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Magical Mystery Book Club #6
Secrets and Scallywags
When this club selects a book, magic happens. They become the main characters in the story when the mystery comes to life.
This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.
When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.
Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.
"You can’t enough of this series! It will blow you away!"
~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.
When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.
Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.
"You can’t enough of this series! It will blow you away!"
~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2023
166 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Pantley
65 books458 followersElizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 10, 2023
The book club’s selection this time involves a ship wreck and pirates. When the group joins the story they meet a group of ghost pirates. Someone has plundered the ghost’s treasure. The ghost can move on nor can the book club return until the treasure is returned.
This is such a fun and unique series. As a cozy mystery lover myself I would love to be in a book club like this one. All of the characters are entertaining and give something to the storyline. In this book I love how Molly gets to interact with the other ghosts. She doesn’t feel so different especially when it came to eating food. The mystery is full of twists. Even though I thought I knew who was be hind the thefts I couldn’t figure out who was the killer. The answer to that was took me by surprise.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
This is such a fun and unique series. As a cozy mystery lover myself I would love to be in a book club like this one. All of the characters are entertaining and give something to the storyline. In this book I love how Molly gets to interact with the other ghosts. She doesn’t feel so different especially when it came to eating food. The mystery is full of twists. Even though I thought I knew who was be hind the thefts I couldn’t figure out who was the killer. The answer to that was took me by surprise.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
September 21, 2023
Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley is the fifth book in the Magical Mystery Book Club series Though it’s the fifth book, it can be read as a standalone book since the club has a new member who needs to understand how the book club and its magic work. Therefore, you, as the reader, get to find out a bit about current members and why former members leave. As you can tell from the title, this club is magical, so the reason members leave just might be magical too! Secrets and Scallywags is the second book in this series that I’ve given five stars to. The other was the first book. (I’ve given four stars to the others, and they’re very good!) This one is excellent.
The Magical Mystery Book Club consists of eight members (You’ll see that there is an exception to the rule, but I don’t want to spoil that for you!) who are magically transported into the cozy mystery book they choose to read. As you can see from the book’s synopsis, the club are transported to an island on which a sunken pirate ship has surfaced and rumors fly about a possible treasure. One of the members fears that the pirates will harm them, but the others are excited to meet pirates! When they do meet the pirates, they find that the pirates are ghosts who need their help. As with the other books the club has been transported into, they have to solve the mystery in order to reach the end and go home!
I adore these characters and feel like they really got to shine in Secrets and Scallywags. If you are someone who enjoys reading book series from the beginning, I recommend you do. The characters will become like old friends to you. There’s a quirky, food-obsessed octogenarian as well as a talking cat who have been with the group since before the current owners inherited the inn. You’ll learn about that in the book. These two characters’ banter is very amusing. In addition to the book club members, I really liked the ghost pirates.
Secrets and Scallywags is a character driven book, and I really could appreciate the characters more in this book. Almost all of what the characters do pushes the plot forward. Rather than spending so much time at their inn, the book club gets out and explores the island and its places of business. In one such place, they discover a dead body much to the chagrin of the new member. The club has to remind her that while everything they’re experiencing seems real, they’re really in a cozy mystery book solving the mystery!
If you like magical cozy mystery books, I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy Secrets and Scallywags. The characters are entertaining, the plot is engaging, and the mystery is exciting! I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Magical Mystery Book Club consists of eight members (You’ll see that there is an exception to the rule, but I don’t want to spoil that for you!) who are magically transported into the cozy mystery book they choose to read. As you can see from the book’s synopsis, the club are transported to an island on which a sunken pirate ship has surfaced and rumors fly about a possible treasure. One of the members fears that the pirates will harm them, but the others are excited to meet pirates! When they do meet the pirates, they find that the pirates are ghosts who need their help. As with the other books the club has been transported into, they have to solve the mystery in order to reach the end and go home!
I adore these characters and feel like they really got to shine in Secrets and Scallywags. If you are someone who enjoys reading book series from the beginning, I recommend you do. The characters will become like old friends to you. There’s a quirky, food-obsessed octogenarian as well as a talking cat who have been with the group since before the current owners inherited the inn. You’ll learn about that in the book. These two characters’ banter is very amusing. In addition to the book club members, I really liked the ghost pirates.
Secrets and Scallywags is a character driven book, and I really could appreciate the characters more in this book. Almost all of what the characters do pushes the plot forward. Rather than spending so much time at their inn, the book club gets out and explores the island and its places of business. In one such place, they discover a dead body much to the chagrin of the new member. The club has to remind her that while everything they’re experiencing seems real, they’re really in a cozy mystery book solving the mystery!
If you like magical cozy mystery books, I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy Secrets and Scallywags. The characters are entertaining, the plot is engaging, and the mystery is exciting! I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 27, 2025
(3.75 stars)
Secrets and Scallywags is another fun adventure for the members of the Magical Mystery Book Club. This time they are transported to an island on which a sunken pirate ship has resurfaced on the beach. The story revolves around them helping the ghostly pirates on board the ship to move on, by finding their lost treasure.
The premise of this series is that the eight members of this book club choose a book to “read” each month, but this isn’t a normal book club. There’s magic! When they choose a book, the members find themselves in the story itself. They generally have to solve a mystery of some sort and this one was a bit different, in that it wasn’t a murder or similar crime.
I enjoy this series but for some reason that I can’t quite name, this one didn’t resonate as much with me as some of the others in the series. Nevertheless, I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with paranormal features. The recurring characters are charming and varied and they are a large part of the enjoyment.
While this is book six in the series, I think this would work well as a standalone or en entry into the series. There’s a new member of the book club and so the magical aspects need to be explained to her and therefore to the reader.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Secrets and Scallywags is another fun adventure for the members of the Magical Mystery Book Club. This time they are transported to an island on which a sunken pirate ship has resurfaced on the beach. The story revolves around them helping the ghostly pirates on board the ship to move on, by finding their lost treasure.
The premise of this series is that the eight members of this book club choose a book to “read” each month, but this isn’t a normal book club. There’s magic! When they choose a book, the members find themselves in the story itself. They generally have to solve a mystery of some sort and this one was a bit different, in that it wasn’t a murder or similar crime.
I enjoy this series but for some reason that I can’t quite name, this one didn’t resonate as much with me as some of the others in the series. Nevertheless, I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with paranormal features. The recurring characters are charming and varied and they are a large part of the enjoyment.
