Wow was that improper sentence structure or what?? But I couldn’t resist sitting down, rereading and then reading all that are currently available in Heather Blake’s Wishcraft Mystery series. My Cousin Veronika totally got me hooked on these before I had left for Minnesota. In fact, I read her copy of the first book in the series and loved it enough to purchase the second (and apparently NEVER go back and get the first book, unless it is hiding in some corner of some random Rubbermaid tub I have yet to properly sort… could happen!). This time round I requested #1 and 3-6 from my local library (I so love my library card!) and got to work reading them all.

First off… for those interested, a list of the books in order! I wish more books would have the number they are in a series on the binding. It makes life so much simpler. Anyway…

1. It Takes a Witch
2. A Witch Before Dying
3. The Good, the Bad and the Witchy
4. The Goodbye Witch
5. Some Like It Witchy
6. Gone with the Witch

Instead of reviewing each book individually I think I will just give my overall opinion. THOUGH if you want to read a previous review for the second book (A Witch Before Dying) feel free to check it out A Witch Before Dying.

Heather Blake has a real gift for creating a world that you cannot help but enjoy and immerse yourself into. The entire series begins with a set of sisters… Darcy and Harper who are unaware that they come from a line of witches who can grant wishes. Their mother passed away when Harper was born and their father recently died which has left the sisters at loose ends.

The Enchanted Village is all things enchanting with a mix of witches and mortals and a few in between. What I love about this series is that the characters are so well developed, the entire village is full of interconnected souls that you just want to know more about. From Aunt Ve, to young Mimi (the daughter of Darcy’s love interest), to a rather unique parrot named Archie who is WAY more than he seems.

The mysteries are a cross of magic and mortal and the who done its are interesting unto themselves. I did find that the main “nemesis” of Darcy’s was instantly on my do not like list (as I think the author intended). We shall see if there is a redemption there, BUT I don’t want to give away anything or lead you down a path.

Another wonderful aspect in this series is that there are various extended mysteries that run through multiple (if not all of the current) books. In retrospect I now see how if I was REALLY intending to figure it out there are clues here and there but am actually rather thankful that I was not able or focused on sussing them out. The reveals to these intriguing mysteries were as wonderful as the journey to the solutions were.

I think if you enjoy some magic with your mystery and a little love to boot this could be the series for you! I know I am looking forward to book #7!

Back to our little book club of 2 and the reviews we come up with together.

We have made it to book 7 of the Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner: The Woodshed Mystery. I have to say from a strictly entertainment value review, this is the best book of the series. There are multiple mysteries, interesting new characters and some background/history on the beloved Aunt Jane unearthed.

I also found it interesting that the author had the children grow up some as well… they have progressed in age and grade and even attitudes. It is even more apparent in this book that we are required to read the previous books in order to truly understand who is involved.

I love how dated these are. There are no cellphones, no internet… the mysteries are solved by hard work, talking to the neighbours and coming to careful conclusions. It was a wonderful read and fun to share with my fellow book club member.

And now for Gavin’s impressions beware of potential spoilers!

I loved the mystery in this one because it was very interesting. They solved 3 or 4 mysteries this time! They have meet a lot of friends in these books and some that they thought were dead! I think the dog should be in everything more. I think this is the best bet yet in the series. It is a good story to read to children and homeschooling kids would like it. I want to read the whole series, maybe. There are a lot of books!

And there you have it, another Boxcar Children book borrowed from the library and thoroughly enjoyed! Again, be forewarned, READ THEM IN ORDER! That is the only way to be in the know when past events are recalled or people. A light afternoon read for myself or an intriguing mystery for Gavin, we both truly enjoyed this story.

Sometimes you just log in on Amazon.com at the right time and get a limited time freebie worth reading. Confection Connection by Lizz Lund (with free recipes) is one of these. I snapped this one up for my Kindle in February. This is the third in her Mina Kitchen (yes that is the main character’s last name) Mysteries. I have not read the first or the second but found I was able to get to know the main character and the crazy and unusual friends and family members she surrounds herself with. 

I have to straight out that this book was more of a quirky light romance with a mild mystery attached. I figured out rather quickly WHO did the crime, though the why was interesting and a wee bit unexpected and the HOW not hard to figure out but entertaining all the same. 

Mina Kitchen WANTS to be a caterer but is in the middle of transitioning to that position and through out the book takes on a variety of hilarious and unusual jobs. In the mean time she is also doing little catering events for friends and family (and alwayss making too much of everything). She has unfinished business with a chef she helps out from time to time and a family who is there to support her. 

I don’t want to give away too much as it is a relatively simple mystery, but I did get some giggles out of this one. I found a lot of the characters around Mina Kitchen to be absolutely hilarious. Her ex Jewish mob neighbour, her friend who is wealthy and completely disconnected from the reality of having to DO anything… honestly I would say read it just for the characters, the story is an additional entertaining bonus! 

So if you want a light read do try Confection Connection. If I come across the early ones in my travels I will definitely read and review!!