A cursed sleuth. A gallery of secrets. Will this cryptic case be her last?Pet psychic Jolene is still plagued by a hex that keeps her powers on a leash. So when her detective crush asks for help solving a strange murder at the Museum of Magical Artifacts, she hopes to find clues to break her own sorcerous chains. But faced with a web of lies, Jolene’s secret shifter identity might be the very … identity might be the very thing that sets her in the killer’s sights.
Along with her not-quite-boyfriend’s lie-sniffing German Shepherd, Jolene puts her nose to the ground to spring a trap on the culprit. But with the elusive villain apparently able to vanish into thin air, she fears her buried past could come back to bite her.
Can Jolene disenchant her own jinx before a murderer casts the fatal blow?
Mouse of Cards is the fourth book in the bewitching Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like talking animal sidekicks, delicious riddles, and tough female leads, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s enchanting tale.
Buy Mouse of Cards to crack a squeaky-clean crime today!
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How I love love love being back with Jolene!
This book really provides a fun escape in difficult times. And the narrator was awesome. Her ‘woofs’ are so real! The author set the narrator quite a challenge, with some of the voices! But the narrator rose to the challenge and did an awesome job. I highly recommend this book!
This review is for the audio book.
I really loved this book. This is my favourite book in the series so far, although I might have said that about the last but each book gets better and better, so that it is hard to choose. I really love the characters and find each book adds another level to the enjoyment and intrigue that surrounds them. Jolene is a strong independent woman that doesn’t need anyone but at the same time longs to be normal and this comes across really well in the story, so much so that you are rooting for it to come out well for her and her friends. I really like the friendship between her and Daisy the Lie detecting dog, one minute they are snipping at each other and then worried the other is okay, also with Peter now knowing one of her secrets it adds another sparkle to the book. The mystery was good and I certainly didn’t work out who the murder was. I can’t wait for the next book in either of the authors series, both is bound to be funny, entertaining and highly enjoyable and a book I would recommend.
Jolene is asked to.consult on another one of Peter’s case despite there being no animals involved. He does this because he thinks the place the murder happened would be highly interesting to her. It happen in an old museum, one that is currently hosting an exhibition on cursed artefacts. Jolene ever hopeful that she can find a cure for the curse that took her magic and stopped her ability to shift into an owl, jumps at the chance to put a murder behind bars and maybe just maybe find some answers on curses. A lot of people out side the museum are unhappy with the exhibition and a lot of people inside were unhappy with the changes the dead man was making. But are they really a motive to murderer someone? Jolene, Peter and Daisy will have to work together in order to get to the bottom of the murder, as well as work with a new boss. Jolene also has the worried fear over a friends strange behaviour and avoiding the leader of the underground shifters before he can ask her to do something she might regret or damages her friendship with Peter. Of course the big secret she still hides might do that all by its self.
I really like the narrator, every book she has read has got a five star for the narrator’s performance from me because she does such a good job and really works.hard to make it an enjoyable and exciting listen.
Another intriguing mystery in a world of magic and shifters from the Darkmoon District.
Peter Flint the handsome Police Officer that Jolene has been crushing on as of late has asked Jolene to help out on another murder mystery where her special abilities could be needed at the Museum of Magical Artifacts where they are featuring “Cursed Objects Special Collection” and an employee turns up dead!
Both Peter, Jolene with the help of Daisy dog (Peter’s Partner) interview Maverick the Security Officer, Mrs. Abernathy the cashier in the gift shop, Quinten Richards the archivist, Kalia Magaro the Curator and Dr. Oscar Pendergast the Director to get official statements for the murder investigation.
All the while a crowd of protesters is happening outside the Museum by a group calling themselves “Protesters from the Temple of Purity” they are convinced it’s black magic, the work of demons.
Opening night of the Curse Collection is a elegant affair up until the opening of the curtain to reveal the Cursed Objects and much more!!
Mouse of Cards is the 4th book of the Magic Market Mysteries just as enchanting as the others and can’t wait to see what Erin has in store for the next in the series!