While this is book six in the series, I think this would work well as a standalone or en entry into the series. There’s a new member of the book club and so the magical aspects need to be explained to her and therefore to the reader.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2023
The Magical Mystery Book Club is back for another exciting adventure. If you haven’t heard about this book club before, it’s a unique one for sure. They choose a book to read and immediately get transported into the story. They become characters and cannot go home until they solve the mystery. Sounds like a fun time to me.
This time they are going to Crescent Moon Bay. A small island community that is quite peaceful. Well, it was peaceful until pirates showed up and stole treasure. Now, there are a group of men stuck on the boat that was robbed and they are taking the shape of ghosts. The only thing that will free them is the return of their treasure. The book club vows to help them. They have no choice since it means they can’t return to their home if they don’t.
I’m always happy when I hear a new entry in this paranormal, cozy mystery series is being released. The members of this book club feel like old friends. The author does a great job of creating a group that fits together perfectly even with all their differences. We even have a handsome Siamese talking cat named Frank who always makes me smile.
Each book can really be read on its own as the author provides background information, but I think it’s so much more fun to join in from book #1 and experience the whole journey from the beginning.
This is the perfect escape from reality. For me, it’s a “feel good” series filled with enchantment, charm and a complete delight to lose myself for a few hours. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This time they are going to Crescent Moon Bay. A small island community that is quite peaceful. Well, it was peaceful until pirates showed up and stole treasure. Now, there are a group of men stuck on the boat that was robbed and they are taking the shape of ghosts. The only thing that will free them is the return of their treasure. The book club vows to help them. They have no choice since it means they can’t return to their home if they don’t.
I’m always happy when I hear a new entry in this paranormal, cozy mystery series is being released. The members of this book club feel like old friends. The author does a great job of creating a group that fits together perfectly even with all their differences. We even have a handsome Siamese talking cat named Frank who always makes me smile.
Each book can really be read on its own as the author provides background information, but I think it’s so much more fun to join in from book #1 and experience the whole journey from the beginning.
This is the perfect escape from reality. For me, it’s a “feel good” series filled with enchantment, charm and a complete delight to lose myself for a few hours. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2024
Listening to the audiobook just made this wonderful, fantasy book shine more. Read via AI, there is a bit of an adjustment period. Once you become use to the rhythm and tone, you find yourself noticing nothing but the wonderful words that draw you into the book.
The merry band of misfits are back. This time, the new addition is Valeria who is excited about joining the magical mystery book club after she hears how it works. The author is the best at creating normal characters with idiosyncrasies that work so well within the story of the story. A perfect example is Moonbeam; a simple hippy, who doesn’t hesitate to defend her beliefs.
The plot was entertaining with some unexpected surprises as the mystery crew attempts to help the ghostly crew of a sunken pirate ship. There is plenty of merry making along with the darkness of unexpected deaths. As the crew attempts to solve the mystery, they are taken along on a treasure hunt that has some surprises of it’s own. The author lets out a few hints regarding Frank, the talking cat, who has some secrets of his own. The setting was at a beach side community, and I loved how all the characters were excited about it.
The thing I love the most about the author’s style of writing is that it feels like you’re sitting at the librarian’s feet and listening to the best story. Her words never fail to transport you to the best world, magical or not.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
The merry band of misfits are back. This time, the new addition is Valeria who is excited about joining the magical mystery book club after she hears how it works. The author is the best at creating normal characters with idiosyncrasies that work so well within the story of the story. A perfect example is Moonbeam; a simple hippy, who doesn’t hesitate to defend her beliefs.
The plot was entertaining with some unexpected surprises as the mystery crew attempts to help the ghostly crew of a sunken pirate ship. There is plenty of merry making along with the darkness of unexpected deaths. As the crew attempts to solve the mystery, they are taken along on a treasure hunt that has some surprises of it’s own. The author lets out a few hints regarding Frank, the talking cat, who has some secrets of his own. The setting was at a beach side community, and I loved how all the characters were excited about it.
The thing I love the most about the author’s style of writing is that it feels like you’re sitting at the librarian’s feet and listening to the best story. Her words never fail to transport you to the best world, magical or not.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
Pirates Ho
This is one of the best series of books I have ever read. Each one makes me wish I was part of the Snapdragon Book Club, but I guess getting so caught up in the books makes it so. This book was an amazing adventure with ghostly pirates and the book club members having to solve the pirates' mystery before they can return home. This story was fun, mysterious and made me love a unique pirate story like none I had read before. Now I want to jump onto the next book in the series as soon as it is available.
This is one of the best series of books I have ever read. Each one makes me wish I was part of the Snapdragon Book Club, but I guess getting so caught up in the books makes it so. This book was an amazing adventure with ghostly pirates and the book club members having to solve the pirates' mystery before they can return home. This story was fun, mysterious and made me love a unique pirate story like none I had read before. Now I want to jump onto the next book in the series as soon as it is available.
July 9, 2024
I LOVED this book. It is so amazing how Elizabeth Pantley can write about these characters going into the books and, at the same time, pulling me into the book with them. These characters are such an amazing group: I love how they tease each other and how they help each other. I can't wait for their next mystery.
August 15, 2023
Elizabeth Pantley has one of the BEST creative minds that I know. Her books will take readers on such an amazing journey and adventure that you will forget you are sitting on your couch in your living room or wherever you sit and read. Hopefully you are a fan and have read the previous books in her Magical Mystery Book Club series and are ready to read the fifth one, Secrets and Scallywags. If not, I highly encourage you to grab your copies, a snack and a beverage and get lost for a while with Paige, Glo, Zell and the rest of the book club members.
In Secrets and Scallywags the book club members are about to interview for the spot left by Vee who decided to stay in the last book the group traveled to......maybe I should backtrack a bit. Paige and her Aunt Glo inherited the Snapdragon Inn from Paige's great-grandmother. The Inn has a magical, enchanted library in the basement where the members of the bookclub picks a book and when they begin to read the book out loud, they will be whisked away into the book and they will have to solve whatever mystery the story is about in order to return home. When they are "inside" the book, the Inn travels with them and provides what they need and adapts to the timeframe that the story takes place in.
Okay so now in Secrets and Scallywags the group meet Valeria who has just found out that she has a twin sister, Valentina, and her research has brought her to the Snapdragon Inn. The group cannot believe how much she looks like Vee and invite her in to talk.....next thing you know she is more than willing to join the magical book club and they head down to the basement to pick their next book.
