An elixir party gone sour. An expired entrepreneur. Can a cursed shifter discover what’s in love potion number crime? After confessing her dark secret, Jolene is left devastated when her cop-crush, Peter, ghosts her. But when a popular potion maker drinks her last draught, Jolene and Peter are forced to team up to find the butcher behind the brew.As the list of suspects pours in, Jolene’s only … pours in, Jolene’s only hope is to get the victim’s pet swine to squeal. But when Jolene piggybacks onto a promising lead, she learns some shocking truths about the cursed tonic that took away her own magic.
Can Jolene put a cork in the killer before she’s drained of her last drop?
Pig Little Lies is the fifth book in the bewitching Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like magical mysteries, hilarious heroines, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s captivating tale.
Buy Pig Little Lies to hogtie the case today!
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What a clever case. What a great book.
Peter and Jolene, well… there is a distance between them. And that’s so heartbreaking! But they are forced to work together when someone is murdered on stage and a pig is a witness. A lot of lies in this book… and there are some twists and turns that blew me away! This book is one of my top favorites!
This review is for the audio book.
I love this series. Actually I love anything this author writes and am always eager for the latest audio book. This is because she has a way of combining colourful and interesting characters with a good mystery. And this book doesn’t let me down. Each adventure whether it is this series or the spells and caramels series offer magic, mystery, romance and amusing sidekicks with lie sniffing dogs or talking flames and each are carefully crafted so that you feel like you are walking the cobbled streets of Bejumeir and joining in on the mystery. I didn’t see the twist in the story coming and was no where near solving the mystery, which is always a plus in my book. The author has left the ending on a cliff hanger of sorts and I really hope the new book is out soon.
Jolene finally confessed to Peter, she is a cursed shifter and he didn’t take it well leading him to dissolved there partnership. Jolene’s friend talk her into going to a potions seminar where at least she would get some free food. She nearly walks out when she learns it is a pyramid scheme but free food is free food and it should be good for a laugh. By the end of the night she wishes she had, when the owner collapses on stage and dies after drinking a potion. The police are called and Jolene finds herself once again acting as a consultation for the police and working with Peter and Daisy. Things are not like were and tension between them is tense. Can she solve the murder and find a way to get Peter to trust her again? The suspect list is high with lots of unhappy people who brought into the scheme, including Jolene’s own friends and not all the potions worked like they were meant to. Jolene a victim of a potion gone wrong herself can sympathize but can she catch a killer?
I like the narrator as she uses a wide range of voices and sounds to bring the story to life in the most magical way possible.
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson has Jolene Hartgrave regretting telling Officer Peter Flint that she is a shifter. She has not heard from him since she told him the truth. Heidi has dragged Jolene and Will to Potent Potions Third Annual Summit with the enticement of free food and drinks (Jolene is a little cash poor). Potent Potions owners, Pearl and Ralph Litt are onstage with their pig, Buttercup when Pearl drinks a red potion and falls dead on the stage. Officer Peter Flint arrives with Daisy along with Chief McCray. Jolene hopes to escape, but Daisy is not about to let that happen. Daisy wants Jolene help because Peter has not been himself. Chief McCray enlists Jolene to help with the case. Can Jolene, Peter and Daisy find the killer? Can Jolene and Peter mend their relationship? Pig Little Lies is the 5th tale in the Magic Market Mysteries. It can be read on its own, but I think it is a better experience to follow Jolene’s adventures from the beginning. Pig Little Lies is easy to read with quirky characters in an enchanting setting. It has been a month since Jolene told Peter that she is a shifter. She has not heard a peep from him. She had expected Peter to be more opened minded regarding shifters (so did I). Daisy is worried about Peter who has not been himself (his uniform is wrinkled). Daisy might not like Jolene, but she wants Peter to be happy. The pair find themselves working on the case and tiptoeing around each other. I enjoy Daisy and Jolene’s rejoinders. Their snarky comments are humorous. The mystery was unique and fun to follow. It is not often there is a pig as a witness. With a potion master as a suspect, it gives Jolene a chance to ask about her curse. She keeps hoping that someone can help her. Jolene learns some surprising information about her curse. I am eager to find out what happens next. Pig Little Lies is a witty tale with a plotting porker, a concerned canine, a perilous potion, a menacing mobster, and magical mayhem.
