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Magic Potion Mystery #2
One Potion in the Grave
Carly Bell Hartwell’s love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South.
When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.
But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? And why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.
When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.
But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? And why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
101 people are currently reading
1559 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blake
18 books1,732 followersAlso writes as Heather Webber
Heather loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
Heather loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 1, 2019
…
One Potion in the Grave is the second installation in the 'A Magic Potion Mystery; series by Heather Blake. I borrowed the Kindle Edition through my local library. Carla Mercer-Meyer narrates this book bringing the words to life in an exceptional delivery.
Readers are reminded the Carly wears a protected charm given to her as an infant to protect herself since she is not only a witch but an empath as well. As an empath, she had inherited the ability to automatically experience other physical emotions and feelings. In most cases, her orb offered her solace and comfort when she was troubled, although it didn't repel unwanted emotions.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Carly Bell Hartwell’s love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South.…
When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.
But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer.
Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? A
nd why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.…
The reader is immediately reintroduced to the heroine, Carly Bell Hartwell, who is a successful business owner of the Little Shop of Potions, which focuses on the mind, body, heart, and soul - located in Hitching Post, Alabama. She is known as a healing witch from a long line of hoodoo practitioners. However, she is also a love potion expert, matchmaker, and all-around relationship guru and an unlikely medicine woman. The medicine aspect captures my attention and curiosity most ardently.
"Carly's ability to block energy even while grasping her locket was fading quickly --
headaches, pounding hearts, excitement, anxiety, fear, happiness, love, maliciousness -- it was too much!"
Hitching Post was consistently named one of America's most beautiful small towns. The idyllic place hosts shops, offices, restaurants, along with what was considered the bread and butter were the chapels, inns. and reception venues. One drawback for the tech-savvy is that there is no cell-phone coverage available.
Carly Bell Hartwell was a good witch, She possessed a supernatural witchy power and magical ingredients for potions to heal what ailed for attracting love and health Carly had an extremely quirky family, loyal friends, and was surrounded with some town folk that were more than a little touched in the head, more like mentally deranged, demented, and/or insane.
Caryl and Dylan, a local police detective and Carly's ex-fiancee, made a good team piecing together clues that eventually reflected the unexpected truth about a murder, attempted murder, assault, and hints about who might be directly involved in the next installation.
The cozy paranormal has magic, mystery, and lots of red herrings interspersed throughout the book to keep the readers guessing. Of course, each installation is able to stand on its own and concludes with a successful H.E.A. following many twists, turns, and red herrings.
The humor in this narration was so infectious, it keeps the reader engaged with a smile on their face.
But then one of my pet peeves snuck into this book and grievous disappointment overtook my enjoyment. The author filled the book with loads of quirky references, which means she has the imagination to do so throughout the entire book.. So, there was absolutely NO REASON for inserting wretched profanity into such a delightful read. This clinches my decision! I will not be completing this series. And I had been looking forward to it with great anticipation. This definitely affected my rating for this book.
Caryl and Dylan made a good team piecing together clues that eventually reflected the unexpected truth about a murder, attempted murder, assault, and hints about who might be directly involved in the next installation.
--------------------------------
One Potion in the Grave
A Magic Potion Mystery
. . . Kindle Edition
by Heather Blake (Author)
Print Length: 326 pages
About the Author
Heather Blake is a pseudonym of Heather Webber, the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Nina Quinn Mysteries and the Lucy Valentine books.
..
One Potion in the Grave is the second installation in the 'A Magic Potion Mystery; series by Heather Blake. I borrowed the Kindle Edition through my local library. Carla Mercer-Meyer narrates this book bringing the words to life in an exceptional delivery.
Readers are reminded the Carly wears a protected charm given to her as an infant to protect herself since she is not only a witch but an empath as well. As an empath, she had inherited the ability to automatically experience other physical emotions and feelings. In most cases, her orb offered her solace and comfort when she was troubled, although it didn't repel unwanted emotions.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Carly Bell Hartwell’s love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South.…
When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.
But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer.
Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? A
nd why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.…
The reader is immediately reintroduced to the heroine, Carly Bell Hartwell, who is a successful business owner of the Little Shop of Potions, which focuses on the mind, body, heart, and soul - located in Hitching Post, Alabama. She is known as a healing witch from a long line of hoodoo practitioners. However, she is also a love potion expert, matchmaker, and all-around relationship guru and an unlikely medicine woman. The medicine aspect captures my attention and curiosity most ardently.
"Carly's ability to block energy even while grasping her locket was fading quickly --
headaches, pounding hearts, excitement, anxiety, fear, happiness, love, maliciousness -- it was too much!"
Hitching Post was consistently named one of America's most beautiful small towns. The idyllic place hosts shops, offices, restaurants, along with what was considered the bread and butter were the chapels, inns. and reception venues. One drawback for the tech-savvy is that there is no cell-phone coverage available.
Carly Bell Hartwell was a good witch, She possessed a supernatural witchy power and magical ingredients for potions to heal what ailed for attracting love and health Carly had an extremely quirky family, loyal friends, and was surrounded with some town folk that were more than a little touched in the head, more like mentally deranged, demented, and/or insane.
Caryl and Dylan, a local police detective and Carly's ex-fiancee, made a good team piecing together clues that eventually reflected the unexpected truth about a murder, attempted murder, assault, and hints about who might be directly involved in the next installation.
The cozy paranormal has magic, mystery, and lots of red herrings interspersed throughout the book to keep the readers guessing. Of course, each installation is able to stand on its own and concludes with a successful H.E.A. following many twists, turns, and red herrings.
The humor in this narration was so infectious, it keeps the reader engaged with a smile on their face.
But then one of my pet peeves snuck into this book and grievous disappointment overtook my enjoyment. The author filled the book with loads of quirky references, which means she has the imagination to do so throughout the entire book.. So, there was absolutely NO REASON for inserting wretched profanity into such a delightful read. This clinches my decision! I will not be completing this series. And I had been looking forward to it with great anticipation. This definitely affected my rating for this book.
Caryl and Dylan made a good team piecing together clues that eventually reflected the unexpected truth about a murder, attempted murder, assault, and hints about who might be directly involved in the next installation.
--------------------------------
One Potion in the Grave
A Magic Potion Mystery
. . . Kindle Edition
by Heather Blake (Author)
Print Length: 326 pages
About the Author
Heather Blake is a pseudonym of Heather Webber, the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Nina Quinn Mysteries and the Lucy Valentine books.
..
September 9, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Carly’s mom is getting ready for a high society wedding at her chapel. The son of Senator Warren Calhoun and his bride are prepared to tie the knot. But Katie Sue Perrywinkle has come back to town and she has issues with the Senator that need to be addressed. Before she can do anything she is found dead. Could the Calhouns have killed her or could it have been someone in the family she left behind when she moved away? Carly finds a way to get to get close to both families so she can try to figure out who got rid of her friend, Katie Sue. She also puts herself right in the killer’s sights.
This second book is a great addition to this series. Like her Wishcraft Mysteries, the story has a paranormal witchy theme that doesn’t overtake the entire story. We know Carly has ways to make her special potions work, and she has an empathy power so she can feel what people are feeling. The empathy thing can be very helpful not only in her work but in finding the killer. Her special talents and knowledge aside she is pretty normal. She is always at her mother’s beck and call to help with the chapel. She is the go-to person for her Aunts. She is trying to work things out with her ex-fiance while he is helping to renovate her house.
All the recurring characters are wonderfully written, unique, funny and entertaining. The new characters are well fleshed out. The author lets us get to know them throughout the entire book. The jury was out for me on some of them for me until the very end, but there were a couple I knew were bad from the first mention, but by the end, I had attached “downright evil” to these people.
This mystery was very twisted up regarding Katie Sue. Plenty of suspects and plenty of opportunities. While trying to solve this mystery, Carly stumbles into another one. The second one was easy for me to solve, the first one I was stumped until the very end. Then I was mad at myself because I should have figured that one out too or at least had the person on my radar. Great diversion on the author’s part.
Heather Blake is a fantastic storyteller! She has created a story with a terrific mix of mystery, suspense, humor, magic, and romance. Everything in the proper proportions for a great cozy mystery. This was a delightful read!