The group decides on Freedom for the Ghosts on the Boat and are whisked away to Crescent Moon Bay where a pirate boat has reappeared after it was sunk a year ago. When the group goes to the boat to begin their investigation, they are introduced to the Captain of the boat, his parrot and three crew members.....all of which are ghosts. That is not really a huge surprise as one of the book members, Molly, is a ghost they adopted when they solved her murder in a book from the Wild West. Anyway.....Captain Scallywag tells them the story that they are good pirates but were attacked and robbed and the bracelet with the magical powers was stolen so they have been unable to wonder away from their boat.
Everyone in the book club decide to head into town and get some food and talk up the locals to see what they can find out. They soon find the magical bracelet but two of the stones are missing. Then they find one of the stones in a box with other stolen items and return it to the Captain. Unfortunately the magic of the stone results in the death of the person who was in possession of the stone........
Readers are going to fall in love with this book as well as the previous books. How can you not ?? There is a book club with loveable characters, a ghost and a talking cat.....they go into a magical library and get whisked away inside books and meet lots of other people, solve murders and what not, enjoy the adventure and return home with great stories to relive. If I didn't hate traveling I would totally join the book club but I thoroughly enjoy reading about the fun they have.....and so will you !!!!
In Secrets and Scallywags the book club members are about to interview for the spot left by Vee who decided to stay in the last book the group traveled to......maybe I should backtrack a bit. Paige and her Aunt Glo inherited the Snapdragon Inn from Paige's great-grandmother. The Inn has a magical, enchanted library in the basement where the members of the bookclub picks a book and when they begin to read the book out loud, they will be whisked away into the book and they will have to solve whatever mystery the story is about in order to return home. When they are "inside" the book, the Inn travels with them and provides what they need and adapts to the timeframe that the story takes place in.
Okay so now in Secrets and Scallywags the group meet Valeria who has just found out that she has a twin sister, Valentina, and her research has brought her to the Snapdragon Inn. The group cannot believe how much she looks like Vee and invite her in to talk.....next thing you know she is more than willing to join the magical book club and they head down to the basement to pick their next book.
The group decides on Freedom for the Ghosts on the Boat and are whisked away to Crescent Moon Bay where a pirate boat has reappeared after it was sunk a year ago. When the group goes to the boat to begin their investigation, they are introduced to the Captain of the boat, his parrot and three crew members.....all of which are ghosts. That is not really a huge surprise as one of the book members, Molly, is a ghost they adopted when they solved her murder in a book from the Wild West. Anyway.....Captain Scallywag tells them the story that they are good pirates but were attacked and robbed and the bracelet with the magical powers was stolen so they have been unable to wonder away from their boat.
Everyone in the book club decide to head into town and get some food and talk up the locals to see what they can find out. They soon find the magical bracelet but two of the stones are missing. Then they find one of the stones in a box with other stolen items and return it to the Captain. Unfortunately the magic of the stone results in the death of the person who was in possession of the stone........
Readers are going to fall in love with this book as well as the previous books. How can you not ?? There is a book club with loveable characters, a ghost and a talking cat.....they go into a magical library and get whisked away inside books and meet lots of other people, solve murders and what not, enjoy the adventure and return home with great stories to relive. If I didn't hate traveling I would totally join the book club but I thoroughly enjoy reading about the fun they have.....and so will you !!!!
July 13, 2024
This was a great addition to the series! I loved the new member of the group and how she was seamlessly incorporated into the fold. The mystery was interesting and kept me engaged the entire time. I am sad this is the last in the series for me, for now, but am excited that the next one will be out shortly. Thanks to the author, Elizabeth Pantley, for making me aware of the series and being the push I needed to start (and binge it!).
July 10, 2023
Whoa!! Unbelievable!! DON’T MISS READING THIS BOOK!!
Here I am again, completely blown away, baffled, and perplexed as to how on earth Elizabeth Pantley’s mind is so incredibly amazing to create, discover information, and put all these things together! The book club gains a new member who is really bringing back memories of a former member, then goes off to a coastal beach town. The book they choose is about saving and freeing pirate ghosts.
All the current members of the book club welcome the new member enthusiastically, and are excited to see her amazement and wonder on her first trip into the book as it unfolds.
The ghost, pirates, destroyed ship, missing treasure chest and special piece of jewelry, all intertwined, with of course, a mysterious murder that they need to solve, had me completely entranced, and sometimes very lost as everything continued to develop. My own thoughts and predictions about what’s going to happen next were, as usual, way off base and much more boring than what actually ends up happening!
As usual, the inn travels with them and adapts itself to the time and place. The book club members become more advanced, like the teenager into a great young man, his somewhat timid mom into becoming very brave throughout events of the book, and tiny bits of allusions to Frank, the kitty, and Zell’s past histories are somewhat revealed, and promises by Frank that he will think about telling them are made… but all he did was think about it.
The club learns about the men and Bucko, their ghostly pirate parrot, the battle that ensued where other pirates destroyed their ship, and stole a valuable and sentimental bracelet of gorgeous gems that the captain’s mom had given him. In their agreeing to help, as Ordinaries, as the pirates call them, they get so much more than bargained for, besides just solving a mystery.
Their days are a whirlwind of trying to meet and inquire of the local people about the boat, and the missing bracelet, actual retrieval missions that ended up being very dangerous, and more than one death and possible murders as time went whizzing by. They had a deadline because the town was going to demolish the wreckage of the boat to which the ghosts are tethered.
Elizabeth Pantley’s amazing and creative mind has delved into depths of excitement, information, history, and fantasy, to create her most amazing masterpiece ever!! As always, I am swept away from my everyday life, as she describes so cleverly and amazingly the incredible (human, animal and ghostly) characters and events, such that I feel like I am also there on the beach with Paige, Sebastian, and the rest of the members, adventuring along with them. They are all real people, creatures, ghosts, and places to me while I am reading.
As you might imagine, and as happens with all of her books, I am unable to put it down, and I’m always sad when the ending comes up, usually also surprised! and wish it could go on forever!
Brava and kudos once again to the amazing and genius Elizabeth Pantley and her amazing mind and creative talents!!
Here I am again, completely blown away, baffled, and perplexed as to how on earth Elizabeth Pantley’s mind is so incredibly amazing to create, discover information, and put all these things together! The book club gains a new member who is really bringing back memories of a former member, then goes off to a coastal beach town. The book they choose is about saving and freeing pirate ghosts.
All the current members of the book club welcome the new member enthusiastically, and are excited to see her amazement and wonder on her first trip into the book as it unfolds.
The ghost, pirates, destroyed ship, missing treasure chest and special piece of jewelry, all intertwined, with of course, a mysterious murder that they need to solve, had me completely entranced, and sometimes very lost as everything continued to develop. My own thoughts and predictions about what’s going to happen next were, as usual, way off base and much more boring than what actually ends up happening!
