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Magical Bookstore Mysteries #1
Hardbacks and Hexes
Arabella hides an extraordinary secret: she is a witch, known only to the spirit of her late grandmother. Living a simple life as a café worker and vegetable seller, she avoids using her powers, despite her grandmother's encouragement. But her quiet existence is shattered when a stranger publicly accuses her of witchcraft. The next day, this accuser is found dead, and Arabella becomes the prime suspect.
With suspicion growing and her grandmother urging her to embrace her magical heritage, Arabella must navigate a labyrinth of past connections and hidden truths. Her only lead? A
business card from the victim, revealing ties to a coven that includes Arabella's estranged best friend, Danica. As she delves deeper, Arabella uncovers a tragic tale of love and betrayal.
In a race against time to clear her name, Arabella confronts the true cost of her secret. Hardbacks and Hexes is a spellbinding paranormal cozy mystery, where the lines between the mundane and magical blur, and a witch must confront her past to protect her future.
With suspicion growing and her grandmother urging her to embrace her magical heritage, Arabella must navigate a labyrinth of past connections and hidden truths. Her only lead? A
business card from the victim, revealing ties to a coven that includes Arabella's estranged best friend, Danica. As she delves deeper, Arabella uncovers a tragic tale of love and betrayal.
In a race against time to clear her name, Arabella confronts the true cost of her secret. Hardbacks and Hexes is a spellbinding paranormal cozy mystery, where the lines between the mundane and magical blur, and a witch must confront her past to protect her future.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2024
54 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Sue Hollowell
260 books428 followersGet a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.
The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.
Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.
She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.
Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.
The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.
Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.
She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.
Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 16, 2024
Arabella is a witch who doesn’t practice witchcraft
because of what happened when she was young. She is surprised at her farmer’s market stall when a woman she’s never seen before accosts her and tells her she needs to come back to the coven she’s never belonged to! The woman is finally escorted away but the next day the police show up and inform her the woman has been murdered and she is suspected of the crime.
The individual in the next stall to her at the farmer’s market begs her to take a little dog he has that she falls in love with and the ghost of her late grandmother now are Arabella’s companions as she sets out to prove her innocence! She realizes she is going to have to resort to magic to reveal who the killer was so she works the spells and is finally rewarded with a name. She notified the detective who it is and where she’ll be and leaves to meet the
individual to hopefully get him to confess and have the detective there as backup.
This is a new series by Sue and I believe Arabella is
going to be a hit with readers! She is quiet and withdrawn at the onset but comes into her own when
she knows she is the only one who is going to keep herself from going to jail or prison for a crime she didn’t commit so she does what she has to do to find out who actually murdered the woman she is being accused of killing!
Having an adorable little dog and the ghost of her grandmother for companions can’t go wrong either!
Getting reacquainted with an old best friend as well will help I’m sure in future stories.
I recommend this book as one I think you’ll like. If you’ve read and loved Sue’s other books you’ll love this one as well!
because of what happened when she was young. She is surprised at her farmer’s market stall when a woman she’s never seen before accosts her and tells her she needs to come back to the coven she’s never belonged to! The woman is finally escorted away but the next day the police show up and inform her the woman has been murdered and she is suspected of the crime.
The individual in the next stall to her at the farmer’s market begs her to take a little dog he has that she falls in love with and the ghost of her late grandmother now are Arabella’s companions as she sets out to prove her innocence! She realizes she is going to have to resort to magic to reveal who the killer was so she works the spells and is finally rewarded with a name. She notified the detective who it is and where she’ll be and leaves to meet the
individual to hopefully get him to confess and have the detective there as backup.
This is a new series by Sue and I believe Arabella is
going to be a hit with readers! She is quiet and withdrawn at the onset but comes into her own when
she knows she is the only one who is going to keep herself from going to jail or prison for a crime she didn’t commit so she does what she has to do to find out who actually murdered the woman she is being accused of killing!
Having an adorable little dog and the ghost of her grandmother for companions can’t go wrong either!
Getting reacquainted with an old best friend as well will help I’m sure in future stories.
I recommend this book as one I think you’ll like. If you’ve read and loved Sue’s other books you’ll love this one as well!
September 12, 2024
Arabella lives a seemingly ordinary life, splitting her days between working at a cozy café and selling vegetables at the market. Yet, beneath this unassuming facade, she hides an extraordinary secret: Arabella is a witch, a truth known only to her grandmother's spirit. Reluctant to embrace her powers, she has always chosen the path of normalcy—until her peaceful life is shattered when a stranger publicly accuses her of witchcraft. The next morning, the accuser is found dead, and suspicion quickly turns toward Arabella.