Carly’s mom is getting ready for a high society wedding at her chapel. The son of Senator Warren Calhoun and his bride are prepared to tie the knot. But Katie Sue Perrywinkle has come back to town and she has issues with the Senator that need to be addressed. Before she can do anything she is found dead. Could the Calhouns have killed her or could it have been someone in the family she left behind when she moved away? Carly finds a way to get to get close to both families so she can try to figure out who got rid of her friend, Katie Sue. She also puts herself right in the killer’s sights.
This second book is a great addition to this series. Like her Wishcraft Mysteries, the story has a paranormal witchy theme that doesn’t overtake the entire story. We know Carly has ways to make her special potions work, and she has an empathy power so she can feel what people are feeling. The empathy thing can be very helpful not only in her work but in finding the killer. Her special talents and knowledge aside she is pretty normal. She is always at her mother’s beck and call to help with the chapel. She is the go-to person for her Aunts. She is trying to work things out with her ex-fiance while he is helping to renovate her house.
All the recurring characters are wonderfully written, unique, funny and entertaining. The new characters are well fleshed out. The author lets us get to know them throughout the entire book. The jury was out for me on some of them for me until the very end, but there were a couple I knew were bad from the first mention, but by the end, I had attached “downright evil” to these people.
This mystery was very twisted up regarding Katie Sue. Plenty of suspects and plenty of opportunities. While trying to solve this mystery, Carly stumbles into another one. The second one was easy for me to solve, the first one I was stumped until the very end. Then I was mad at myself because I should have figured that one out too or at least had the person on my radar. Great diversion on the author’s part.
Heather Blake is a fantastic storyteller! She has created a story with a terrific mix of mystery, suspense, humor, magic, and romance. Everything in the proper proportions for a great cozy mystery. This was a delightful read!
October 14, 2014
I’ve enjoyed reading the Wishcraft Mysteries by Heather Blake. When I saw the release of the Magic Potion Mysteries last year, I grabbed and devoured the first book A Potion To Die For in one setting. I liked Carly as well as her family and friends, and when One Potion in the Grave was out last week, I bought a copy. I’m happy to share that I like this one even more than A Potion To Die For.
Carly was the owner of the Little Shop of Potions. She’s a healer and she’d been using her gifts to help many people. When her childhood friend Katie Sue Perrywinkle paid her a visit and later on found dead in the woods, Carly knew she must do something to find out why her friend was killed. What she didn’t expect was the danger she’d be in when she started sleuthing around. Could she uncover the truth?
I must say Carly wasn’t the smartest amateur sleuth that I’ve read but I liked how loyal she was to her family as well as her friends. She loved coffee and anything chocolaty, and I liked that she’d get her mama some sweet pastries when she knew her mama was under stress. It’s really fun to watch her interact with her aunts – her aunts could be extraordinary dramatic and hilarious – and I had a few good laughs when she talked with her friends, Ainsley and Caleb.
The Perrywinkles weren’t the cleverest bunch and the Calhouns? They were calculating! They wouldn’t mind using their money and connections to get what they wanted, and so you could imagine how frustrating Carly was when many of her potential leads turned out to be dead-ends. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and when the truth was revealed, I liked that it brought out more goods than bads – I just loved the people living in this place called Hitching Post!
--
Originally posted on LeisureReads.com
Carly was the owner of the Little Shop of Potions. She’s a healer and she’d been using her gifts to help many people. When her childhood friend Katie Sue Perrywinkle paid her a visit and later on found dead in the woods, Carly knew she must do something to find out why her friend was killed. What she didn’t expect was the danger she’d be in when she started sleuthing around. Could she uncover the truth?
I must say Carly wasn’t the smartest amateur sleuth that I’ve read but I liked how loyal she was to her family as well as her friends. She loved coffee and anything chocolaty, and I liked that she’d get her mama some sweet pastries when she knew her mama was under stress. It’s really fun to watch her interact with her aunts – her aunts could be extraordinary dramatic and hilarious – and I had a few good laughs when she talked with her friends, Ainsley and Caleb.
The Perrywinkles weren’t the cleverest bunch and the Calhouns? They were calculating! They wouldn’t mind using their money and connections to get what they wanted, and so you could imagine how frustrating Carly was when many of her potential leads turned out to be dead-ends. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and when the truth was revealed, I liked that it brought out more goods than bads – I just loved the people living in this place called Hitching Post!
--
Originally posted on LeisureReads.com
October 30, 2014
Book Two of The Magic Potion Mystery Series
To introduce readers to The Magic Potion Mystery Series, here is some background:
Carly Hartwell grew up in the town of Hitching Post, Alabama. The town got its name for being the wedding capital of the south. She and her cousin, Delia, inherited a legacy from her great grandparents that allows them to have certain powers. Carly uses her powers to make potions to help and fix people. Delia has chosen to make potions to put a hex on people. Carly runs a shop called Little Shop of Potions and Delia runs a boutique called Till Hex Do Us Part. Unfortunately, they never were good friends.
Carly’s parents run a wedding chapel in town. Her three spinster aunts, who happen to be triplets, each own an Inn in town. These three quirky women are known as the Odd Ducks. Carly lives in her grandmother’s old house which is in dire need of renovation. Carly was twice engaged to marry Dylan, a cop in town, but each time one or both of them got cold feet at the altar.
A high society wedding is planned in Hitching Post at Carly’s Mama’s wedding chapel. Landry, the son of the wealthy Senator Warren Calhoun, is marrying his girlfriend, Gabi. Many of the townspeople are very excited at having these important folks in town and are busy trying to get a look at them.
When Carly’s old friend, Katie Sue Perrywinkle shows up at her shop incognito, Carly is very happy to see her and astounded at the changes in her. It turns out Katie now goes by Kathryn Perry and has achieved her dream of becoming an MD. She does not want anyone to know she is in town because there is bad blood between her and some members of her family. In addition, she was in town because of the Calhoun wedding and she had a “score to settle.” But when Katie’s body is found on the rocks below Lover’s Leap, it is assumed she jumped. Did she jump or was she pushed? Who wanted her dead?
Once again, Carly dons her sleuth hat and begins her own investigating. As she gets to know the Calhoun family, clues begin to surface as to why Katie Sue was killed, things heat up and Carly finds herself in danger.
This second novel of the series is really great. Once again, the characters of the town keep us laughing at their antics while everyone is nosily trying to solve this crime.
To introduce readers to The Magic Potion Mystery Series, here is some background:
Carly Hartwell grew up in the town of Hitching Post, Alabama. The town got its name for being the wedding capital of the south. She and her cousin, Delia, inherited a legacy from her great grandparents that allows them to have certain powers. Carly uses her powers to make potions to help and fix people. Delia has chosen to make potions to put a hex on people. Carly runs a shop called Little Shop of Potions and Delia runs a boutique called Till Hex Do Us Part. Unfortunately, they never were good friends.
Carly’s parents run a wedding chapel in town. Her three spinster aunts, who happen to be triplets, each own an Inn in town. These three quirky women are known as the Odd Ducks. Carly lives in her grandmother’s old house which is in dire need of renovation. Carly was twice engaged to marry Dylan, a cop in town, but each time one or both of them got cold feet at the altar.
A high society wedding is planned in Hitching Post at Carly’s Mama’s wedding chapel. Landry, the son of the wealthy Senator Warren Calhoun, is marrying his girlfriend, Gabi. Many of the townspeople are very excited at having these important folks in town and are busy trying to get a look at them.
When Carly’s old friend, Katie Sue Perrywinkle shows up at her shop incognito, Carly is very happy to see her and astounded at the changes in her. It turns out Katie now goes by Kathryn Perry and has achieved her dream of becoming an MD. She does not want anyone to know she is in town because there is bad blood between her and some members of her family. In addition, she was in town because of the Calhoun wedding and she had a “score to settle.” But when Katie’s body is found on the rocks below Lover’s Leap, it is assumed she jumped. Did she jump or was she pushed? Who wanted her dead?
Once again, Carly dons her sleuth hat and begins her own investigating. As she gets to know the Calhoun family, clues begin to surface as to why Katie Sue was killed, things heat up and Carly finds herself in danger.
This second novel of the series is really great. Once again, the characters of the town keep us laughing at their antics while everyone is nosily trying to solve this crime.
September 3, 2016
Taking into account the general light-hearted, fast paced style of cosy mysteries, this was a great little book with a well written plot and lots of lovely warm friendship and family moments that made me feel all nice inside.