As usual, the inn travels with them and adapts itself to the time and place. The book club members become more advanced, like the teenager into a great young man, his somewhat timid mom into becoming very brave throughout events of the book, and tiny bits of allusions to Frank, the kitty, and Zell’s past histories are somewhat revealed, and promises by Frank that he will think about telling them are made… but all he did was think about it.
The club learns about the men and Bucko, their ghostly pirate parrot, the battle that ensued where other pirates destroyed their ship, and stole a valuable and sentimental bracelet of gorgeous gems that the captain’s mom had given him. In their agreeing to help, as Ordinaries, as the pirates call them, they get so much more than bargained for, besides just solving a mystery.
Their days are a whirlwind of trying to meet and inquire of the local people about the boat, and the missing bracelet, actual retrieval missions that ended up being very dangerous, and more than one death and possible murders as time went whizzing by. They had a deadline because the town was going to demolish the wreckage of the boat to which the ghosts are tethered.
Elizabeth Pantley’s amazing and creative mind has delved into depths of excitement, information, history, and fantasy, to create her most amazing masterpiece ever!! As always, I am swept away from my everyday life, as she describes so cleverly and amazingly the incredible (human, animal and ghostly) characters and events, such that I feel like I am also there on the beach with Paige, Sebastian, and the rest of the members, adventuring along with them. They are all real people, creatures, ghosts, and places to me while I am reading.
As you might imagine, and as happens with all of her books, I am unable to put it down, and I’m always sad when the ending comes up, usually also surprised! and wish it could go on forever!
Brava and kudos once again to the amazing and genius Elizabeth Pantley and her amazing mind and creative talents!!
August 4, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley have the book club getting a new member and dealing with ghost pirates!
Will the treasure be easy to find?
The Book Club
The Magical Mystery Book Club is back with a new mystery and member. I love how, in each new book, we find out more about each character than we did before. Another thing that I like is how each new mystery shapes the group into who they are, and the eight of them share a special bond. I can't wait to see what the next book entails for the club that is starting to turn into a family for all of them. Let's hope that this new member is as good as the others!
The Mystery
The Magical Mystery Book Club members chose a book with ghost pirates in it, and they must help the pirates find their treasure. I was hanging off the edge of my seat throughout this mystery. Ms. Pantley has such an epic imagination to imagine two worlds for these books since she has to create a new mystery each time. I love the magic system in this latest find, and of course, the pirates were awesome. However, I have to ask Ms. Pantley, how in the world can you write all the scenes about food without getting hungry? I mean, seriously, this book group eats a lot, and I have to have a snack beside me at all times. My wardrobe will be suffering soon.
Five Stars
Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley is such an awesome, fantastic book that had me guessing throughout the book. I loved everything about it, and here's to hoping those ghost pirates have a safe journey after they get their treasure back.
I am giving Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley five stars and a recommendation to anyone who wants to pick up this series but hasn't yet. This series can be read in any order as they don't really talk about the other book adventures that they've been on.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will the treasure be easy to find?
The Book Club
The Magical Mystery Book Club is back with a new mystery and member. I love how, in each new book, we find out more about each character than we did before. Another thing that I like is how each new mystery shapes the group into who they are, and the eight of them share a special bond. I can't wait to see what the next book entails for the club that is starting to turn into a family for all of them. Let's hope that this new member is as good as the others!
The Mystery
The Magical Mystery Book Club members chose a book with ghost pirates in it, and they must help the pirates find their treasure. I was hanging off the edge of my seat throughout this mystery. Ms. Pantley has such an epic imagination to imagine two worlds for these books since she has to create a new mystery each time. I love the magic system in this latest find, and of course, the pirates were awesome. However, I have to ask Ms. Pantley, how in the world can you write all the scenes about food without getting hungry? I mean, seriously, this book group eats a lot, and I have to have a snack beside me at all times. My wardrobe will be suffering soon.
Five Stars
Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley is such an awesome, fantastic book that had me guessing throughout the book. I loved everything about it, and here's to hoping those ghost pirates have a safe journey after they get their treasure back.
I am giving Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley five stars and a recommendation to anyone who wants to pick up this series but hasn't yet. This series can be read in any order as they don't really talk about the other book adventures that they've been on.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
August 1, 2023
Secrets and Scallywags by Elizabeth Pantley is the 5th book in her fun entertaining Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: Paige and her Aunt Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library. The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a lighthearted and fun series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.
Our mystery book club gains a new member, Valeria, as all the current members welcome her, and explain how things work in their special secret magical library. The book they choose contains pirates and lost treasure, which takes them to a charming island community. The residents are all taking about the boat that washed ashore, and it was the same boat that was attacked a year ago, by pirates.
The club meets the 4 ghosts and Bucko (ghostly parrot) from the boat, who are able to communicate with them, but unable to touch. They learn about the secrets of the treasure, which the captain pleads with them to help take on a quest to free them. Seems the pirates that destroyed their boat, stole their treasure, but most important, they stole a valuable bracelet that belonged to the captain’s mom. The club needed to retrieve the necklace, for them to enable them to be free and continue their mission to stop the bad pirates.
What follows is a fun story that has all the members trying to find clues where the missing necklace and gems might be found. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining. All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige and Glo being the leaders, and Frank (the talking cat) always enjoyable. I really like all of the club members, and get a kick out of Mollie, their own resident ghost.
Secrets and Scallywags was another terrific and fun addition to this series, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery; trying to save the ghosts. There were a few surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read. Secrets and Scallywags was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley. I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Our mystery book club gains a new member, Valeria, as all the current members welcome her, and explain how things work in their special secret magical library. The book they choose contains pirates and lost treasure, which takes them to a charming island community. The residents are all taking about the boat that washed ashore, and it was the same boat that was attacked a year ago, by pirates.
The club meets the 4 ghosts and Bucko (ghostly parrot) from the boat, who are able to communicate with them, but unable to touch. They learn about the secrets of the treasure, which the captain pleads with them to help take on a quest to free them. Seems the pirates that destroyed their boat, stole their treasure, but most important, they stole a valuable bracelet that belonged to the captain’s mom. The club needed to retrieve the necklace, for them to enable them to be free and continue their mission to stop the bad pirates.
What follows is a fun story that has all the members trying to find clues where the missing necklace and gems might be found. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining. All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige and Glo being the leaders, and Frank (the talking cat) always enjoyable. I really like all of the club members, and get a kick out of Mollie, their own resident ghost.