With her grandmother’s spirit urging her to embrace her magical heritage, Arabella must uncover the mystery behind the accusation. Her only clue? A business card that reveals ties to a hidden world she left behind, one involving a former best friend and a tangled history of betrayal and secrets.
Inspired by the spellbinding storytelling of author Sue Hollowell, Hardbacks and Hexes takes readers on an enchanting journey, blending magic, mystery, and self-discovery. With Hollowell’s signature blend of compelling characters and gripping twists, this cozy paranormal mystery delivers the kind of page-turning suspense and heartfelt charm that her readers have come to love. Arabella’s quest to clear her name is not just about solving a crime—it’s about finding herself in the process, a theme Hollowell masterfully weaves through her spellbinding narrative.
With her grandmother’s spirit urging her to embrace her magical heritage, Arabella must uncover the mystery behind the accusation. Her only clue? A business card that reveals ties to a hidden world she left behind, one involving a former best friend and a tangled history of betrayal and secrets.
Inspired by the spellbinding storytelling of author Sue Hollowell, Hardbacks and Hexes takes readers on an enchanting journey, blending magic, mystery, and self-discovery. With Hollowell’s signature blend of compelling characters and gripping twists, this cozy paranormal mystery delivers the kind of page-turning suspense and heartfelt charm that her readers have come to love. Arabella’s quest to clear her name is not just about solving a crime—it’s about finding herself in the process, a theme Hollowell masterfully weaves through her spellbinding narrative.
September 10, 2024
I love everything this author writes! This first book in the new series, Magical Bookstore Mysteries is a great beginning. We are introduced to the main character, Arabella, who although she's a witch, she keeps it well hidden. She loves growing and selling her produce and herbs as well as working in the cafe. She ran from anything witch even though the ghost of her grandma, Gigi, keeps encouraging her to use her magic. When she is in her booth at the Farmer's Market, she is confronted by Hen, a local witch who tried to convince her to join the coven. When Hen is escorted away, her neighbor in the booth next to her asks her to please adopt his french bulldog, Marcel. What a character! Is he magic? But when Hen the annoying witch is found dead, Arabella is the prime suspect. She knows that she has to find the real murderer before she ends up in jail for a murder she did not commit. Urged by her spirit Gigi, she knows she will have to use her magic. There are so many twists and turns in this and the evolution of a great main character, with the cutest dog that you just can't put this book down once you begin! I highly recommend this first book of the series with the anticipation of more to come! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
October 16, 2024
Good
WARNING: Ends with a bookhook cliffhanger- this story is done and dusted, but a new tale is introduced with a hook at the end.
An odd encounter at the farmer’s market, leads to natural born witch Arabella Blackwood being accused of murder.
Since she doesn’t even practise her magic, Arabella isn’t sure where to find the real culprit, but with the help of her Ghostly Grandmother, and a very dapper dog, she’s determined to clear her name.
Arabella is, to put it bluntly, a scaredy cat. Oh it’s not without cause, but she seems to be terrified of almost everything, which makes her a little hard to like at times, but definitely makes for a more interesting story.
This isn’t a deep or dark mystery, and there is a minimal amount of magic used (although I suspect Arabella’s garden may be an instance of her using her magic rather unwittingly). That being said, Marcel the French Bulldog is definitely the star of the book, and the story is a cosy and entertaining read.
If you enjoy paranormal cosy mysteries, then this would be right up your alley.
WARNING: Ends with a bookhook cliffhanger- this story is done and dusted, but a new tale is introduced with a hook at the end.
An odd encounter at the farmer’s market, leads to natural born witch Arabella Blackwood being accused of murder.
Since she doesn’t even practise her magic, Arabella isn’t sure where to find the real culprit, but with the help of her Ghostly Grandmother, and a very dapper dog, she’s determined to clear her name.
Arabella is, to put it bluntly, a scaredy cat. Oh it’s not without cause, but she seems to be terrified of almost everything, which makes her a little hard to like at times, but definitely makes for a more interesting story.
This isn’t a deep or dark mystery, and there is a minimal amount of magic used (although I suspect Arabella’s garden may be an instance of her using her magic rather unwittingly). That being said, Marcel the French Bulldog is definitely the star of the book, and the story is a cosy and entertaining read.