One of the things I’ve been enjoying in this series… and I think the author herself is really learning how to use it to best advantage… is Daisy’s lie detecting skills. If Daisy says a person is telling the truth when they say they didn’t kill someone then we’re inclined to believe. But… tricky tricky… how exactly are the answers phrased? What was the person’s intent in their answer? What other background info is missing from their answer? There are loopholes to Daisy’s skills and it’s fun to see how the ploy of misguidance is used here. Not outright lies, just clues that only in hindsight the reader can pick up on. I love it!
In this book we want to find out who killed Pearl, the force behind a pyramid scheme empire. One thing becomes immediately clear, Pearl was up to no good and there are many who have been used, betrayed and offended by this witch. From a philandering husband, to lawsuit filing former employees and even a not so cozy relationship with her sister, there are quite a few suspects. Any of them would have worked for me but I do love how it all played out. The revelation of the clues, the use of red herrings and interaction with the suspects are all set to a good, interest-keeping pace.
In terms of character development… drama! Jolene revealed all her secrets to Peter in the last installment and he didn’t take it well at all. He’s giving her the cold shoulder and insisting he doesn’t know if he could ever trust her. I was shaking my head in disappointment at Peter. I also wish Jolene would have given him a far more hostile tongue lashing when they finally have it out. As much as I wish she’d find more regular access to a shower, she’s making do with the horrid cards that have been dealt her. In a story where Jolene gets along better with Daisy than Peter, you gotta realize how awful he’s being. I have no sympathy for him… that’s all saved for Jolene.
On top of all that, she’s got to deal with the mob boss who’s behind her curse and pretty much blackmailing her into participating in his experiments… you’d have to read to find out more on that. It’s all juicy, intriguing, witchy fun.
At the end of it all though. Her best friends have her back and accept her as she is. Maybe they just will succeed in bringing justice to their part of the world.
Will and Jolene are a bit late joining Heidi at a Summit she was invited to. She was gifted a couple extra tickets and wants to share her good fortune with her two best friends. As they approach the hotel, there are protesters. Jolene takes a good look and see it for what it is a scam a pyramid scheme. She and Will both are leaving but Heidi gets them to give it a chance when she mentions the ton of food awaiting them.
The Summit begins with the power couple Pearl and Ralph Litt and their pet pig Buttercup on stage, and at a chosen point of the opening speech, Pearl asks her husband for a vial to toast the crowd. After drinking it down she collapses dead on the stage.
Jolene is hoping to sneak out with Will and Heidi but she’s stopped by Peter’s police dog Daisy. At first Daisy is all friendly because she thinks Jolene snuck in to see Peter but isn’t happy when she finds out Jolene was in the crowd.
The tension between these two is palpable. They haven’t spoken since Jolene revealed she’s a shifter, even though she hasn’t been able to shift since she was cursed.
Although she does understand why Daisy is so upset, Peter looks a lot worse for wear. As they continue to work the case, some of the tension bleeds away, but it’s still very much present. Peter eventually confesses it’s a matter of trust, not just the whole shifter thing.
I have to say with all the twists and turns in this one, I didn’t see the culprit coming. We also see more of Ludolf and his goons in this one although Jolene really wants nothing to do with his attempts to find a cure for her.
I’m already starting the next book.