Secrets and Scallywags was another terrific and fun addition to this series, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery; trying to save the ghosts. There were a few surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read. Secrets and Scallywags was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley. I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
August 25, 2023
SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS by Elizabeth Pantley
The Fifth Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery
After choosing a new member to join them, the Magical Mystery Book Club is ready for their next adventure. A ship has just washed up on the shore of a quaint island community-the same ship, islanders believe, that was sunk by pirates the year prior. When the gang visit the ship they discover the crew still on board. A ghostly crew that is. The book club needs to find out what really happened so that they can free the ghosts thereby solving the mystery and returning home.
Readers are once again plunged into the delightful world of the Magical Mystery Book Club series with its fifth book SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS. This time the gang lands in an island community and discover their mission is to help a band of ghostly pirates. I appreciate how the mystery doesn’t start with a murder, although there are dead bodies soon enough. I also appreciate the realism within the fantasy, such as Valeria’s reaction to a dead body and the reassurance of the gang to remember it’s just a book. Amid the laughs, and there were plenty, there was also more danger, and a darker danger, along with some moral ambiguity.
We meet a few new characters in SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS, not only the people in their new book adventure, but the new club member. It was an interesting choice and I'm not sure how I feel about it. That being said, Valeria seems to be fitting in quite well. As for the island characters, I particularly enjoyed the pirates and the fact they were able to help Mollie. I also got very negative vibes from some of the island folk. As for our regulars, I'm even more intrigued given the veiled hints about Frank! I can't wait to learn more, especially about...whoops, no spoilers!
Family remains the heart of the Magical Mystery Book Club series. Not just family by blood, but the family you make; people banded together who not only care for each other, foibles and all, but work together for a common cause. That’s what makes this book, indeed the whole series, so heartwarming. There’s a mystery to solve, but the camaraderie and character growth make it special.
Pirates, ghosts, and magic combine making SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS a fun and exciting escape.
The Fifth Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery
After choosing a new member to join them, the Magical Mystery Book Club is ready for their next adventure. A ship has just washed up on the shore of a quaint island community-the same ship, islanders believe, that was sunk by pirates the year prior. When the gang visit the ship they discover the crew still on board. A ghostly crew that is. The book club needs to find out what really happened so that they can free the ghosts thereby solving the mystery and returning home.
Readers are once again plunged into the delightful world of the Magical Mystery Book Club series with its fifth book SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS. This time the gang lands in an island community and discover their mission is to help a band of ghostly pirates. I appreciate how the mystery doesn’t start with a murder, although there are dead bodies soon enough. I also appreciate the realism within the fantasy, such as Valeria’s reaction to a dead body and the reassurance of the gang to remember it’s just a book. Amid the laughs, and there were plenty, there was also more danger, and a darker danger, along with some moral ambiguity.
We meet a few new characters in SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS, not only the people in their new book adventure, but the new club member. It was an interesting choice and I'm not sure how I feel about it. That being said, Valeria seems to be fitting in quite well. As for the island characters, I particularly enjoyed the pirates and the fact they were able to help Mollie. I also got very negative vibes from some of the island folk. As for our regulars, I'm even more intrigued given the veiled hints about Frank! I can't wait to learn more, especially about...whoops, no spoilers!
Family remains the heart of the Magical Mystery Book Club series. Not just family by blood, but the family you make; people banded together who not only care for each other, foibles and all, but work together for a common cause. That’s what makes this book, indeed the whole series, so heartwarming. There’s a mystery to solve, but the camaraderie and character growth make it special.
Pirates, ghosts, and magic combine making SECRETS AND SCALLYWAGS a fun and exciting escape.
September 26, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Secrets and Scallywags" by Elizabeth Pantley is a delightful addition to the Magical Mystery Book Club series, and it deserves a solid five-star rating! This book takes the cozy mystery genre to a new level, offering readers a unique and enchanting experience.
One of the standout features of this series is the imaginative concept of book club members stepping into the world of the books they choose to read. In "Secrets and Scallywags," we embark on a swashbuckling adventure alongside the club members as they become entangled in the mysteries of pirates and stolen treasure. It's a refreshing departure from the typical murder-centric cozy mysteries, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more whimsical approach to the genre.
Elizabeth Pantley's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this installment. The island community setting is charmingly vivid, and the mystery of the washed-up pirate boat with its rumored treasure adds excitement and intrigue to the plot. As the club members meet the spectral crew of the ill-fated ship, the story takes on a magical quality that keeps you glued to the pages.
What sets this book and the entire series apart is the camaraderie and diversity of the book club members. Their quirky personalities, unique strengths, and humorous interactions add depth and charm to the narrative. It's easy to become invested in their adventures and root for them as they strive to solve the mysteries that bind them to the books.
The ultimate quest to find the treasure and release the ghosts is a thrilling ride filled with clever twists and unexpected turns. Pantley masterfully keeps you guessing while delivering heartwarming moments of friendship and courage. The resolution is satisfying, and the journey is one you will remember.
"Secrets and Scallywags" is not just a cozy mystery; it's a delightful escape into the world of books within books. It's a reminder of the magic that can be found in reading and the power of imagination. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply looking for a unique and engaging read, this book—and the entire Magical Mystery Book Club series—is an absolute gem. I've enjoyed the whole series and can't wait to see where Elizabeth Pantley takes us next!
"Secrets and Scallywags" by Elizabeth Pantley is a delightful addition to the Magical Mystery Book Club series, and it deserves a solid five-star rating! This book takes the cozy mystery genre to a new level, offering readers a unique and enchanting experience.
One of the standout features of this series is the imaginative concept of book club members stepping into the world of the books they choose to read. In "Secrets and Scallywags," we embark on a swashbuckling adventure alongside the club members as they become entangled in the mysteries of pirates and stolen treasure. It's a refreshing departure from the typical murder-centric cozy mysteries, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more whimsical approach to the genre.
Elizabeth Pantley's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this installment. The island community setting is charmingly vivid, and the mystery of the washed-up pirate boat with its rumored treasure adds excitement and intrigue to the plot. As the club members meet the spectral crew of the ill-fated ship, the story takes on a magical quality that keeps you glued to the pages.
What sets this book and the entire series apart is the camaraderie and diversity of the book club members. Their quirky personalities, unique strengths, and humorous interactions add depth and charm to the narrative. It's easy to become invested in their adventures and root for them as they strive to solve the mysteries that bind them to the books.
