Accidental Magic: A whimsical witchy midlife mystery by Iris Beaglehole #AudiobookReview #ThrowbackThursday

Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 1

Book Blurb:

Welcome to Myrtlewood, a quirky town, steeped in magic, tea, and mystery…

Life’s a struggle for Rosemary Thorn and her teen daughter, Athena. But their regular troubles are turned upside down after Granny Thorn’s mysterious death.

Despite her cousin’s sinister manoeuvrings, Rosemary returns to Myrtlewood and the sprawling, dilapidated Thorn Manor. But there’s more to the old house than meets the eye, as Rosemary and Athena soon find out — in a whirlwind of magic, adventure, mystical creatures, and endless cups of tea.

Life in Myrtlewood would be bliss if Rosemary could only clear her name in a certain murder investigation, solve the mystery and stay out of mortal peril – for at least a little while!

A small town with endless secrets, strange activities, and a house with a mind of its own.

This book is for you if you love:

mysteries set in small magical villages
witches, fae, shifters mythologically inspired stories
the idea of a self-cleaning house which also renovates and sometimes does the grocery shopping
genuine magic woven into the story
whimsical world-building
paranormal women’s fiction
a midlife main character
queer-friendly stories
a big dose of humour!

WARNING: This book contains a somewhat ditzy main character (there are reasons revealed later in the series) and her rather stroppy teen daughter who has been having a hard time. If these things are triggering for you, please put the book down and step away. The author does not wish to inflict any stress or irritation upon you. You will also find magic based on genuine witchcraft and mythology in this series as well as a lot of UK spelling and diverse characters. If these are not your cup of tea then don’t worry, there are plenty of other books that will suit you out there in the world!

My Review:

I’m not above reading a good witchy story or paranormal, so when my daughter recommended this one, I went looking for it. Yes, it was right in my well-stocked library—an audiobook!

Also, score, it’s Book 1. I’ve managed to find a few lately and love that I can get in with the introduction to the series (in this case, nine installments). Rosemary Thorn and her teenage daughter returns to Myrtlewood following the death of her granny for the reading of the will and return to her childhood home, Thorn Manor.

Surprise! Her memories of Thorn Manor is not what she finds. Worse, there is a question of whether or not good ole Gran died of natural causes or was helped. It’s a small town, of course, where everybody knows everybody and the extended family is not exactly fans of Rosemary.

It quickly became apparent I wouldn’t be either. Go ahead, read that blurb again. There are trigger warnings, one of which is that Rosemary is a ditz (worse, actually) and her snarky daughter needs to be given some tough love. I can’t imagine a mother allowing her daughter to speak to her like that, much less in front of other people.

Rosemary is introduced to the magical side of the Thorn family and the quirky support characters in the little town. Also, the house is magical and, indeed, haunted. But can Gran talk some sense into Rosemary? Maybe not.

Guess I’ve just gotten tired of snotty little kids in the TV sitcoms who appear to rule the roost and have the laugh track hanging on every word. So, the slow burn with these two didn’t help what might have been an interesting, well-paced storyline. Also, I’m not a fan of cliffhangers and this one is a douzy.

Okay, yes, the blurb gives you a warning, but does this novel get better in subsequent installments? Will Rosemary ship Athena off to military school in Minnesota? If you enjoy those bullet points listed in the blurb, you will no doubt enjoy the banter between mom and daughter. I did enjoy the little ghostie things that popped up, and I do love the banners and the covers—way compelling! I may be forced to read the second just because of the cover.

I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.

Rosepoint Publishing: Three point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Supernatural Thrillers, Cozy Mysteries, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Podium Audio
ASIN: B0C8ZQMJRN
Listening Length: 12 hrs 55 mins
Narrator: Lorna Bennett
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)

Title Links:

Amazon-US

Amazon-UK

Barnes & Noble

The Author: Iris Beaglehole is many peculiar things, a writer, researcher, analyst, druid, witch, parent, and would-be astrologer. She loves tea, cats, herbs, and writing quirky characters.

#ThrowbackThursday

Two Audiobooks and an eBook – Listen While You Work #BookReviews

Mini-Reviews – Catching Up on the TBR*

Still catching up on the reviews of my audiobooks and an eBook, here are three more, two of which might be good candidates for #ThrowbackThursday and one very recent release. I love finding an author or new series that I can binge on, so I’m usually willing to look back—in this case, way back.