Here’s the list if you want to start reading these magical mysteries!
Book 1….Pretty Little Fliers
Book 2….Friday Night Bites
Book 3….Game of Bones
Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson is the fourth Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene Hartgrave is assisting Officer Peter Flint plus Daisy on a murder case at Museum of Magical Artifacts. Mouse of Cards begins about two weeks after Game of Bones ends. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the Magic Market Mysteries. Geoffrey Ibsen is found dead in his office at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. He was hired by the museum board to handle public relations and to promote the new Cursed Objects exhibit. The mystery is unusual with spooky elements. People believe that the victim died because he looked into the cursed mirror. There are other wild theories. Every employee at the museum is a suspect. The museum has a mouse problem which means there might be a witness to the crime—if Jolene can find him. This leads to some humorous situations. I enjoyed the dramatic reveal. The banter between Daisy and Jolene is snarky and amusing. Jolene gets a chance to find out more about her curse which she hopes can be reversed. I can understand Jolene wanting her magic back but being able to talk to animals is a helpful side effect (it puts coins in her pocket). Jolene’s hygiene is improving (thank heavens) as well as her outlook on life. Jolene wants to be a better person which brings about a big decision. Jolene has yet to tell Peter that she is a shifter and she is not sure how he will take the news. We get to learn if Peter is prejudiced (many magical people are prejudiced against shifters) or a truly good guy. Ludolf Caterwaul, the shifter mob boss, summons Jolene. He offers to look for a solution to her curse. I look forward to seeing what happens next with Jolene. Mouse of Cards is an entertaining cozy mystery with a fragmented figurine, a missing mouse, a spectral suspect, and a leery looking glass.
Welcome back to the Dark Moon District where shifters flourish and the mobsters have a little too much freedom. Jolene definitely wishes a certain mob boss didn’t have as much control and reach as he does, but she’ll deal with him as needed.
The mystery in book 4 centres around the death of Geoffrey, the PR person for the Magical Artifacts Museum. Theories abound from office politics to unrequited love to possible dark magic curses as potential motives. There are several suspects, therefore, as almost every museum employee is a suspect. It’s not just the humans who have to be questioned, and Jolene goes on the hunt for the mouse who may have witnessed it all. There are quite a few hilarious moments where that elusive mouse is concerned. The big reveal is pretty intense and brings a major life decision to Jolene’s doorstep.
Fun secondary characters always have a pivotal role to play in cozy mysteries. In this tale, we see Jolene and Daisy continue their, sometimes inane but, often comical banter. We also get a few scenes between Jolene and her best friends Heidi and Will. Those scenes vary from sweet to emotional to laugh out loud. There may or may not be a cult involved! You’ll have to read to find out.
In terms of character development, we see Jolene fully embracing the idea of a new way of thinking. She wants to be a better person and commits to that decision. This book also brings some cold, hard truths to light. How other characters deal with those truths added a depth of emotion to this installment.
I started this book laughing, Jolene’s ‘client’ has a snail for a pet. He’s worried because his poor pet has been more sluggish (yes, pun intended) than normal. Folks the snail is stoned, I’m still laughing. Okay, so after that reading, Jolene heads to Will’s clinic to find Heidi was alone. Apparently Will has been doing house calls a few times a week. More on that later.
Heidi goes off to some clubs and Jolene goes off to a shopping area to find a new tape for her walkman. There are some interesting things down in that area and we learn where Jolene gets the things to operate without magic. When an alarm goes off to alert there are cops around, Jolene leaves and runs into Peter and Daisy. They were the ones the alarm was warning about.
Things between Peter and Daisy have been a bit different since she revealed she has no magic but she didn’t tell him the rest, the shifter part. He’s come to her with another case, this one he thinks she’ll be interested in because of where it occurred, The Magical Artifacts Museum. It also seems some believe that it was caused by a curse from the exhibit they are preparing.