Great characters, good storyline, magic is in the air .Talking animals are always fun.The cover drew me in ,love pigs
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Things are definitely different this time around as Peter is having some severe issues regarding Jolene’s big reveal at the end of the last book. He looks rough and Daisy is totally worried about him. This makes for one interesting investigation as they are thrown together to solve a murder after she was actually in attendance at an event when it happened and a pig is involved. It’s one doozy of an investigation with all sorts of secrets coming out. This all comes together in the satisfying ending that offers a sliver of hope for Jolene and Peter. Makes a great addition to this magical cozy series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is another great addition to the Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene’s friend Heidi drags her and Will to a meeting in fancy hotel for what she thinks will be a get rich scheme of the pyramid kind. The only problem – one of the co-owners dies on stage. Before they can escape, the police swarm the place including Jolene’s ex-partners, Peter and Daisy the lie-sniffing dog. Unfortunately for the trio, the new police chief wants them to work together to find the killer, starting with interviewing the pampered pig. Before the investigation proceeds too far, there’s another murder. Will Peter and Jolene figure this out while not getting along? I was glad to read that Peter looked like a wreck, it’s only fair for the way he treated Jolene. This was a twisty one to figure out, but I did. If you like to try to figure out whodunit, then read this book.
This is another great addition to the Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene’s friend Heidi drags her and Will to a meeting in fancy hotel for what she thinks will be a get rich scheme of the pyramid kind. The only problem – one of the co-owners dies on stage. Before they can escape, the police swarm the place including Jolene’s ex-partners, Peter and Daisy the lie-sniffing dog. Unfortunately for the trio, the new police chief wants them to work together to find the killer, starting with interviewing the pampered pig. Before the investigation proceeds too far, there’s another murder. Will Peter and Jolene figure this out while not getting along? I was glad to read that Peter looked like a wreck, it’s only fair for the way he treated Jolene. This was a twisty one to figure out, but I did. If you like to try to figure out whodunit, then read this book.
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson takes a whole new turn of events for Jolene and her friends.
A pyramid scheme’s owner dies, and everything unfolds. Who could have killed her?
Jolene Hartgrove
Jolene has to deal with a lot in this new chapter of her life. After telling Peter the truth, he just stops talking to her, and when they have to work a case together, it’s all awkward. Not only does Jolene have to deal with all of that, but she also has to worry about her two friends. Unfortunately, Jolene has a lot on her plate in this installment. What I like about Jolene is that she is trying to act normal around Peter as she used to, which doesn’t work. The other thing that I like about her is that she is getting along with Daisy.
Peter Flint and Daisy
Peter is, of course, Jolene’s police contact and love interest. Sadly, in this installment, he is still trying to get his mind around that Jolene has lied to him from the moment that they met. He also hasn’t been doing well, and that is making Daisy worry about him. I like that Daisy is concerned about Peter and is talking to Jolene in the hope of making Peter will feel better. However, I dislike that Peter doesn’t give Jolene a chance to try to explain about shifter rules to him so that he can get an idea about how hard it is for Jolene.
The Mystery
The mystery is that one of the owners of Potent Potions, the pyramid (Ponzi) scheme dies at their seminar to get more people on board for selling their products. Jolene and Peter uncover what the company has been hiding and not wanting anyone to know. Just who had the best motive to off one of the faces of the company? Try not to fall for the red herrings.
Five Stars
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson was another superbly written novel from this fantastic author. Each time a new one comes out, I am always left guessing about who the murderer is and what their motive is. Along with what Ms. Johnson is going to do in the next installment. I completely guessed wrong on who it was in this one. I am giving Pig Little Lies a five-star rating and recommending it to all cozy paranormal readers out there in the world.
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 Pig Little Lies 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.
Elixers, curses, and a pig!
I think this is the best book of the series so far! Can Jolene and Peter work together or will Peter’s racist views get in the way? Jolene is invited to go to a Summit with Heidi and Will. The leader drops dead in front her entire sales force after drinking one of the potions. Can Peter and Jolene find the guilty party? And will Pearl’s pig squeal? Is there a cure for Jolene’s curse? Love the characters and Daisy really steals the show!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
This book was so good!
The MLM (home party type companies) aspects are spot on, relatable and well researched. Love the twists and turns of the case, didn’t expect the ending, but totally made sense. Sends a good closing lesson, if it’s too good to be true, it’s people a scam.
The shifter community aspects are also perfection. So many clues being dropping, I’ve got so many suspicions about the boss now. Excited to see how it plays out and which ones end up being correct.
Peter and Jolenes relationship is realistic, and I adore how Erin writes relationships. Even the stressful, miscommunication, the fears and heartache. She is great and bringing these traits in people to live, making them relatable and lifelike.
