deepen while Birdie learns to explore and control her magic. To everyone’s relief, the friendly neighborhood changeling, Seth has survived his touch and go situation from the end of book one ( no spoilers for those who have yet to read it!). His survival though came at a steep price that’ll keep him close to Alma. He’s alive as long as he doesn’t go too far from his home. I can’t complain, and I hope to see more of him in the next book. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable strong, and we get a glimpse of the reason behind it. I also think the banter between him and Alma is endearing and makes me want to read more. Here’s a taste:
I got as far as San Francisco before I began to die a slow, painful death.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t the high cost of living?” I laughed nervously. He didn’t join in. “Sorry.
In this installment, Alma is sent to a house party to spy on the witches on behalf of the protectorate. Most of the action takes place at the house party and follows the classic patterns of a murder mystery. Alma has to work around a web of lies, and everyone has secrets to hide. I loved how it kept me guessing at every turn.
Read more here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-reviews/book-review-hex-at-a-house-party-by-gretchen-galway
I am a huge fan of Gretchen Galway and was thrilled when the first book in the Sonoma Witches series came out. Hex at a House Party is book 2 of the series. With Hex at a House Party the story of Alma, her friends and “enemy’s” is continued. Many new characters are introduced and the whodunit mystery continues throughout. More is revealed about Alma, her genealogy, her skills and her allies. I truly like the protagonist, Alma and am always rooting for her. Birdie who was introduced in the first book has a leading role in Hex at a House Party as well. Hex at a House Party was a fun read that kept me guessing. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my review.
Just like the previous book, this one left me speechless. It also successfully kept me second guessing myself all the way to the end. I am not ashamed to admit that I didn’t see any of that coming. I loved watching the partnership between Alma and Birdie deepen. It was especially fun to watch Alma playing the role of “wise old witch” while training her friend. I’m fascinated by the all the new things we’re learning about Alma’s abilities as well as those of the people and beings around her. I’m already looking forward to seeing what mischief Alma’s going to get into next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
4.5
I liked it!
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Sonoma Witches
Crime solved
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.