We meet all the suspects, with the ones having keys being at the top of the list. We also see the evidence that there’s a mouse around. Jolene wants to find it and see if she can get any information on the murder, but the little creature has been elusive.
There’s also the growing attraction between her and Peter, something Daisy isn’t a fan of.
Jolene does interpret for Peter and that is really fun. Reality sneaks in though, reminding her she still hasn’t been totally truthful with him.
I have to say, I love these two together. Of course, there’s still the problem of Ludolf Caterwaul, the shifter ‘king’ crime boss. He’s continuing to be a thorn in her side.
Lots of surprises at the end of this one. I can’t wait to read the next.
Enjoyed this fun read , Jolene is a fun shifter character tasked to finding a murderer with her cop/crush. I also enjoyed daisy and her witty remarks , the first I have read of this series will go back and read the rest .
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the fourth book in the Magic Market Mystery Series. The main story of the mystery at the Museum is a standalone story but the ongoing mystery related to Jolene’s curse, her relationship with Peter and Daisy, and her identity as a shifter may make this not a standalone book. The author does provide quick summaries of some events but, in my opinion, you should start with the first book in the series — you won’t regret it.
This is a really fun series with a wonderful narrator. It has good humor, enjoyable characters, and an entertaining mystery. I really liked how the author handled the shifter issue with Peter. Overall, I found this story and its characters to be enchanting. Recommend.
Trust can be painful
Book 4 is another great book in this series. It has an interesting story with a full group of wonderful characters and some new ones. Each person is well described. Jolene is getting growing in her determination to fights for justice. She is also trying not to lie as much. Daisy and Jolene are getting along better. Will and Heidi still help when needed. It is fun and series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, paranormal, or pet stories. I look forward to reading book 5.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Each book in this series just gets better and better as we get to know more about Jolene. This time she has to help Peter and Daisy solve a murder at a museum. Quite a few interesting twists happen hooking you to the story until it all plays out with a surprises reveal of who did it. A must read for fans of magical cozies with animal sidekicks that have a fantastic sense of humor. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I am really loving this series. This is book 4 of the Magical Market Mysteries and it starts with a murder at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. Jolene, a shifter who’s been cursed, can talk to animals as a by-product. She helps Peter, a cop, by using her “gift” on witnesses, whether they be insects, sea creatures or other animals. The museum has a mouse problem, so Peter asks Jolene to interview the mouse witness who proves to be elusive. During the visit, Daisy, the uppity lie-sniffing dog gets spooked by the Cursed Objects on display. Even though she and Jolene have a contentious relationship (Daisy knows Jolene is keeping secrets from Peter), Jolene can’t let Daisy be nervous and makes her feel better. As they try to track down the killer, Peter and Jolene seem to get closer when he asks Jolene over to his home. Sadly, he wants Jolene to translate for him and Daisy, although there seems to be some subtext, too. The killer is found but there may be trouble in paradise for Jolene and Peter. Now, I have to run off and read the next one, Pig Little Lies, to find out what happens next.
I am really loving this series. This is book 4 of the Magical Market Mysteries and it starts with a murder at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. Jolene, a shifter who’s been cursed, can talk to animals as a by-product. She helps Peter, a cop, by using her “gift” on witnesses, whether they be insects, sea creatures or other animals. The museum has a mouse problem, so Peter asks Jolene to interview the mouse witness who proves to be elusive. During the visit, Daisy, the uppity lie-sniffing dog gets spooked by the Cursed Objects on display. Even though she and Jolene have a contentious relationship (Daisy knows Jolene is keeping secrets from Peter), Jolene can’t let Daisy be nervous and makes her feel better. As they try to track down the killer, Peter and Jolene seem to get closer when he asks Jolene over to his home. Sadly, he wants Jolene to translate for him and Daisy, although there seems to be some subtext, too. The killer is found but there may be trouble in paradise for Jolene and Peter. Now, I have to run off and read the next one, Pig Little Lies, to find out what happens next.