So many aspects of this story make it hard to wait for the next books!
Jolene is really down on her luck. Her cop friend, Peter, hasn’t asked her to “consult” on any cases since she revealed that she was a “shifter” to him. Reluctantly, Jolene accompanies friends Heidi and Will to a pyramids scheme presentation on magic potions. After eating free food and drinks, they go into the auditorium to watch the presentation. The unexpected happens and there is a death on stage. Jolene wants to leave but runs into Peter and his lie-sensing dog, Daisy. The police chief sees Jolene and insists that she join the investigation. Working with Peter will be difficult for her as, after her revelation, their budding relationship ended. They’ll need to try to put that behind them if they’re going to figure out who did it. Love this series! Looking forward to the next book!
This is the fifth in the series. After Jolene tells Peter the truth about her shifter status and loss of magical abilities, the couple is on the outs.
Their first encounter after the reveal (a month later) is very awkward. It is interesting how Daisy and her get along much better nowadays. You can see that Daisy deeply cares about Peter and wants him to be happy. Throughout the story we see that both Jolene and Peter did not bring their “A game to” to the investigation.
So, who killed the owner of the pyramid scheme and why? Enjoy the read, I did.
I was given an advanced copy of the e-book and am not required to leave a positive review.
As the Magical Mystery continues Jolene and Will is rooked into accompany Heidi at the Potent Potions Annual Summit. Low and behold there is a group of angry women protesting……Jolene didn’t like the sounds of it at all!
Jolene is not at her best and she’s not up to being around a lot of folks as it’s been over a month that she hadn’t seen her flame the hottie Officer Peter Flint, she’s outta here! But Heidi and Will talk her into staying especially since she’s already here, as there’s all good food and drinks for free.
Oh but the Summit just begins and with all the whoop da and cheers when the company leaders come on stage, trailing behind a pink pig of all things!
Speeches are made to encourage all attending and wishing a fabulous weekend to all, as the leader walks to her husband he pulls a vial of potion out…..she toasts to everyone and drinks up, only to clutch her throat, eyes bulging and collapsed on stage.
Police are called…Jolene wants to leave again she attempts to leave but the Lie sniffing dog, Officer Peter’s partner sees her and starts barking! The new Chief McCray has other plans and has Jolene on the job of helping solve the murder.
Fast forward if you’ve read any of these Magic Market Mysteries your in store for lots of intriguing twists and turn in this magical murder mystery!
Peter and Jolene are reunited to solve a mystery after being apart for a month after Jolene confesses her deepest secret to Peter. A pyramid scheme involving elixirs leads to a murder and Jolene and Peter are asked to work the case. There is always snark and fun with Peter’s dog Daisy and Jolene trading jabs at one another. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s wit and humor and I can never figure out the killer as there are twists and turns in all her books. It’s always a very fun read and I highly recommend this series!
I thought this was a delicious book, pun intended, when Jolene has gone to an elixir party with two of her friends and when one of the love potions is drunk, the owner is dead. Peter, Jolene former cop partner is told to work with Jolene on this case and it leads to a mysterious and frustrating job for both of them. Jolene is hoping to get inside information from the owners pig and Peter just wants the murder solved. There are a lot of suspects and it is a wonderful book. This story has a lot of twist and turns that I am sure you will enjoy.
After a month without speaking with Peter, Jolene is sure their friendship didn’t make it through the truth. But when a woman dies during a convention Jolene, Will and Heidi ara attending Peter, Jolene and Daisy will need to work together in order to unravel the mystery. It’s a pity that Jolene is having more fun with Daisy than with Peter because he is giving her the cold shoulder, even if he seems a little off.
I am loving Jolene and Peter’s books. This book opens with Jolene and Will being dragged by Heidi to a seminar for Potent Potions, a magical pyramid scheme. What happens from there involves death, mayhem and Peter of course. When Peter arrives at the scene of the crime, Daisy gives Jolene away and our leading characters come face to face again after a month apart. What happens next? Pick up the books in this series to find out!