The Ides of March bring mayhem and magic when Astra Arden and her sisters host the Roman-themed festival of Hilaria in Forkbridge. But the revelry comes screeching to a halt when Councilwoman Viola Tullus is found dead, entombed in concrete like a modern-day Roman building sacrifice.
With angry accusations flying as swiftly as Archie, Astra must sift through a myriad of motives to cement the truth. Could the killer be a disgruntled citizen seeking revenge against the controversial councilwoman? Was her desire to bulldoze family farms to make way for new developments simply too much for someone to bear?
Between keeping the festival running smoothly, managing her annoyed owl, and juggling her romantic relationship with the werewolf, Astra has her hands full. And with a clever killer masking themselves in the festival crowds, danger lurks around every toga-draped corner.
Can Astra catch the killer before Forkbridge falls like the Roman Empire? Or will the dark deeds continue under the cover of festivity? Find out in this delightful tale filled with twists, turns, and a talon-ful of trouble.
This paranormal cozy mystery is perfect for adults and free of gore, intimate scenes, and profanity.
Leanne Leeds is an enchanting storyteller who spins magical tales of mystery, humor, and heart. Her whimsical contemporary paranormal mystery novels whisk readers away to a world where magic feels familiar and adventure waits around every corner.
With a charming voice and sprinkle of good-natured wit on every page, Leanne crafts stories as unexpected as they are captivating. Her quirky characters and serendipitous events intersect in delightfully unforeseen ways, delivering a reading experience as cozy as it is enthralling. Whether reading her paranormal cozies or paranormal women's fiction, readers will find a touch of enchantment in each word.
Last book political corruption, this book they take down the mayor. Or did they? Continuity seems very weak . What could, and should, be continuing characters, are not seen again. Previous books show that Leeds is capable of better. And I am thoroughly sick of snark substituting for humor. Time to settle what Archie is doing there; he can't be "comic relief" because he's not funny, just irritating.
When Forkbridge’s mayor announces his plan for a Roman festival, the Hilaria Fest, Astra Arden, daughter of Apollo, and sisters Ami and Ayla can’t understand why he would insist on such a festival. And when one of the councilwomen is found dead, it is after she vocally announced her displeasure at the idea to the mayor. When Emma, former detective and Astra’s best friend is asked to investigate the death, they will soon discover a secret agenda that will affect the entire town. Meanwhile, Astra is worried about her owl Archie, who is depressed but will not tell her why. I love this series with the magical components, sisters with varied abilities and of course, wonderful, snarky Archie. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
Each book in this series is a little like opening a Russian doll. We peel back a new layer and learn more about the protagonist Astra and her (now) large group of companions. Emma is back as strong as ever. Astra's sisters are growing and have their own love relationship issues. Even Archie has one. Astra is still working out her relationship with Lothian.
Of course, the vehicle for all of this is another murder mystery. This one has some concrete evidence, a new coroner, and a lot of intrigue.
This has to be the best so far of all the books in the series. I love that Astra is finally opening up more and allowing people to get close to her. Joyce and Noctua are going to be interesting new additions to the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens with Archie and Noctua! Status: Complicated! Detective Briggs is learning more, just not the way he was hoping to. lol! I wish we had some closure of consequences for the other people that were involved in the mystery. Yeah, the murderer was caught, but there was more than just a murder going on! But it was still so much fun!
Since Emma has retired, Astra is no longer a paid consultant, but that doesn't stop this pair! A disliked council member is found in the new poured concrete and with so many people unhappy with her latest scheme, it may be hard to find the culprit. Between the pseudo-roman festival, Archie's ex in town, and the mayor, can Astra, Emma, and Briggs find the guilty party before there is another murder? The characters are getting more and more developed as this series moves along. Love following all of the characters!
Forkbridge is planning on celebrating Hilaria. What might you ask is Hilaria? It seems to be a Roman festival honoring a rather odd activity. But nonetheless Forkbridge is moving ahead in spite of councilwoman Viola Tullus wishes to cancel the festival. When Viola is found murdered the next morning the werewolves and witches unite to find the murderer. The answers are surprising. This is another fun Owl Star Witch Mystery.
I’ve just read this series over the last two weeks. They are fast paced, well written and fun to read. My only issue with the series in the last few books is the lack of use of magic and especially the star power Astra with which she was gifted. I can understand doing this by yourself. However, If you have the ability to bring justice to a situation, why not use it. I do recommend the series to everyone. Very entertaining.
With Emma leaving the police force to take care of her son, Astra is no longer a paid consultant. Not that it matters, Astra and Emma team up again to solve the murder of a council woman. Twists abound...a new witch is in town, Archie's ex (snowy owl) shows up, the mayor may be corrupt, there's never a dull moment in this town!
I feel that this book was a little more confusing than the previous books. Although I was happy to see the new characters, Joyce and Noctua. I’d recommend this one,
Forkbridge's Mayor decides to stage a Roman Hilaria festival. One of the Councillors is against it, and she is found dead. Astra and Emma, are “assisting” a new detective solve the case.