Another wonderful book in this series. Jolene really has her work cut out for her when she works with Peter and Daisy to figure out a murder in a museum with a Curse Display. I never saw the way the story goes but it was so good. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Loved this story. Johnson always writes and story that keeps me sucked in and wanting to keep turning the pages until the very end. Well done abs I’m eager for the next book!
Curses and shifters!
Peter asks for Jolene’s help once again. This time the new PR person at the Museum of Magical Artifacts is found dead. Is it curse from one of the items in his new Curse Objects exhibit? And how did the hideous statue from the gift shop end up on his desk? Maybe the mouse that lives in the walls at the museum has seen something! Love all the characters and the interactions with each other. Also love how we get to see different areas of the town. Can’t wait for the next installment!!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson was a skittering tale of information, truth, and friendship.
Will Jolene figure out what her curse really is?
Jolene Hartgrove
Jolene Hartgrove is a pet psychic that sometimes works with police as a consultant in some instances, like ones that involve animals. Joleen hasn’t heard from Peter in a while, she thinks it has to due with what she shared during the last case. That is until a new investigation comes forward that might be able to help Jolene figure out what her curse is. The case this time is different and weird, all at the same time. Jolene will figure it out.
What I like about Jolene is that she realizes that she is meant for so much more since meeting Peter. She feels freer with him and Daisy. The one thing that I disliked is that maybe she is judging Peter a bit too fast with regard to what she told him recently.
The Mystery
The mystery is in a museum that has a new exhibit coming in that is all about cursed objects. The museum’s new PR guy is deceased and two people that work at the museum think it is the cursed objects that have taken another soul. There are a lot of red herrings, and I almost entirely gave up on figuring out who it was until I narrowed it down. I figured it out before Jolene did, but only seconds before she did.
Five Stars
Ms. Johnson has another fascinating case that keeps on giving me more questions and wanting to read another book. I have an idea about Ludlof and Jolene, but I’m not quite so sure about it. Either way, I am giving Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that loves an excellent cozy paranormal mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
I like the way the series is progressing. Jolene is less in survival only mode and is starting to see a better future for herself. Unfortunately, there are others that don’t want that to happen.
The local crime lord knows her secret. What will he demand from her?
Will Daisy & Jolene become less hostile towards each other? What will the detective do if he finds out the entire truth?
I figured who the Mouse was but liked the twists driving the mouse to the actions that occur.
Easy read that proved to be entertaining.
I received an advanced readers copy of this story. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Mouse of Cards is the fourth book in the Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene is helping policeman Peter Flint with a death investigation at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. Jolene has the ability to converse with all kinds of animals. She sees a mouse at the scene of the crime but can’t quite get to it to question it.. Jolene has other complications in her life. She has to respond to a message from the underground shifter head honcho, Ludolf Caterwaul. It’s always dangerous to be summoned by him. He’s found out that she is a shifter that was cursed and cannot shift. She also doesn’t have any powers. Surprisingly, Ludolf offers to try to find a cure for her. She’s also looking for help from Quentin, the museum archivist, who does research about cursed objects. Jolene opened up before and told Peter a lot about her past, but not that she is a shifter. This story will show what Peter’s really like. Is he really another prejudiced person or does he just need time to figure things out? I’m looking forward to the next book to see what happens to the both of them.
This one is a tear jerker. Jolene faces hard truths, and has to come to terms with her lot in life. It was a great character growth moment for her. The BFF dynamic between her and the clinic is great.
I love that we finally get to see some shifter prejudice in action instead of just hearing that it happens. Up until now it has really felt like the shifters were being a bit over dramatic about it. (since no other character has ever really done anything negative to a shifter) Just sad that it had to be who it was.
With each book the stakes are getting higher for Jolene, but she is growing more into herself. My fingers are crossed that all of her troubles will fall into place! She deserves happiness!
Wow, just wow! Another mystery to resolve. Peter, Jolene and Daisy will work together but secrets will be discovered and they will some painful truths. You will lol and cry out loud with Jolene, Peter and Daisy.