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chrisrin's review against another edition
4.0
Another great entry in the series. I thought Blake did a good job of detracting attention from the real murderer for most of the book. I liked the set up for the next book as well. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
To Catch a Witch by Heather Blake is the eighth novel in A Wishcraft Mystery series. Darcy Merriweather runs As You Wish, a personal concierge service, in the Enchanted Village in Massachusetts. She has been hired by Abby Stillwell to organize this year’s annual Wicked Mad Dash. The proceeds from the race will help pay the medical bills for little Aine Bryant. The event gets off to a bumpy starts courtesy of Vince Paxton and his magical pranks. Abby asks Darcy to go over the bookkeeping ledgers for the race since they are off from the previous years. Abby then departs to warm up for the race, but she does not return. A search commences, and Abby is found dead below Aural Gorge bridge. As Craft investigator, Darcy teams up with her fiancé, Nick Sawyer (police chief for Enchanted Village) to track down Abby’s killer. Darcy is worried about her sister, Harper. She has been running herself ragged since she broke up with Marcus. Her health is in jeopardy and Dr. Dennis Goodwin has some shocking news. To top it off, Dorothy Hansel Dewitt is attempting a coup and the only person who can save the village from her reign of terror is heartbroken Harper. Can Darcy conjure up the killer before her suspects fly off?
To Catch a Witch is an enchanting cozy mystery. It is well-written and has a steady pace which makes for an easy to read story. Heather Blake has created delightful characters for A Wishcraft Mystery series. Darcy has embraced life in the Enchanted Village. She is now running As You Wish, gotten engaged, a wonderful stepmom to Mimi, takes care of their numerous pets, is the Craft investigator, and helps her friends. Darcy has a caring heart and does not like to see anyone hurting. She has also taken to rehabilitating Vince Paxton who found his Craft too dull and has taken to dark magic. If Darcy can turn Glinda around, then Vince should be a piece of cake. There is a humorous scene with Aunt Ve and Archie that involves Magnum PI and Pina coladas. Two of my favorite characters are Pepe and Mrs. P. They are just adorable, and Pepe is a wizard with a needle (I would for him to craft me a dress). The author was creative when making up the magical abilities for her series. They are unique along with the names. The Enchanted Village is a charming small town outside Salem. Each shop is special and suits the owner (no big box stores in this hamlet). If you have not read any of the previous novels in A Wishcraft Mystery series, I do not suggest you begin with To Catch a Witch (you would be missing out on the backstory that is needed to understand the characters and the magic). Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. I thought the mystery was spellbinding and multifaceted. There are several suspects with motive to kill Abby plus it turns out that Abby had a few secrets of her own. There is active investigating and I appreciate that Darcy works with the police to help solve the case. Nick is happy to have her assistance and just warns her to be careful (Nick is a sweetie). You will need to be clairvoyant (or a master cozy mystery sleuth) to solve Abby’s murder. I could have done with less repetition (I do not need to be told the same thing multiple times), but that is my only grievance. To Catch a Witch is packed full of intriguing storylines, and it will keep you riveted until the very end. I wish we did not have to wait a year for the next bewitching installment in A Wishcraft Mystery series.
To Catch a Witch is an enchanting cozy mystery. It is well-written and has a steady pace which makes for an easy to read story. Heather Blake has created delightful characters for A Wishcraft Mystery series. Darcy has embraced life in the Enchanted Village. She is now running As You Wish, gotten engaged, a wonderful stepmom to Mimi, takes care of their numerous pets, is the Craft investigator, and helps her friends. Darcy has a caring heart and does not like to see anyone hurting. She has also taken to rehabilitating Vince Paxton who found his Craft too dull and has taken to dark magic. If Darcy can turn Glinda around, then Vince should be a piece of cake. There is a humorous scene with Aunt Ve and Archie that involves Magnum PI and Pina coladas. Two of my favorite characters are Pepe and Mrs. P. They are just adorable, and Pepe is a wizard with a needle (I would for him to craft me a dress). The author was creative when making up the magical abilities for her series. They are unique along with the names. The Enchanted Village is a charming small town outside Salem. Each shop is special and suits the owner (no big box stores in this hamlet). If you have not read any of the previous novels in A Wishcraft Mystery series, I do not suggest you begin with To Catch a Witch (you would be missing out on the backstory that is needed to understand the characters and the magic). Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. I thought the mystery was spellbinding and multifaceted. There are several suspects with motive to kill Abby plus it turns out that Abby had a few secrets of her own. There is active investigating and I appreciate that Darcy works with the police to help solve the case. Nick is happy to have her assistance and just warns her to be careful (Nick is a sweetie). You will need to be clairvoyant (or a master cozy mystery sleuth) to solve Abby’s murder. I could have done with less repetition (I do not need to be told the same thing multiple times), but that is my only grievance. To Catch a Witch is packed full of intriguing storylines, and it will keep you riveted until the very end. I wish we did not have to wait a year for the next bewitching installment in A Wishcraft Mystery series.
itsambarnotamber's review against another edition
3.0
This is #8 in a series that I used to read a few years back. At the time I liked them but this one was a little difficult to get through. Either because I have outgrown them, the magic element isn't enough for me, there are too many characters to keep up with or all of the above. I'm a fan of cozy mysteries but this one was just okay at best.
qu33nofbookz's review against another edition
4.0
Another great addition to the series. There were a few twists that keeps you on your toes. Can't wait for the next addition.
Darcy has been hired to help out with a local charity race but ends up investigating when the director/organizer of the event goes missing and is later found dead. Among trying to untangle what happened to her client she deals with trouble in her own family and acts as a smoke screen for some of her friends shenanigans. It's a race to untangle all the mysteries and keep her home life from becoming a disaster.
Darcy has been hired to help out with a local charity race but ends up investigating when the director/organizer of the event goes missing and is later found dead. Among trying to untangle what happened to her client she deals with trouble in her own family and acts as a smoke screen for some of her friends shenanigans. It's a race to untangle all the mysteries and keep her home life from becoming a disaster.
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
I think I actually squealed with delight when I first saw To Catch a Witch. I'm a massive fan of the Wishcraft Mystery series (it's the best cozy series out there) and I was ecstatic to find out there was a new one coming out!
Even though it's been a couple of years since the previous book was released, I was able to slide right into the story, as if no time at all had passed. It felt like coming home. It was such a great feeling and it was so wonderful visiting the Enchanted Village again and catching up with all the quirky residents.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing until the end. This might sound weird, but I love it when I can't solve the mystery beforehand. In To Catch a Witch, there were many viable suspects and when I'd think I had it all figured out, something new would come up that had me questioning everything. I thought I'd solved it, but nope, not even close.
To Catch a Witch is an awesome addition to the series. It's a mystery full of heart and magic. I was sad to reach the end, but am so excited for what's to come! I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Even though it's been a couple of years since the previous book was released, I was able to slide right into the story, as if no time at all had passed. It felt like coming home. It was such a great feeling and it was so wonderful visiting the Enchanted Village again and catching up with all the quirky residents.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing until the end. This might sound weird, but I love it when I can't solve the mystery beforehand. In To Catch a Witch, there were many viable suspects and when I'd think I had it all figured out, something new would come up that had me questioning everything. I thought I'd solved it, but nope, not even close.
To Catch a Witch is an awesome addition to the series. It's a mystery full of heart and magic. I was sad to reach the end, but am so excited for what's to come! I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
life1sg00d's review against another edition
3.0
writing is a 4, audiobook reading 5, storyline well one is a 2 one is a 4.
kind of spoiler.
ok , when ones daughter is in danger you tell them there is never a reason, law or rule that stops you, ever! You can't be a good guy and NOT TELL THEM.
kind of spoiler.
ok , when ones daughter is in danger you tell them there is never a reason, law or rule that stops you, ever! You can't be a good guy and NOT TELL THEM.
fwog19's review against another edition
5.0
If I ever left Alaska, I would seriously want to live in the Enchanted Village. I would move there in a heartbeat, in spite of all of the craziness that goes on. After all, it's part of the character, right? ;)
After bingeing the previous seven books on audio in just a few weeks, I was utterly heartbroken to realize that I had to wait FOUR WHOLE MONTHS to be able to find out what happened next in the series. Seriously - I was miserable for a few days. (Yes, I'm a dork, but a dork who loves to read. Sue me.)
If my anguished scream after finishing the book (in just a few days - a record for me) was any indication of how good it was, then I needn't write any more. My husband and daughter looked at me and I cried, "The next book isn't likely going to come out until NEXT YEAR!! AUGH!" That got an eyeroll from my daughter (who has no room to talk, really - she loves the characters as much as I do) and a chuckle from my husband.
The book, as usual, had me laughing and tearing up and staying up WAY too late reading when I should have been sleeping. It's a rare book these days that can get me to do that. I love my sleep. I loved getting back to the lives of Darcy, Harper, Evan, Starla, Mimi, and Nick, along with the other residents of the Enchanted Village. You really felt for the people and wanted to strangle some of the others. (Oh my gosh, Dorothy - I can't even with her!) Still, it was a fantastically fun book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I also got quite hungry anytime Darcy visited Evan in his bakery. I'd be right there with Darcy, inhaling all of the Devil's food cake. All of it.
If you want a fun series (audio and physical - get them both, seriously) I definitely recommend this one! The characters come to life and make you want to be right there with them to offer a hug, a smack upside the head, or a cup of coffee. I can't wait until the next one. I want to see what happens! ACK!
After bingeing the previous seven books on audio in just a few weeks, I was utterly heartbroken to realize that I had to wait FOUR WHOLE MONTHS to be able to find out what happened next in the series. Seriously - I was miserable for a few days. (Yes, I'm a dork, but a dork who loves to read. Sue me.)
If my anguished scream after finishing the book (in just a few days - a record for me) was any indication of how good it was, then I needn't write any more. My husband and daughter looked at me and I cried, "The next book isn't likely going to come out until NEXT YEAR!! AUGH!" That got an eyeroll from my daughter (who has no room to talk, really - she loves the characters as much as I do) and a chuckle from my husband.
The book, as usual, had me laughing and tearing up and staying up WAY too late reading when I should have been sleeping. It's a rare book these days that can get me to do that. I love my sleep. I loved getting back to the lives of Darcy, Harper, Evan, Starla, Mimi, and Nick, along with the other residents of the Enchanted Village. You really felt for the people and wanted to strangle some of the others. (Oh my gosh, Dorothy - I can't even with her!) Still, it was a fantastically fun book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I also got quite hungry anytime Darcy visited Evan in his bakery. I'd be right there with Darcy, inhaling all of the Devil's food cake. All of it.
If you want a fun series (audio and physical - get them both, seriously) I definitely recommend this one! The characters come to life and make you want to be right there with them to offer a hug, a smack upside the head, or a cup of coffee. I can't wait until the next one. I want to see what happens! ACK!
elsjls00's review against another edition
5.0
Another good one!
This held my attention, just like all the other Heather Blake stories! You'll be hooked too! Thanks and Keep Them Coming!!
This held my attention, just like all the other Heather Blake stories! You'll be hooked too! Thanks and Keep Them Coming!!
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
It's been a bit of time since I've visited the magical town of Enchanted Village and its supernatural inhabitants. Darcy, a Wishcrafter, has been busy. She's running the family business, she's engaged to be married to the town's chief of police, she's running the village's annual winter race and she's the magical investigator looking into a friend's suspicious death. It could get hectic but the story flows smoothly. There are a lot of characters and magical abilities and rules to keep track of, but I got into the groove fairly quickly. It's an engaging story and mystery. The town could have been overly precious in someone else's hands, but each shop has an appropriate mystical name: Witch's Brew for the coffee shop, Bewitching Boutique for the clothing shop, Sorcerer's Stove caters and so on. Since the name of the village is Enchanted Village and the idea is to draw visitors, the names are appropriate and non-eye-roll-worthy. I like them.
What I like the most is that each magical witch family has a unique type of magic, like for growing things, granting wishes, healing, athleticism, etc. The rules to the community are to keep them safe from discovery, even as some chafe at the restrictions. I like the rules No willy-nilly magical hijinks for the most part. There are some bad apples and mischief. Have to have bad to highlight the good.
The investigation felt realistic. That's always key with me. There are some stories where the main character getting involved feels forced or the suspects are few and the whodunit is too easily identified early on. Not here. My eyebrows rose to the hairline when the perpetrator was know. Plenty of highly viable suspects abounded and I did not guess.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
What I like the most is that each magical witch family has a unique type of magic, like for growing things, granting wishes, healing, athleticism, etc. The rules to the community are to keep them safe from discovery, even as some chafe at the restrictions. I like the rules No willy-nilly magical hijinks for the most part. There are some bad apples and mischief. Have to have bad to highlight the good.
The investigation felt realistic. That's always key with me. There are some stories where the main character getting involved feels forced or the suspects are few and the whodunit is too easily identified early on. Not here. My eyebrows rose to the hairline when the perpetrator was know. Plenty of highly viable suspects abounded and I did not guess.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.