If you enjoy paranormal cosy mysteries, then this would be right up your alley.
December 14, 2024
I loved this fun new paranormal cozy mystery. Sue Hollowell as created a character with more complexity than the typical armature sleuth. Arabella may be a born witch, but she wants nothing to do with magic. As the story progresses, we find out why she is afraid to practice magic, despite the urgings of her confidant and best friend - her grandmother, whose ghost still resides in the family home. She would rather be an ordinary woman with a vegetable and herb business. She makes a new friend at the farmer's market who recognizes that she is special, and soon she is adopted by his adorable inherited French bulldog who has a penchant for wearing dapper doggy outfits. 32When she suddenly becomes the only suspect in a murder, she feels pressured to use magic to solve the case, The remise may be a cozy mystery trope, but the characters are engaging. Arabella grows into her a more confident person, her ghostly grandmother is a hoot, and Maurice the Frenchy makes an adorable familiar. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 6, 2024
I love all things Sue Hollowell and this does not disappoint, This is book one in The Magical Bookstore cozy mystery series. Arabella is a witch that does not practice, known only to the spirit of her late grandmother. Arabella is at the farmers market selling her produce and herbs when she is verbally accosted by a women she does not know yelling that she needs to join the coven. She is found murdered the next day and Arabella is a suspect. A man who is in the stall across from her, Delmar; wants her to adopt his dog Marcel. She does, and Marcel loves the spirit of her late grandmother. Marcel must be a magical dog. Arabella looks into who might be the real killer, are their other suspects? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Sue Hollowell!!!
August 12, 2024
Hardbacks and Hexes is a great first in a new series book by Sue Hollowell. Sue always manages to create great characters and solve thrilling mysteries that I’ve been enjoying for years now. Arabella is a witch in denial who sells herbs that she grows at the Farmer’s Market and the cafe where is works. Shortly after she turns down an offer to join the local coven, Hen, the witch who tried to convince her, turns up dead and Arabella is arrested for her murder. With the help of her best friend, a magical French Bulldog, and by embracing her own powers, Arabella sets out to find the real murderer and save herself. If you like cozy paranormal mysteries, you are sure to enjoy this book.
July 22, 2024
Arabella, who is a witch but tries to deny it, grows herbs to sell at the Farmer’s Market & the cafe where she works. At the market she is confronted by one of the witches from the local coven wanting her to join, but she won’t. At the next stall there is a little French bulldog (who is magical!) comes to her & helps to settle her down. Arabella lives with her grandmother, who is a ghost. Hen the witch that confronted her is found murdered, Arabella is arrested for it. Arabella then has a big struggle to come to terms with using her magic to get free & not re-arrested.
August 6, 2024
I read this book a while ago and then again today. I really enjoy the characters and my favourite is the dog! Marcel has a lot of character and loves to wear ties and hats. Arabella loves to work with plants and growing things, however once she is caught up in a murder she realizes that she may need to use her witchcraft which she left behind her when bad things happened. With her childhood friend she starts to work on it again and uses it to help her solve a murder. I would recommend this book, a good start to the series. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2024
Hardbacks and Hexes (Magical Bookstore Mysteries Book 1), my thirty-first highly-enjoyable read from author Sue Hollowell. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Sherbet and Shenanigans (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 9) high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book about a reluctant witch, who is afraid to use her power. After being confronted by someone who subsequently dies, leaving Arabella as suspect number 1, she takes a closer look at her magical heritage. She winds up adopting a cute and fashion-conscious French Bulldog, who loves picking out his bow ties and hats! Marcel has captured my heart! Enjoy this book that has Arabella trying to solve a murder to prove her innocence!
September 5, 2024
I received a copy from the author.
Arabella is a very sweet, likeable character. She sells her herbs at a farmer's market where she is approached by a woman wanting her to join a coven. Arabella is a very reluctant witch. It's all new to her. Then, the woman is killed and Arabella is a suspect. Along with her pup and roommate (who just happens to be the ghost of her granny), she's determined to clear her name. This is a great start for a new series by a great author.
Arabella is a very sweet, likeable character. She sells her herbs at a farmer's market where she is approached by a woman wanting her to join a coven. Arabella is a very reluctant witch. It's all new to her. Then, the woman is killed and Arabella is a suspect. Along with her pup and roommate (who just happens to be the ghost of her granny), she's determined to clear her name. This is a great start for a new series by a great author.