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My Thoughts

Triptych – This one starts out the Will Trent series and doesn’t pull any punches. It’s obvious by the first that it will be in-your-face raw, descriptions not for the faint of heart. If you’ve read any Slaughter books, you know her mind can picture and describe in details things you’d rather not know or see. Getting past that, the well-paced novel pushes into a deeply complex narrative, peering into the minds of several main characters who are well developed but definitely damaged. And don’t tell me you don’t delight in her little surprises. 4 stars

Book Details

Genre: Psychological Fiction, Serial Killer Thrillers, Police Procedurals
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Author: Karin Slaughter
Narrator: Michael Kramer
ASIN: B000JMKRAW
Listening Length: 13 hrs 15 mins
Publication Date: August 11, 2006
Amazon
Goodreads

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My Thoughts

Murder Road – EEK! Creepy. If you’ve read this author before, you are aware she can conjure up some pretty sinister stuff, pushing the supernatural buttons and the hair on the back of your neck. My first reaction was the over-the-top jump on this newlywed couple as persons of interest. Then as the story begins to lay out, putting one disturbing fact after another, the chills begin to add up. Why does the couple act guilty? 4 stars

Book Details

Genre: Supernatural Thrillers, Horror Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Author: Simone St. James
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
ASIN: B0CB99YKLY
Listening Length: 9 hrs 10 mins
Publication Date: March 05, 2024
Amazon
Goodreads

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My Thoughts

Desert Heat – Joanna Brady Mysteries Book 1 – Introduction to the small desert community of Bisbee, Arizona and the woman who will fill the shoes of her hubby, died while running for Sheriff. Yeah, doesn’t sound like a suicide, but that’s what they claim. While it’s true the area is an enclave of drugs and smuggling, that doesn’t mean all cops have to be dirty. Joanna works to clear his name—and hers—which will hopefully give her some serious cred. I like Arizona, not necessarily the unrelenting, incessant heat—but the beauty, so I enjoyed the atmospheric quality of the novel. 3 stars

Book Details

Genre: Read & Listen, Police Procedurals
Publisher: Avon
Author: J A Jance
ASIN: B000FC11DS
Publication Date: March 17, 2009
Amazon
Goodreads

Summary

Triptych is one of those whose characters are all damaged, one way or another, and are busy trying to find a serial killer. Kinda makes you nervous, huh! Actually, I liked the Angie Polaski character. Several perspectives. I like the way the author builds into the storyline, adding layers and twists—adding tension. Pay attention or you’ll miss the last hint. Generally, I don’t think you can go wrong with this author, just be prepared for a mind that no way can you see it connected to the bio picture of her. She looks so…normal. 4 stars

Murder Road is one of those that has you screaming at the characters. You know those commercials where they run and hide where the axe murderer is waiting? Ack! I advised them more than once to just leave. And when they did, did they stay gone? Also, I wondered by the B&B lady did such a flip from wanting to refuse them a room to actually befriending them. Huh? This is an Amazon Editors’ pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. Yeah, if you like disturbing, paranormal, tension and suspense—this would appeal. 4 stars

Desert Heat is a work-in-progress. Lots of groundwork laid for Book 1. The main character is not wholly developed and, at this point, I found her a bit difficult to fully engage. She begins the story as a devastated widow but quickly becomes a chief. Also, sometimes it feels like the reveal just defaults to the obvious. 3 stars

I received a copy of these audiobooks and the digital from my local library that in no way influenced my reviews. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Reviews - check

*To Be Reviewed

Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas Book 1) by Dean Koontz – #Audiobook Review – #TBT – #thriller #suspense

Book Blurb:

Meet Odd Thomas, the unassuming young hero of Dean Koontz’s dazzling New York Times bestseller, a gallant sentinel at the crossroads of life and death who offers up his heart in these pages and will forever capture yours.

“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.

My Review:

So good it was brought back a second time?

Not sure, but it appears this originally released in 2003 in print form. I can find no current audiobook cover (although there are numerous print covers) and a new release is now dated May 2, 2023. I’m a Koontz fan, not necessarily a horror fan and read his Jane Kawk series as well as (most recently) The Darkest Evening of the Year and The Good Guy. (Neither of the latter was part of a series and they released in 2007.) Both of those were heavily pocked with the Koontz sense of humor as well as his uncanny sense in the development of his characters, a nuance at a time, right down to nervous tics and tells.

Well!

Then I get into this one, a series with seven books, several at the fourth installment level, and once again find a storyline that I’m hard-pressed to turn off. Narrated superbly by David Aaron Baker who also narrated the others in the series as well as Steinbeck’s The Winter of Our Discontent, he manages to convey the voices, inflections, and tension beautifully.

Poor Odd Thomas, aptly named, and obviously a throwback, as a twenty-year old who is definitely older than his years. He is a short-order cook in Pico Mundo and a darned good one with a rep to uphold. His soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, is aware of his “gifts.” He has a contingent of allies that includes Elvis. (Yes, Elvis, who this August is mourning his mother.) He has a penchant for seeing ghosts. He knows things. He gets messages. Some are not good. This one is horrible.

He must do something.

Fortunately, he is not unknown to the local police and one in particular listens to Odd. He’s previously provided help. Hopefully, Odd will be able to help prevent the promised carnage. He’s seen The Fungus Guy. He’s alarming and a serious problem.

Despite his being Odd, very odd, he is likable, immensely empathetic.

I suppose you could call this a horror genre. It has a high creepy factor that includes supernatural beings (called bodachs), and of course, there is Odd’s own unique abilities that he uses for good. I liked both he and Stormy, but then again, Koontz isn’t known for his romances, so something’s going to change. And you won’t like it.

Or perhaps I’m the only one that didn’t see this book back in 2003, or the movie that subsequently came out in 2013 starring Anton Yelchin—so cute—I can see he is the perfect Odd Thomas. (Unfortunately, Yelchin died in 2016 at the age of 27.)

Will I seek a second in this series? Most likely. I’m definitely intrigued. Did you read the books? See the movie? Did it turn you into a Koontz fan?

I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Supernatural Thrillers, Suspense
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
ASIN: B0BRBNQ2KJ
Listening Length: 11 hours
Narrator: David Aaron Baker
Publication Date: May 2, 2023 (huh?)
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)
Title Link: Odd Thomas [Amazon]

Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars

The Author: Dean Koontz, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.

The Narrator: David Aaron Baker (born August 14, 1963) is an American actor whose credits stretch across theater, film, television and audiobooks.

#ThrowbackThursday

David Aaron Baker photo courtesy Playbill

A Sliver of Darkness: Stories by C J Tudor- #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

A Sliver of Darkness by C J Tudor

Book Blurb:

The debut short-story collection from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man, hailed as “Britain’s female Stephen King” (Daily Mail), featuring eleven bone-chilling and mind-bending tales

Time slips. Doomsday scenarios. Killer butterflies. C. J. Tudor’s novels are widely acclaimed for their dark, twisty suspense plots, but with A Sliver of Darkness, she pulls us even further into her dizzying imagination.

In “The Lion at the Gate,” a strange piece of graffiti leads to a terrifying encounter for four school friends. In “Final Course,” the world has descended into darkness, but a group of old friends make time for one last dinner party. In “Runaway Blues,” thwarted love, revenge, and something very nasty stowed in a hat box converge. In “Gloria,” a strange girl at a service station endears herself to a coldhearted killer, but can a leopard really change its spots? And in “I’m Not Ted,” a case of mistaken identity has unforeseen fatal consequences.

Riveting, macabre, and explosively original, A Sliver of Darkness is C. J. Tudor at her most wicked and uninhibited.

His Review:

A Sliver of Darkness by C J Tudor — A Sliver of Darkness – US cover

As I read this author, I harkened back to my teen years. Many years ago I became engrossed in the writings and short stories of Edgar Allen Poe. His use of the macabre in his short stories was intriguing. Reading C.J. Tudor I wondered if Edgar could have been reincarnated.

Each of these stories has a diabolical twist at the conclusion. I was also enchanted by the idea of the apocalypse and end of life as we know it. The defeatism and loss of control by the individuals involved became predictable. My sympathies went out to the people who tried to escape to Butterfly Island. I did find it hard to believe, however, that sailors giving transfer services would not be aware of the dangers lurking in the shoals.

CE Williams [Note: Clyde also read The Burning Girls in 2020 and I read a couple prior to that, including The Other People. You always get a nail-biter with a book from this author.] Enjoy these short stories and harken back to the writing mystique of long ago. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thrillers, Supernatural Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ASIN: B09PB2HH4J
Print Length:
Publication Date: November 8, 2022
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Links: A Sliver of Darkness [Amazon-US]
Amazon-UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

The Author: C. J. Tudor lives with her partner and young daughter. Her love of writing, especially the dark and macabre, started young. When her peers were reading Judy Blume, she was devouring Stephen King and James Herbert.

Over the years she has had a variety of jobs, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, dog walker, voiceover artist, television presenter, copywriter and, now, author.

Her first novel, The Chalk Man, was a Sunday Times bestseller and sold in thirty-nine territories.