When the effects of the zombie curse don’t go away completely, Brighton has to turn to a vampire for help. Unfortunately, a body turns up drained of blood. Brighton and friends have to clear the friendly vamp’s name, but will an evil bloodsucker catch the crew in its snare?Sweep – Stakes is the sixth book in the Wicked Witches of Coventry paranormal cozy mystery series.
2.5
Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
When Brighton got whammied in the last book, they didn’t solve the problem. So this book is about finding some vampire blood to fix her and keep her from turning full zombie.
This series started out with such promise, but it’s been heading downhill. Now, it’s not only heading downhill, it’s picking up significant speed. The plot is ho-hum, the writing has gotten worse, and don’t get me started on the editing. Is there even an editor? I’m not so sure. I was going to stop with this book because this series just isn’t worth my time anymore, but decided to give the next book a try. Yeah, don’t. There just aren’t enough cute and funny moments in this to offset the bad. I don’t recommend.
The new best story in the series! At least so far, of course. So intense, with loads of suspense and mystery and emotion. I was on the edge of my seat! My favorite scene is with the screaming, scary ghost in the courthouse. I don’t think I ever said I love the scene in the Skeenbauer crypt back in book 2, the one between Brighton and zombie witch… LOL! And Brody. Poor Brody. I am actually hoping for a happy ending for Brody, in the Familiar Kitten Mysteries, that is. Maybe he turns good again.
Issues:
1. In chapter 2, Brighton drives to and from the vampire camp. She is with Annika, who directs the way. But when all is said and done, it is Annika who pulls the car into Brighton’s driveway without stopping to switch seats.
2. At the end of chapter 1, Brighton invites Meri to the vampire camp to find Kyle. Meri laughs and says he wouldn’t miss it for the world. But in chapter 2, Meri isn’t with them. In fact, when Brighton and Annika return home, Meri asks why he wasn’t invited and Brighton says she forgot to ask.
3. In chapter 2, Brighton comments that Ralph dislikes her for whatever reason, meaning she doesn’t know. It is well known by readers and witches it has to do with the Tuttlesmith books.
4. In chapter 3, we meet Julian the vampire. Remy explains the situation to him and what they need, but Julian still asks (for the second time), “What do you want?” It should be obvious after the explanation.
5. In chapter 4, a councilmember requests a new sherriff be picked immediately due to two recent murders. There hasn’t been a murder is six months, though, and the two witch deaths in the previous book were most likely covered up. So the death of the councilwoman is the first and most recent. Just one, not two.
6. In chapter 6, it is commented that no one permanently died during the zombie attack. The only ones who died had turned zombie afterward. But then it is said that people did die during the attack and their ghost could be in the morgue. Did people die or not?
7. Remy brings up how no witch would call back a spirit who passed on. Brighton asks if Remy truly thinks that is what happend. a) Why bring this up as a possibility? b) Why have Brighton respond as if Remy thinks it is what happened when clearly he doesn’t?
8. After the death of the councilwoman, Kyle is arrested for murder. Brighton muses like she knew he was in Coventry before the incident. Even Annika reacts just moments before hearing his name. It is never indicated that Kyle entered Coventry or was on his way. In fact, Kyle comments later that a fake Brighton called him, so obviously no one knew Kyle was in Coventry.
9. Early on, Annika reveals how Kyle’s father attacked a Skeenbauer and the entire vampire family was sent away. Later, Annika asks Remy if he knows why Kyle and his family left all those years ago, indicating she doesn’t know.
10. When Kyle says he got a call from a fake Brighton, Brighton muses to herself about how she knows the identity of the caller. The fake Brighton is never identified. I am guessing Theodore or Brody, though, based on the ending.
11. Evil Meri used to be black and is now grey. Why? Evil Meri turns out to be Brody’s demonic familiar. How did Meri miss this? How does Meri not notice Bridy turning evil?
12. There are places where I don’t know who is speaking.
13. Typos.
Read June 2, 2020
This is the sixth instalment in the Wicked Witches of Coventry series. The characters are eclectic with interesting personalities. The narrative and dialogue are well done. The storyline flows smoothly and is full of action. The mystery is full of twists and turns and surprises keeping you interested until the end. I think you can read this book as a stand-alone but it would be best to start with book one. If you like witchy cozy mysteries with interesting characters, then you should try this series.
I feel like this book was a bit rushed especially at the end when poof everything is ok and a whole raft of things had occurred with Brighton’s brother as well as the evil Meri and where did this Gunner and Annika thing come from? The story continues from where the previous book ended with Brighton needing a cure for her zombieness and the need to find a vampire for their blood for said cure. I hope the next book doesn’t feel as rushed and big things glossed over as I really love this series an want to see where things go for Brighton, Remy and Annika.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things get darker!
Yup. When last we left them, Brighton and Remy were engaged – yes! Finally! Then of course some Skeenbauer cousin witches made a few efforts at a zombie apocalypse- one of which of course hit Brighton in the heart. Not full zombie yet, but in need of a cure, the trio discover vampire blood could cure Brighton.
Suddenly, they all notice that brother Brandon is kinda off. Oops. Well at least Brandon and Remy have not yet gone dark at the same time. With Remy, his love for Brighton and his connection to his family helped to bring him aright, though he still had to do hard work to get clear. Will the same hold true for Brandon?
Great chaos ensues on the vampire front, and loyalties shift an realign more than once.
Annika seems to be in for a world of romantic hurt, until someone new tries to turn her head.
Remy and Brighton need to get a move on with the healing so they can move on with the honeymoon- I’m thinking staycation in her warded house!
Another intense KU read with some unexpected sad bits and lots of loyalty questions.