The ultimate quest to find the treasure and release the ghosts is a thrilling ride filled with clever twists and unexpected turns. Pantley masterfully keeps you guessing while delivering heartwarming moments of friendship and courage. The resolution is satisfying, and the journey is one you will remember.
"Secrets and Scallywags" is not just a cozy mystery; it's a delightful escape into the world of books within books. It's a reminder of the magic that can be found in reading and the power of imagination. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply looking for a unique and engaging read, this book—and the entire Magical Mystery Book Club series—is an absolute gem. I've enjoyed the whole series and can't wait to see where Elizabeth Pantley takes us next!
July 16, 2023
Pirates, ghosts, and missing treasures…prepare for another entertaining episode in the unique Magical Mystery Book Club series. When the members of the Snapdragon Inn Book Club read the first page of their newest book selection, they are literally transported into the story…Snapdragon Inn and all.
The fifth book in this series takes this hilarious group to Crescent Moon Bay where a mysterious boat has washed ashore...the same boat that sunk a year ago in the bay…a pirate ship. On board is its ghostly crew led by Cap’n Scally. And, of course, there will be a murder for them to solve…and some missing treasure. Treasure that must be found for the pirate crew to move on…and the book club members to return home.
Pretty hard not to love the zany characters in this series. They are a delightful mix of personalities. My favorite is Frank, a talking cat who has a mysterious past that has not yet been revealed. And Zell is a food-obsessed octogenarian with no filter on her mouth. Paige and Glo are the “level-headed ones” that keep the gang on track. It has been fun observing the evolution of these characters.
The “book-specific” characters this time are nearly as zany and loveable as the group of book club members. I loved Cap’n Scally, while his crew had me laughing. And Bucko…oh, Bucko…their ghostly talking parrot who makes a friend of Frank. Mollie, the sole ghostly member of the book club, is thrilled to find other ghosts.
I am ready for the next book in this series to be released.
I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The fifth book in this series takes this hilarious group to Crescent Moon Bay where a mysterious boat has washed ashore...the same boat that sunk a year ago in the bay…a pirate ship. On board is its ghostly crew led by Cap’n Scally. And, of course, there will be a murder for them to solve…and some missing treasure. Treasure that must be found for the pirate crew to move on…and the book club members to return home.
Pretty hard not to love the zany characters in this series. They are a delightful mix of personalities. My favorite is Frank, a talking cat who has a mysterious past that has not yet been revealed. And Zell is a food-obsessed octogenarian with no filter on her mouth. Paige and Glo are the “level-headed ones” that keep the gang on track. It has been fun observing the evolution of these characters.
The “book-specific” characters this time are nearly as zany and loveable as the group of book club members. I loved Cap’n Scally, while his crew had me laughing. And Bucko…oh, Bucko…their ghostly talking parrot who makes a friend of Frank. Mollie, the sole ghostly member of the book club, is thrilled to find other ghosts.
I am ready for the next book in this series to be released.
I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
January 3, 2026
Another rip-roaring adventure with our favourite sassy Siamese and his human gang of book lovers and amateur sleuths. This time, they head out to the island community of Crescent Moon Bay, where ghostly pirates roam, longing to be freed of the unseen ties that hold them there. The group’s own ghostly member, Mollie, is thrilled to see her own kind and is delighted she can join in with their spectral feasts and games.
This time, with no immediate body on their hands, the group set out to solve the mystery of the stolen treasure, a magical bracelet which aids the pirate ghosts to roam the seas and protect sailors from the real pirates.
We meet our newest member of the group, Valeria, who soon gets stuck in with the mystery and adapts to the unusual goings on as if she’s been there forever. As usual, we get our usual antics from the others. Frank’s sarcasm, Sebastian’s love of gossip, Atticus and his boundless knowledge, Forrest’s tech savvy and of course, Zell and her love of food. If there is a brunch or diner around, Zell is the first in line. Being an octogenarian, she’s allowed.
I love how the author combines the magical elements of book travelling with 20th-century speak and knowledge. Not all adventures are set in modern times; therefore, you can’t Google everything, but this one was a modern setting, and I loved how the pirate captain gently reminded Forrest to get off his phone and listen to a story in the present time.
Another great, fun packed adventure and I can’t wait for the next one.
This time, with no immediate body on their hands, the group set out to solve the mystery of the stolen treasure, a magical bracelet which aids the pirate ghosts to roam the seas and protect sailors from the real pirates.
We meet our newest member of the group, Valeria, who soon gets stuck in with the mystery and adapts to the unusual goings on as if she’s been there forever. As usual, we get our usual antics from the others. Frank’s sarcasm, Sebastian’s love of gossip, Atticus and his boundless knowledge, Forrest’s tech savvy and of course, Zell and her love of food. If there is a brunch or diner around, Zell is the first in line. Being an octogenarian, she’s allowed.
I love how the author combines the magical elements of book travelling with 20th-century speak and knowledge. Not all adventures are set in modern times; therefore, you can’t Google everything, but this one was a modern setting, and I loved how the pirate captain gently reminded Forrest to get off his phone and listen to a story in the present time.
Another great, fun packed adventure and I can’t wait for the next one.
October 1, 2023
Secrets and Scallywags is the latest book in the Magical Mystery Book Club series. Your favorite cozy mystery sleuths are back and a new member is joining!
Paige, Glo, and the crew are back for a new adventure! But, first things first and that is getting a new member of the club. That's the easy part, seeing as someone comes and finds them in search of a family member. A DNA test has pointed this new person in their direction, and while they are hoping for answers, what they get is an adventure!
Pirates ahoy! Mystery! Treasure! Pirates! Sounds like a lot of fun, right? Well, one small bit of warning, beware the treasure! It's not what it seems! Another fun adventure is ahead for the characters as they select a mystery novel with ghosts! Stolen treasure that needs to be returned to it's rightful owner. But the question - what is the worst that could happen if it's not? Well, you really don't want to know.
This is a delightful addition to the series as Paige and Co continue to endear themselves to readers with their antics and shenanigans. Frank is dropping hints that there is still more to him than meets the eye! Hoping for answers? Yeah, you're going to be waiting. LOL!
Secrets and Scallywags is a lot of fun to read. Entertaining from beginning to end, with a few twists woven in to keep you on your toes.
Enjoyed the series to this point? Then dive into this one!
5 out of 5 stars
Paige, Glo, and the crew are back for a new adventure! But, first things first and that is getting a new member of the club. That's the easy part, seeing as someone comes and finds them in search of a family member. A DNA test has pointed this new person in their direction, and while they are hoping for answers, what they get is an adventure!