October 31, 2024
Cute but lacking
After finishing I am not left with an urgency to read the next. The dog is cute, but the main character makes a lot of assumptions that propel her forward rather than giving her challenges. Some Mary Sue Territory here. It just felt like there could have been a tighter plot. I also am perplexed as to how the title and series header makes sense. The only bookstore in the story is a side location. Maybe it will become more apparent in later books.
After finishing I am not left with an urgency to read the next. The dog is cute, but the main character makes a lot of assumptions that propel her forward rather than giving her challenges. Some Mary Sue Territory here. It just felt like there could have been a tighter plot. I also am perplexed as to how the title and series header makes sense. The only bookstore in the story is a side location. Maybe it will become more apparent in later books.
November 7, 2024
I really enjoyed the author’s first venture into paranormal cozy mysteries and I know I'll be reading the next one. From the minute Arabella met the adorable French bulldog Marcel, I knew he'd work his way into her heart. Delmer and Gigi are awesome characters too and I hope Delmer’s gonna be recurring.
It was interesting how Arabella figured out whodunit and had a planned showdown. She was definitely confident by now but Marcel did come in handy. I'll be borrowing the next book soon from KU.
It was interesting how Arabella figured out whodunit and had a planned showdown. She was definitely confident by now but Marcel did come in handy. I'll be borrowing the next book soon from KU.
April 15, 2024
Paranormal cozy
Ms. Hollowell pens a paranormal cozy about a witch denying her gift until she gets dragged into a murder case. She needs the help of her deceased granny, her familiar and her gift to prove her innocence. Hints of possible upcoming romance.
I received an arc to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same
Ms. Hollowell pens a paranormal cozy about a witch denying her gift until she gets dragged into a murder case. She needs the help of her deceased granny, her familiar and her gift to prove her innocence. Hints of possible upcoming romance.
I received an arc to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same
August 4, 2024
Ms. Holowell gives us a wonderful new series with this first book! The writing flows and is easy to read. I read it in one sitting. The protagonist is a lovely, young woman who has a gentle soul. She’s someone with whom you could become friends. I loved everything about this book! I encourage you to read it! Looking forward to the next one!
August 7, 2024
Arabella, a young witch in denial, and magical dog Marcel are living with her grandmother who's a ghost. Complicated? No. I read this book a while ago and I loved it. I really enjoy the characters and the story. This is a good start to this new series. I can recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
September 5, 2024
This is a fantastic mystery with some delightful characters. Marcel, the dog is so adorable and entrancing. Arabella's dilemma and her handling of it made this an intriguing and poignant read. You won't want to put this book down until you finish it. There is so much heart and angst here in this book that it was a pure delight to read!!!
September 6, 2024
Hard backs and Hexes( A magical bookstore mystery book 1
A witch who does not practice due to her fears of hurting others, gets accused of murder. Her Grandmothers spirit wants her to embrace her magic, and to prove her innocence she does with the he!p of a darling dog.
A witch who does not practice due to her fears of hurting others, gets accused of murder. Her Grandmothers spirit wants her to embrace her magic, and to prove her innocence she does with the he!p of a darling dog.
September 6, 2024
Ms. Hollowell is a new author to me but I believe I will be reading more of her works. I enjoyed this start of a new series. There was significant angst with the main character, which added to the plot of the story. There was also humor and Marcel was a delight. Recommend reading.
January 6, 2025
Great start to a new series
I enjoyed this book. I loved the concept that she didn't practice her powers because she feared them. This going to be an exciting series. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I enjoyed this book. I loved the concept that she didn't practice her powers because she feared them. This going to be an exciting series. I can't wait to read more in this series.
December 4, 2024
Great Book
I loved this book. There were so many great characters. The twists and turns kept coming throughout the book. It was a fast-paced read.
I loved this book. There were so many great characters. The twists and turns kept coming throughout the book. It was a fast-paced read.
January 16, 2025
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it has everything you could want in a book, great storyline, fantastic characters, murder, magic and a fabulously dressed frenchie
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it has everything you could want in a book, great storyline, fantastic characters, murder, magic and a fabulously dressed frenchie
March 4, 2025
Cute little cozy witchy mystery. I’m not sure these are totally for me, I feel like I need higher stakes. But Marcel the French bulldog was adorable!
Read
March 20, 2025DNF, I will read this later
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews