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!

There are days when I feel especially lucky and the day I won an eCopy of this book by Heather Webber from the wonderful author Tonya Kappes (I am a member of her Street Team Facebook group) was one of those days. This is NOT the first in a series but it is HILARIOUS and I was easily able to jump right in, read it, enjoy it and DEFINITELY want to read all books prior! 

Nina Quinn is a talented landscaper in Freedom, Ohio. A divorcee who has been unofficially renamed the “corpse whisperer” she has seen her fair share of murders and dead bodies (7 books worth in fact!). Two quirky sisters, neighbours that feel like they must have written themselves, they are that giggle worthy, an amazing ex stepson and an ex husband with a badge… Nina has it all… 

I don’t want to give away too much of the plot in this story as it IS #7, but the murder is interesting, the detective work fraught with danger, excitement, and laughs. You fall in love with the characters and just have to see the mystery through. Throw in a mysterious coroner and a baby on the way for good measure. And at the end of the book there are even some landscaping tips! The Root of All Trouble is a must read for a cozy mystery buff like myself!

Heather Webber is also the author of some of my favourite magical books – The Wishcraft Mysteries as Heather Blake! I have yet to get my hands on her newest – The Good, The Bad and the Witchy but Cousin Veronika seemed to enjoy it. The Root of all Trouble, is an excellent addition to the books I have read by this author. I especially love how the romance in the story does not feel forced or have high importance. It is the interaction of Nina with ALL the characters that take center stage! She neither whines about her failed marriage or her single status nor disregards the people around her. Nina is a strong character with an amazing heart and a terrific sense of humour. 

I am already on the look out for the first in this series: A Hoe Lot of Trouble. With spring firmly here I would suggest this book for a rainy afternoon OR a day at the lake in the sun… either way you are going to be thoroughly entertained! Thank you again Tonya Kappes for this amazing gift. Be sure to check out TONYA’s series, especially her Magical Cures Mystery Series! You can find out all about her and her books at her official site HERE.

The Root of All Trouble is a terrific afternoon read be it a rainy day or a sunny afternoon at the lake. If you are a lover of all mysteries cozy and ready for some giggles to book this is the book for you! I would fully recommend not only this book but other series by this author! Check out Heather Webber or Heather Blake and be ready for an awesome read!

The Root of all Trouble