Pirates ahoy! Mystery! Treasure! Pirates! Sounds like a lot of fun, right? Well, one small bit of warning, beware the treasure! It's not what it seems! Another fun adventure is ahead for the characters as they select a mystery novel with ghosts! Stolen treasure that needs to be returned to it's rightful owner. But the question - what is the worst that could happen if it's not? Well, you really don't want to know.
This is a delightful addition to the series as Paige and Co continue to endear themselves to readers with their antics and shenanigans. Frank is dropping hints that there is still more to him than meets the eye! Hoping for answers? Yeah, you're going to be waiting. LOL!
Secrets and Scallywags is a lot of fun to read. Entertaining from beginning to end, with a few twists woven in to keep you on your toes.
Enjoyed the series to this point? Then dive into this one!
5 out of 5 stars
September 22, 2023
This is such a fun series, and if you haven't picked up any of the books, you need to do that, and soon! Make sure to start with the first book to understand how this all came to be for Glo and Paige.
The concept for this cozy series is unique and brings in paranormal aspects. I love how they get thrown into a book and have to solve the crime. The characters are all unique and blend well together. I have to laugh at how much these characters also love to eat. I swear they are eating all of the time!
This plot is a little different than some of the others as it brings in pirates, and the crime isn't really a murder that they are trying to solve. I enjoyed the twists and turns and how this story came to its conclusion. I thought that one of the characters might stay behind in the book, and I was surprised when this one did not. You might come to the same conclusions, so I hope I haven't spoiled anything for the reader.
One of these days, Frank and Zell are going to spill the beans on how long this book club has been meeting and how long they have been participants. I am very curious what their background is with this book club. I also like how the right new member always appears. It is definitely a merry band of book lovers and crime solvers.
We give this book 5 paws up.
The concept for this cozy series is unique and brings in paranormal aspects. I love how they get thrown into a book and have to solve the crime. The characters are all unique and blend well together. I have to laugh at how much these characters also love to eat. I swear they are eating all of the time!
This plot is a little different than some of the others as it brings in pirates, and the crime isn't really a murder that they are trying to solve. I enjoyed the twists and turns and how this story came to its conclusion. I thought that one of the characters might stay behind in the book, and I was surprised when this one did not. You might come to the same conclusions, so I hope I haven't spoiled anything for the reader.
One of these days, Frank and Zell are going to spill the beans on how long this book club has been meeting and how long they have been participants. I am very curious what their background is with this book club. I also like how the right new member always appears. It is definitely a merry band of book lovers and crime solvers.
We give this book 5 paws up.
November 10, 2025
Secrets and Scallywags is the sixth cozy mystery in the Magical Mystery Book Club series. The book club travels into a book where a mysterious boat has washed a shore. It turns out to be a pirate boat that sank a year ago and onboard are ghost pirates. The gang is tasked with finding the treasure that was rumored to be on the ship. Will the book club be able to find the missing treasure and help the ghosts before it’s too late?
I have loved this series since I started it and I can’t get enough of it. I love the premise of the book club traveling into cozy mysteries to solve the case and I don’t think this will ever get old. I liked the newest addition to the book club and seeing how the characters worked together to solve the case. This mystery hooked me from the beginning and pulled me in. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the book club, but I wasn’t as big a fan of the pirate angle as the other books in this series. Even with that said, I still enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what comes next for the book club members.
I have loved this series since I started it and I can’t get enough of it. I love the premise of the book club traveling into cozy mysteries to solve the case and I don’t think this will ever get old. I liked the newest addition to the book club and seeing how the characters worked together to solve the case. This mystery hooked me from the beginning and pulled me in. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the book club, but I wasn’t as big a fan of the pirate angle as the other books in this series. Even with that said, I still enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what comes next for the book club members.
July 22, 2023
What a unique series. Each novel and storyline is unique onto itself. The story is based around a book club. Each month the members choose a new novel. But instead of reading the novel and discussing - what a book club does right? They actually become active characters in the story. They find themselves in an island community that is filled with excitement about a boat that has beached on their shores. They believe it is the pirate ship that sink the year before that was filled with treasure. As our club meets the ghosts of the ship they discover that there is a secret surrounding the treasure. A secret they most solve if they are to leave the book and return home? A really unique story one I think you will enjoy. I received this novel as an ARC. This is my true and honest opinion.
September 21, 2023
This is such a fun series! I've been reading it in order, but I think each story is completely self-contained and works fine as a standalone.
This time around, Paige, Glo, and the rest of the book club members literally dive into a pirate/missing treasure adventure. There are plenty of twists and turns as the group tries to help the ghost pirates recover the treasure, which will allow them to "move on", and also allow the club members to return home. There's a murder mystery in addition to the treasure plot to further complicate things for our amateur sleuths! I enjoyed both threads and, while I was able to figure out parts of it, the final reveal still held some surprises!
I liked the addition of a new member to the book club. Valeria has just joined, and it was fun to watch her enjoy her first reading adventure!
I can't wait for the next book!
This time around, Paige, Glo, and the rest of the book club members literally dive into a pirate/missing treasure adventure. There are plenty of twists and turns as the group tries to help the ghost pirates recover the treasure, which will allow them to "move on", and also allow the club members to return home. There's a murder mystery in addition to the treasure plot to further complicate things for our amateur sleuths! I enjoyed both threads and, while I was able to figure out parts of it, the final reveal still held some surprises!
I liked the addition of a new member to the book club. Valeria has just joined, and it was fun to watch her enjoy her first reading adventure!
I can't wait for the next book!
October 23, 2023
A book club that magically transports you into the book sounds like my cup of tea, and that is exactly what you get with the Magical Mystery Book Club series. Each book in the series so far has seen the book club transported to various cozy mystery setting ranging from the paranormal with vampires, to cowboys, genies and now the crew are taking on pirates in this latest instalment.
The book club is transported to a charming little beach town where instead of a murder to solve they are tasked with finding some ghostly pirates there missing treasure.
I adore the characters in this series, and loved how Molly the clubs resident ghost member gets to shine a bit more in this book, interacting with the ghost pirates.
Another great addition to this magical series, and I can only imagine what adventures the club will get up to next!
The book club is transported to a charming little beach town where instead of a murder to solve they are tasked with finding some ghostly pirates there missing treasure.
I adore the characters in this series, and loved how Molly the clubs resident ghost member gets to shine a bit more in this book, interacting with the ghost pirates.
Another great addition to this magical series, and I can only imagine what adventures the club will get up to next!
July 11, 2023
Secrets and Scallywags is the 5th book in the series.
There are developed characters and a decent plotline.
We welcome a new member to the team who is both familiar but different from a former member who had found their forever book.
We travel to a place where some ghosts pirates need the clubs help to continue to be ghosts that, if their tale can be believed. Help keep the waters safe from other pirates with the help of an enchanted bracelet.
The bracelet was taken from them when the their boat was sank, and the club has to retrieve the necklace (which has some consequences that the club is not aware of) in order for the pirates to be able to continue with their stated mission.
I read this story as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
There are developed characters and a decent plotline.
We welcome a new member to the team who is both familiar but different from a former member who had found their forever book.
We travel to a place where some ghosts pirates need the clubs help to continue to be ghosts that, if their tale can be believed. Help keep the waters safe from other pirates with the help of an enchanted bracelet.
The bracelet was taken from them when the their boat was sank, and the club has to retrieve the necklace (which has some consequences that the club is not aware of) in order for the pirates to be able to continue with their stated mission.
I read this story as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2023
Secrets & Scallywags is book #5 in the Magical Mystery Book Club series by Elizabeth Pantley.
It’s time for the book club members to meet at the Snapdragon Inn to select a new member and select their next book. This time they select a pirate adventure.
I’d love to join the book club! This was an interesting case and I was happy for Mollie. The characters are an interesting group drawn together by a love a books and becoming a family. I like how there were some concerns when they learned about the consequences of their investigation and didn’t just act like it was ok since it was just a book. I was surprised at the ending. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s time for the book club members to meet at the Snapdragon Inn to select a new member and select their next book. This time they select a pirate adventure.
I’d love to join the book club! This was an interesting case and I was happy for Mollie. The characters are an interesting group drawn together by a love a books and becoming a family. I like how there were some concerns when they learned about the consequences of their investigation and didn’t just act like it was ok since it was just a book. I was surprised at the ending. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2023
My favorite book club is back! Ghosts, Pirates and a murder are all part of the latest book club adventure. The newest member instantly belongs and becomes as important as her twin. The library seems to always find the right people to be part of the book club. Paige realizes that the book club is more than just friends, they are family. And who doesn't want a family with characters like these. Zell, Sebastian, Moonbeam, Atticus, Frank, Forest Paige and Glo all welcome Valeria with open arms and teach her about the magic library. Each and every character has something to bring to the story whether they are recurring or only for this book. Ms. Pantley writes character that you might actually know. I am waiting for the next book and the next great adventure.
September 23, 2023
This is the 5th book in this series; I’ve read and enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, but this book could stand alone well. It’s an exceptionally creative series and this book did not disappoint. The magically traveling book club is a fantastic concept, and in this book there are pirates!! The book that the club travels into has to do with hidden treasure and the ghosts of the pirates can’t pass on until the treasure is found. Each book club member is so unique and well fleshed out; in this book a new member joins who fits right in. This book is beautifully written so that I can picture everything so well. I can highly recommend this book and series; I was provided a copy of the book, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
February 17, 2024
Another cosy mystery. I think by now you're used to twists and turns so this is consistent and doesn't disappoint. However, it's slightly different this time!!
I felt we were building up to something with Mollie and it seemed so positive as it felt like she'd found something new (without giving too much away) but ultimately her decision is best for her and heartwarming really. Glad it turned out the way it did.
Valeria ..I'm not so sure about. Something about her that I can't take to yet but we'll see how that pans out next time!!
Definitely worth a read especially if you've read this far. Can't help get invested in the characters.. and, I'm a little envious that I can't go on those adventures 😂
I felt we were building up to something with Mollie and it seemed so positive as it felt like she'd found something new (without giving too much away) but ultimately her decision is best for her and heartwarming really. Glad it turned out the way it did.
Valeria ..I'm not so sure about. Something about her that I can't take to yet but we'll see how that pans out next time!!
Definitely worth a read especially if you've read this far. Can't help get invested in the characters.. and, I'm a little envious that I can't go on those adventures 😂
August 17, 2023
Another great story in the Magical Mystery Book Club series!
This is a stand alone with no cliffhanger ending.
Everything I have read by Elizabeth Pantley has been nothing short of amazing. The only downside of her books is that they end and I want more! She can't publish fast enough for those of us who enjoy her writing so very much.
This time the gang goes to solve a mystery that involves helping ghost pirates. Lucky for them they all know how to work well with ghosts since Mollie, one of their group, is a ghost.
If you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries you really do want to pick up all of this set of books.
This is a stand alone with no cliffhanger ending.
Everything I have read by Elizabeth Pantley has been nothing short of amazing. The only downside of her books is that they end and I want more! She can't publish fast enough for those of us who enjoy her writing so very much.
This time the gang goes to solve a mystery that involves helping ghost pirates. Lucky for them they all know how to work well with ghosts since Mollie, one of their group, is a ghost.
If you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries you really do want to pick up all of this set of books.
November 18, 2023
This was my first Magical Mystery Book Club mystery, and it was fun trip! The cast of characters is quite large as there are nine book club members alone, but the group collaborates well, so it's not too difficult to drop in on a later book without the full story on how each of them joined the club. This is a light-hearted story with a paranormal premise as the club and the entire Snapdragon Inn itself get transported into the book they choose to start reading. This book takes them to an island to meet and help small crew of ghostly pirates. While there are a few bodies, this mystery centers on the theft, jewels, and magic.
If you want an entertaining, light, cozy, this perfectly fits the bill!
If you want an entertaining, light, cozy, this perfectly fits the bill!
October 23, 2025
My favourite magical book club are off on pirate adventures in the next book in this series.
This series has become one of my favourites this year because of how unique it is. A book club that magically disappears into a cozy mystery and they have to solve the mystery before they can go home. Doesn't that sound fun?
I really enjoyed this one. Especially as I've recently gotten into One Piece and just love pirate adventures. This one was more helping ghost pirates become real again, and there was a fun treasure hunt along the way.
The book club also has a new member, the bubbly Valeria, twin sister of Vee, and it was fun seeing her involved.
This series has become one of my favourites this year because of how unique it is. A book club that magically disappears into a cozy mystery and they have to solve the mystery before they can go home. Doesn't that sound fun?
I really enjoyed this one. Especially as I've recently gotten into One Piece and just love pirate adventures. This one was more helping ghost pirates become real again, and there was a fun treasure hunt along the way.
The book club also has a new member, the bubbly Valeria, twin sister of Vee, and it was fun seeing her involved.
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