September 9, 2016
What a fun series this is! It will keep you laughing and cheering for Carly and her cohorts through the entire book. Heather Blake keeps her readers on their toes with so many twists and turns. The author has a true flair for writing snappy, southern dialogue and bringing the reader right into her story. Her characters aren't just characters in a book- I felt as if I was revisiting old friends.
This was a well written addition to the series. A lot of Southern charm, a dose of humor and a good old-fashioned whodunit. If you're a fan of the series, you have to read it. If you're not, you've got to try it!
Read
June 8, 2015Tragic
Carly Bell Hartwell is able to see people's energy and understand what causing the problem. She healer and well help any one who asks. Carly uses herbs and the tears of a special lily in her practice. One day a woman enters her shop; the woman is a stranger but Carly's witchys wiles come alert. The woman is an childhood friend, Laura Lee. She is town to see her sister and attend the social wedding of two political families. What has triggered Carly's witchy senses? Carly needs to find answers before she looses all that she values
Carly Bell Hartwell is able to see people's energy and understand what causing the problem. She healer and well help any one who asks. Carly uses herbs and the tears of a special lily in her practice. One day a woman enters her shop; the woman is a stranger but Carly's witchys wiles come alert. The woman is an childhood friend, Laura Lee. She is town to see her sister and attend the social wedding of two political families. What has triggered Carly's witchy senses? Carly needs to find answers before she looses all that she values
March 29, 2020
Hitching Post, Alabama, is peopled with an array of quirky and interesting residents. Carly Bell Hartwell runs a potion shop whose wares are enhanced with white magic. Nearby, her frenemy cousin has a hex store and hexes by their very nature dabble in magic of the darker side.Her mother runs a wedding venue that is hosting a celebrity wedding and her aunts, the Odd Ducks, all own B&Bs on the same street. Add in a returning resident determined to cause trouble and you have the recipe for a delightful reading experience. Heather Blake's deft touch for characterization and plotting keep you quickly turning the pages in this multilayered mystery. Definitely comfort food in these trying times.
December 14, 2020
Uhm... Not memorable. I started another book right after this one and I've already forgotten most of this book. I'm not sure I will finish the series.
October 17, 2014
The charming town of Hitching Post, Alabama, may be the wedding capital of the south, but happily-ever-afters are not guaranteed. Local witch Carly Bell Hartwell is thrilled when her old friend Katie Sue stumbles into her potions shop. Unfortunately, there’s a dark cloud over their happy reunion, and Carly senses trouble. When Katie Sue dies under suspicious circumstances, Carly becomes wrapped up in a web of juicy secrets, dirty politics, and nasty family squabbles, trying to solve the case.
ONE POTION IN THE GRAVE is the second book in the Magic Potion Mystery series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! The mystery in this book was really good, with many layers and possible suspects. Carly definitely had her amateur sleuthing work cut out for her in this one. I especially loved that her cousin Delia (the hexer, love her!) and best friend Ainsley helped out again. There’s a history of bad blood between Carly and Delia, and I’m glad to see a possible friendship forming. This book is full of colorful and entertaining characters, like Carly’s eccentric aunts, also know as the “Odd Ducks.” They are hilarious.
Heather Blake is one of my favorite cozy authors, and if you enjoy your mystery with a touch of romance and the paranormal, I highly recommend picking up one of her books!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
ONE POTION IN THE GRAVE is the second book in the Magic Potion Mystery series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! The mystery in this book was really good, with many layers and possible suspects. Carly definitely had her amateur sleuthing work cut out for her in this one. I especially loved that her cousin Delia (the hexer, love her!) and best friend Ainsley helped out again. There’s a history of bad blood between Carly and Delia, and I’m glad to see a possible friendship forming. This book is full of colorful and entertaining characters, like Carly’s eccentric aunts, also know as the “Odd Ducks.” They are hilarious.
Heather Blake is one of my favorite cozy authors, and if you enjoy your mystery with a touch of romance and the paranormal, I highly recommend picking up one of her books!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2014
Fantastic! This is book 2 in the Magic Potion mysteries, and as much as I loved the first book, Heather has outdone herself with this one! We go back to Hitching Post, Alabama with Carly, who finds herself trying to find a killer when an old friend who just returned to town ends up dead. This book has lots of twists and turns, humor, and romance. I absolutely loved it (I hugged the book when I finished), I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because it deserves it! I cannot wait until the next book in this series, because I know I will devour it as I did this one. Do yourself a favor, and pick this one up!
June 9, 2015
Carly Bell Hartwell is able to see people's energy and understand what causing the problem. She healer and well help any one who asks. Carly uses herbs and the tears of a special lily in her practice. One day a woman enters her shop; the woman is a stranger but Carly's witchys wiles come alert. The woman is an childhood friend, Laura Lee. She is town to see her sister and attend the social wedding of two political families. What has triggered Carly's witchy senses? Carly needs to find answers before she looses all that she values
August 11, 2014
I was sent an ARC of Heather's book One Potion in the Grave. I loved the first book in the Magic Potion series and this one was just as good. I find Carly's relationship with her crazy aunts and parents make me laugh out loud. Her back and forth feeling for her ex fiance keep it fun also!
You can't go wrong with any of Heather's book...They are all magically cozy!
You can't go wrong with any of Heather's book...They are all magically cozy!
July 23, 2018
I really like this series, while it has the prerequisite small shops in a picturesque town and quirky characters there is a depth to their relationships and an undercurrent of possibilities that is refreshing. I look forward to the next book.
October 27, 2019
I loved this one as much as the first. I loved Dylan and Ainsley. And Carly's crazy family. The small town of Hitching Post. So pretty much everything.
Can't wait for the third!
Can't wait for the third!
May 28, 2018
3.5* rounded to 4*
In the 2nd instalment of A Magic Potion Mystery there are a few things in play that keep the story and the mystery interesting. Carly's eccentric family and family and friends are back in true form, and it's great to get to know them a bit more.
An old friend comes back to town, and it seems she has ties to the family surrounding the big Calhoun wedding that is going to take place at Carly's mom's wedding chapel. But, not all is champagne and roses for the soon to be married couple, and the result is murder.
Carly is quick to try and solve the case along with her ex fiancé, Dylan, her crazy family, and a few friends. Lots of characters to keep track of, so nice to read on Kindle so you can easily look back to refresh your memory.
All in all, a solid paranormal cozy.
In the 2nd instalment of A Magic Potion Mystery there are a few things in play that keep the story and the mystery interesting. Carly's eccentric family and family and friends are back in true form, and it's great to get to know them a bit more.
An old friend comes back to town, and it seems she has ties to the family surrounding the big Calhoun wedding that is going to take place at Carly's mom's wedding chapel. But, not all is champagne and roses for the soon to be married couple, and the result is murder.
Carly is quick to try and solve the case along with her ex fiancé, Dylan, her crazy family, and a few friends. Lots of characters to keep track of, so nice to read on Kindle so you can easily look back to refresh your memory.
All in all, a solid paranormal cozy.
February 21, 2022
This is the second book in the Magic Potion mysteries. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but I am coming from having just finished the first book in the series. I really liked how the characters have developed over book two. We get more of an insight into Carly's three aunts, the "Odd birds" and we see Carly open her heart again.
I thought that the story about Katie Sue, an old school friend who comes back to town as Kathryn Perry, a successful physician and very polished. She has revenge on her mind and Carly's witchy senses are feeling that danger surrounds Kathryn. When Kathryn is found dead, Carly feels it is her duty to her old friend to uncover her killer.
I thought the dose of magic in Carly's potions and the hints of magic throughout make the book that much more enjoyable. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery with a magical twist.
I thought that the story about Katie Sue, an old school friend who comes back to town as Kathryn Perry, a successful physician and very polished. She has revenge on her mind and Carly's witchy senses are feeling that danger surrounds Kathryn. When Kathryn is found dead, Carly feels it is her duty to her old friend to uncover her killer.
I thought the dose of magic in Carly's potions and the hints of magic throughout make the book that much more enjoyable. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery with a magical twist.
September 26, 2020
3 stars for an escape-book, is like 5 stars to a stellar book (historical fiction, non-fiction, self -help).
Quick, easy, enjoyable, light read.
I thought I was reading the first in the series, but somehow managed to get the second... still quite liked it, and am sure to read more by her when I need a break from real life, news, etc.
Thanks @Cindy for recommending this author. It was exactly what I needed.
Quick, easy, enjoyable, light read.
I thought I was reading the first in the series, but somehow managed to get the second... still quite liked it, and am sure to read more by her when I need a break from real life, news, etc.
Thanks @Cindy for recommending this author. It was exactly what I needed.
March 6, 2023
Carly, Dylan, Ainsley, Delia and the aunts are back for another adventure. This time, Carly’s mom is hosting the wedding of a senator’s son. When a childhood friend comes back into town at the same time the wedding party is also in town, Carly senses danger. Soon her friend is murdered, and a younger sister’s life is also in danger. Carly sets out to find the murderer as well as the source of the sister’s mysterious illness.
July 25, 2017
Really loving this series! Great characters, great story, fun and easy read!
May 23, 2018
I love this series! The characters are well developed and feel real! Great fun read!!
October 7, 2014
I received an ARC of this book and proceeded to read it in one sitting during a flight from OH to CA. I have enjoyed all of Heather's series but at this moment in time (because who knows what she has up her sleeve?) this is my favorite.
As always, the characters are well-written and downright funny at times. Carly's twice-ex fiance is working on rebuilding her house (and tearing down her defenses). Her mom is planning a fabulous wedding in her chapel for one of the state's most powerful family while Carly's aunts are up to all kinds of mischief. (is it possible her cranky Aunt Marjie is actually DATING Johnny Braxton???) Into all this walks a childhood friend of Carly's who's in town because of the big wedding, but not to CELEBRATE the nuptials...while the bride comes to Carly seeking a love potion. Oh yes, there's a lot going on in Hitching Post and Carly and her best friend Ainsley are thick in the middle of it all.
I have to include one little snippet between Carly & Ainsley that made me laugh out loud (yes, on the plane...eek!) because it's just a sample of the humorous moments in this series:
(Ainsley) "They're like the peaches in my backyard. Pretty on the outside, rotten to the core on the inside."
"Wait a sec." I studied her. "You didn't use those peaches in the cobbler you brought in yesterday, did you?"
Mischief twinkles in her eyes. "Why? You been feeling puny?"
This was why she was a SOMEWHAT reformed wild child. Every once in a while the crazy popped right out of her, like a jack-in-the-box.
If you haven't read the first in the series, "A Potion to Die For", I highly recommend you read it and then either pre-order or mark your calendar for the release on October 7th!
As always, the characters are well-written and downright funny at times. Carly's twice-ex fiance is working on rebuilding her house (and tearing down her defenses). Her mom is planning a fabulous wedding in her chapel for one of the state's most powerful family while Carly's aunts are up to all kinds of mischief. (is it possible her cranky Aunt Marjie is actually DATING Johnny Braxton???) Into all this walks a childhood friend of Carly's who's in town because of the big wedding, but not to CELEBRATE the nuptials...while the bride comes to Carly seeking a love potion. Oh yes, there's a lot going on in Hitching Post and Carly and her best friend Ainsley are thick in the middle of it all.
I have to include one little snippet between Carly & Ainsley that made me laugh out loud (yes, on the plane...eek!) because it's just a sample of the humorous moments in this series:
(Ainsley) "They're like the peaches in my backyard. Pretty on the outside, rotten to the core on the inside."
"Wait a sec." I studied her. "You didn't use those peaches in the cobbler you brought in yesterday, did you?"
Mischief twinkles in her eyes. "Why? You been feeling puny?"
This was why she was a SOMEWHAT reformed wild child. Every once in a while the crazy popped right out of her, like a jack-in-the-box.
If you haven't read the first in the series, "A Potion to Die For", I highly recommend you read it and then either pre-order or mark your calendar for the release on October 7th!
October 26, 2014
One Potion in the Grave is the second book in the A Magic Potion Mystery series.
Carly Hartwell owns the Little Shop of Potions and will gladly mix almost any kind of potion for you.
Things are a hopping in the little community as the Senator Calhoun's family is in town for the wedding of his son to pageant queen, Gabrielle Greenleigh. As Carly is about to go over to her mother's wedding chapel to help get ready for the wedding, her friend, Katie Sue, comes in to her store. Katie Sue left town some ten years ago and has a complete makeover and Carly hardly recognized her. Katie says that she is back to get even with the Calhoun's, but doesn't go any further than that. When Katie turns up dead, Carly is determined to find the murderer and to bring them to justice. As Carly begins to dig for answers, she's not sure if it was the Calhoun family or Katie own family trying to get her considerable inheritance.
As with all of Blake's/Webber's books this one has a cast of wonderful characers. Her aunts are funny and have to be a handful to keep in line. And just maybe Carly can rekindle the flames of passion under Deputy Dylin.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
Carly Hartwell owns the Little Shop of Potions and will gladly mix almost any kind of potion for you.
Things are a hopping in the little community as the Senator Calhoun's family is in town for the wedding of his son to pageant queen, Gabrielle Greenleigh. As Carly is about to go over to her mother's wedding chapel to help get ready for the wedding, her friend, Katie Sue, comes in to her store. Katie Sue left town some ten years ago and has a complete makeover and Carly hardly recognized her. Katie says that she is back to get even with the Calhoun's, but doesn't go any further than that. When Katie turns up dead, Carly is determined to find the murderer and to bring them to justice. As Carly begins to dig for answers, she's not sure if it was the Calhoun family or Katie own family trying to get her considerable inheritance.
As with all of Blake's/Webber's books this one has a cast of wonderful characers. Her aunts are funny and have to be a handful to keep in line. And just maybe Carly can rekindle the flames of passion under Deputy Dylin.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
April 12, 2019
Katie Sue had made something of herself after leaving Hitching Post. She'd become a doctor and fallen in love with a country musician/Senator's son. However, the senator and his family dont think Kathryn is good enough for his bid for the presidency, so they forbid the marriage and arrange a wedding with a more appropriate bride, Gabi. Katie wont give up on love though and returns to town to blackmail the Calhouns to allow her to marry Landry. Cassandra Landry wasn't actually paralyzed and Katie was going to reveal it. So Cassie killed Katie and framed Katie's mom and stepdad with Katie's jewelry. While not Katie's murderers, her mom and stepdad were poisoning Jamie Lynn to get her inheritance. Delia saved Carly's life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2014
You will love the good versus evil in this story by Heather Blake. It's a small town's version of the Salem witches, but with family ties. I can't imagine much better than a little magic and a murder and this book gives you both. There's a new girl in town, or is she an old friend with a different look? What happens made me cry in more than one place. Heather Blake makes reading her books feel like you are right there. You feel what the characters feel, can smell the same smells and laugh at the same thing. This is one of my favorite witch/mystery series and I can't wait for the next one to come out.
December 18, 2023
I give this a 3.5.
I do enjoy the small town vibe and everyone knows everyone. The potion shop I adore. Dylan and Care bear as he likes to call her, just need to get together already and be married. I also adore her cats. Make my heart swell.<3
Sometimes listening to the audiobook the narrator annoyed me . Also so many characters to keep up with. You really have to pay attention.
This series really miss Fall very much. So fall please hurry! Lol
I do enjoy the small town vibe and everyone knows everyone. The potion shop I adore. Dylan and Care bear as he likes to call her, just need to get together already and be married. I also adore her cats. Make my heart swell.<3
Sometimes listening to the audiobook the narrator annoyed me . Also so many characters to keep up with. You really have to pay attention.
This series really miss Fall very much. So fall please hurry! Lol
May 7, 2015
I love the magical and mysterious worlds this author is able to create on the pages of her books! There was a big, obvious theme throughout the book that the main character refused to notice or consider, which was slightly annoying. However, many elements of the mystery were still difficult to figure out so I found the book enjoyable. I'll look forward to the next one!
October 27, 2022
The first book of this series was so good! This was not bad; it just felt long in some parts. I still had a connection with the main character, but the relationships seemed to be very bland. There was a spark happening between her and the cop, but that was it. I think that if your friend dies you would have a bigger emotional impact than what was written.
June 4, 2017
Cute series, but definitely too convenient of an ending. Still think the southern bits are too phony and not realistic. And I much prefer her other series, but unlike most modern cozies, this one is not ridiculously insane and inane. ;)
December 8, 2014
Heather Blake wrote another winner! Loved the book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
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