Serving Up Hex

Crescent Moon Mysteries #5

by Tara Lush

When Amelia Matthews joins her coven's pickleball team, she expects a fun and friendly competition. But the game takes a deadly turn when a player is found murdered on the court. With her psychic powers and a meddlesome ghost by her side, Amelia must serve up justice and catch the killer before they strike again.

As if the murder wasn't enough, Amelia's love interest, Oliver Everhart, reveals a secret that could alter their relationship — at least temporarily. Meanwhile, her best friend Liz is on a mission to discover if her boyfriend, the police chief, is hiding a furry secret of his own.

Between smashing volleys, gathering clues, navigating the eccentric personalities of her teammates, and unraveling the mysteries surrounding those closest to her, Amelia has her hands full. Can she balance her newfound love of pickleball with her paranormal sleuthing skills to ace this murder investigation and keep her personal life from falling apart?

SERVING UP HEX is a blend of midlife mystery, supernatural shenanigans, and a sprinkle of romance. This is the fifth installment of the Crescent Moon Mystery series, and it’s a full-length novel. Perfect for fans of Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, and Only Murders in the Building!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2025

About the author

Tara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch cozy mystery that’s entertaining!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about it !! I wish it was longer and I hope book 6 isn’t the end of the series . I will be crushed. This would make a great TV series.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serving up Hex is Book 5 in the Cresent Moon Mystery series by Tara Lush.
I really love this series!

This book was so fun, it featured Pickleball!

Amelia reluctantly joins her covens pickleball team, filling in for Liz who had surgery.
Unfortunately, there is a death right on the court!

I loved the mystery. All the paranormal clues and characters are so well done.

I really enjoy the romance between Amelia and Oliver.

A coven for Gen X, sign me up please!!!!

Highly recommend this wonderful cozy paranormal mystery!

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible. I liked the narrator very much. The writing is easy to get into and an enjoyable plot. I know nothing about pickle ball, but it was still a good story. I have not listened to or read any of the other books in the series, but I had no problem getting into the story. The main characters & supporting characters are fun. I like everything about the book including the paranormal theme, murder mystery, and the feeling of community with the other witches. I tend to listen to my books more than read them and this was a perfect listening story!

[Nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The Crescent Moon series is one of my favourite series that I’ve read. I think this book might be my new favourite of all of them. There were lots of twists and I didn’t want to put it down! And the ending, makes me wonder what the next book will bring! Great job Tara!!!🥰

[Renná Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and her coven are at it again. This was a fantastic story that had Amelia, Liz and Renee smack dab in the middle of a murder. Amelia is off and running, determined to figure it out and save her friend, Renee, from being found guilty.

I laughed out loud with each character’s banter and Amelia’s inner monologue and I admired how the coven had each other’s backs.

Add to this the budding romance between Amelia and Oliver and you will find yourself thoroughly entertained. Another winner by Tara Lush

[ReadThisAndSteep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love paranormal cozy mysteries for the escapist fun they bring, and this one delivered! I jumped into the series here at book five and met psychic sleuth Amelia as she reluctantly fills in for someone on her coven's pickleball team and ends up having to investigate a suspicious death.

The setting and characters are charmingly quirky. Amelia is relatively new to this small Florida town that is brimming with witches and paranormal activity. She runs a haunted inn that she inherited and has become more involved with her coven and community.

There are several fun and imaginative touches, like recipes on gravestones and witches with differing magical abilities. The characters and their interactions are endearing, and Amelia is a likable sleuth. I found it refreshing that Amelia and other characters are middle-aged and facing real issues, like perimenopause, which is openly discussed in the book.

The vibe is lighthearted, with plenty of humor, but there is also a mystery to solve, and this one has some nice red herrings, and a good twist! The writing flows easily, making this a quick read and it works as a stand-alone. I need to find time to read the previous books in the series to see how it all began because I really enjoyed my fun visit to magical Cypress Grove.

Cozy mystery fans who enjoy a paranormal twist will want to check this series out. It is entertaining!

Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars = It was okay.

Though I loved the four books before this one, Cattitude and Charms in particular, I really had trouble getting invested in this 5th instalment of the Crescent Moon Mysteries. The writing was slow, and the editing was atrocious. Witness this item that should have been caught by The Author Buddy:

"Heck yeah we are," Liz asked.

I've managed to overlook editing issues in the previous books, but there were just so many this time that it really distracted from my enjoyment.

One thing I really admired about the book, though, and in the whole series, really, is Lush's emphasis on the power of Gen X women as we cope with middle age and perimenopause. The books all have a message of solidarity. "We looked out for each other. We cared for each other. We had each other's backs." So says Amelia, the book's narrator, as she describes a circle of women raising their voices together, connected in space and across time. This is something that Gen X women need to remember as we enter our own crone eras: that we're stronger together.

Because I dragged through this book, I'm not likely to go barrelling into the sixth book, even though I've read the first five in rapid succession. I don't think I'm done with the series; I just need a bit of a break.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Matthews thought joining her coven's pickleball team would be a fun way to mix up her routine. But when an opposing player dies mid-game, on the court, what feels casual turns into a high-stakes whodunit. With her psychic abilities tingling and a mischievous ghost offering unsolicited advice, Amelia dives paddle-first into the investigation. As if unraveling a murder isn't enough, her budding romance with Oliver Everhart faces a curveball with his unexpected revelation, and her best friend Liz suspects her boyfriend, the police chief, might be hiding a hairy secret.

This fifth installment in the Crescent Moon Mysteries series serves up a delightful blend of midlife magic, supernatural sleuthing, and a sprinkle of romance. The introduction of the pickleball subplot adds a fresh twist, showcasing Tara Lush's knack for keeping the series lively and engaging. Meeting new coven members brings additional depth and charm, enriching the tapestry of Cypress Grove's mystical community.

I'm awarding Serving Up Hex a bewitching 4.5 out of 5 stars! It's a spellbinding cozy mystery that balances humor, heart, and a hint of the supernatural. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this book offers a refreshing change of pace that promises longevity for the Crescent Moon Mysteries.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is back with a new adventure, this time on the pickleball court... where things turn deadly!

I absolutely love Amelia's witchy adventures. Amelia is a gen-X witch going through perimenopause and she's not going to take it quietly. There is going to be a lot of fun and adventure, a lot of witchiness and... unfortunately murder too!!!

I really enjoyed this latest instalment. Amelia fills in on her local coven's pickleball court, but there is more at play than a game here. I love the inclusion of pickleball, because it seems to be the largest growing sport in my community, and it was fun to read about Amelia's adventures with the sport.

If you like witchy mysteries, you need to be reading this series. There is lots of laughs and fun, and every book feels like coming home to visit with the best friends ever!

[Jennifer Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and her friends are back, and up to their usual crime-busting shenanigans! This time, it's death on the pickleball court, and one of the Sisters of Hecate is being eyed as the #1 suspect.

I'm such a huge fan of the Crescent Moon series, and if I'm being totally honest, this is my favorite Amelia Matthews adventure yet! It has all the hallmarks you'd expect in a quality cozy, but Lush has really clicked in with the characters at this point. As readers, we're so invested in Amelia and all her friends now, and the stakes in this installment are right where they need to be to keep us turning the pages. Lush's characters are always top notch, but the pacing in SERVING UP HEX is absolutely on point.

Now we wait for Book 6!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read of 2025!!! 🎉Serving Up Hex

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ When Amelia Matthews agrees to a friendly game of pickleball, she never expects it to end in murder. But that’s exactly what happens when her opponent drops dead on the court. Now, Amelia and her coven sisters must serve up justice before one of their own gets framed for the crime.”

Wow I do have to say this might be my favorite of this series!!! The mystery alone was great and I kind of figure it out early but I wanted to keep reading to see how it was all going to pan out in the end. I just love Amelia’s character coming into herself so much. And I’m not a fan of cliffhangers but I know I will read the next one so I’m extra excited for it now! Highly recommend this book, series and author!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Serving Up Hex is book #5 in the Crescent Moon Mystery series. Anna Maste continues to narrate, and bring life to the quirky characters of Cypress Grove, Florida. While listening to the audiobook, I am amazed that one person is narrating all the characters, and they all have a distinct voice.

When Amelia is asked to play in a pickleball match with a member of the coven, she doesn't expect a player to drop dead. With the help of her friend Liz, Amelia sets off to find what really happened to the player.

This was a solid addition to the series. It's fun getting to see Amelia step into her role as a witch.
Amelia is also hilarious, I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the story.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Serving Up Hex (Crescent Moon Mysteries #5)" by Tara Lush is set at the summer solstice with a little pickle ball thrown in. Being a witchy paranormal there's a bit of magic added too. Most of the previous books had some ghost busting/direct involvement. This one was a bit light on that aspect, with just the occasional sighting of a micromanaging ghost.

The main mystery revolves around some potential art scams and fraud. Who all is actually involved gets figured out a little after midway into the book. It gets down to how to bust them without anyone else getting caught up in things or hurt.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renee has convinced Amelia to join the coven's pickleball team. The first game she's to play should have been a fun game, but one of the men they are playing against is taking the game too seriously. When he collapses during the game and dies, Renee is accused of using witchcraft to kill him. Renee is innocent, so they decide to look into what was really going on with the victim and his art gallery. With Oliver's help they uncover information about a couple of the people involved with the gallery and realize a lot more is going on then they first realized.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and complex mystery. Great characters and unusual plot.

Amazon synopsis:
When Amelia Matthews agrees to a friendly game of pickleball, she never expects it to end in murder. But that's exactly what happens when her opponent drops dead on the court. Now, Amelia and her coven sisters must serve up justice before one of their own gets framed for the crime.

With her psychic gifts working overtime, a stolen journal full of secrets, and a ghostly bureaucrat wreaking havoc, Amelia's got her hands full. Can she navigate the cutthroat world of small-town art galleries, expose a web of lies, and unmask a killer? Or will this be game, set, and match for the murderer?

Join Amelia in her fifth magical misadventure as she proves once again that in Cypress Grove, Florida, the only thing more powerful than witchcraft is friendship.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun cozy.
The map in the front was such a wonderful touch. This is book 5, and I’m a newbie to the series, so it really helped. Even though I’m new, it was so easy to follow. I didn’t feel left behind with the characters or anything. The magical element was a fun touch. Not just witches but a ghost! Yay. This had all the great cozy elements. Small town, amateur sleuth, and friends who encourage you to do sketchy things! 


Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always so much fun to read this series! There is something new to learn with every book. I am so glad we got more interactions with the coven members, Liz and Renee. I love to see character developments and how the relationships grow. The mystery was entertaining. I laughed, I smiled, and I even had a few small gasps from some unexpected twists. I am ready for the next one after the ending.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was magical and fun! I read a mixture of ebook and audiobook. The narrator has done a fantastic job bringing the main character Amelia to life (along with the rest of the characters). This book is fun, intriguing, and empowering. If you are needing a break from the stresses of life. I’d highly recommend!

Thank you to the author for supplying an advance reader copy. All thoughts are my own and my reviews are always honest.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art and magic

Amelia is leaning in to life in Cypress Grove. She has friends and a man in her life. Everything seems great until her friend Renee asks for help with pickleball.
Not all the crescent moon mysteries involve a current murder, but this one does and involves Liz and Amelia in a dangerous art gallery situation.
I enjoy spending time with Amelia and friends. The book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, but the next book will be out soon.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia participates in a pickleball game. Unfortunately, things take a bad turn when one of the players turns up dead later on. Amelia is pulled into yet another investigation.

I loved the story. It was great spending time with Amelia and all the secondary characters. I loved finding out more about the powers of some of the coven members. As usual with this series, the story really pulled me in. The story also ends with another recipe mentioned in the book.

[Beth-l Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, fun story that draws you in! I am new to the series (I read the most recent novella---also cute) but could easily follow along. Loved the humor and the paranormal aspect. The mystery element was also cleverly done---the story was well-paced with twists and turns that left me guessing. Recommend for sure!

[J.T. Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serving Up Hex by Tara Lush is a fabulous fifth installment in the Crescent Moon Mystery series. The intrigue around Dominic's death lead to many fun sleuthing moments. I appreciated how the Coven helped Amelia and Liz in so many different ways. The continued women helping women theme was fantastic. Overall, Serving Up Hex was a fun cozy mystery that I throughly enjoyed!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent addition to the series. I loved it! I especially loved the "cliffhanger" ending! I can hardly wait for the next book to be released. This one was filled with all my favourite things about this series... mystery, middle-age realness, magic, friendship, love, and just lots of really great characters, and plain fun.

[Kim Hennis Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters are written so thoroughly well that I feel like I know & love them!

This series was really great! I loved the friendships and how well they connected. I loved how each book flowed into the next so effortlessly. I also loved her creativity. I'm looking so forward to the next book!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series, and they keep getting better and better. So much going on in this adventure for Amelia. Loved seeing her solve the crime and taking me along with her. I listened to this one on audible and the narrator did an amazing job of making me "see" what was happening. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Amanda Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy this series, and am always excited to get ARCs of it. I adore the relationship between Oliver and Amelia. I adore, even more, the friendships Amelia has, and how each one helps her grow.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a miss for me. Too much repetition to fill in the story and the mystery was solved almost half way through. I feel as if this could have been a novella. I am still loving the characters and will continue with the series.

[Cynthia Wasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women power! Just what I need without even knowing it. Another entertaining and empowering adventure with Amelia and her coven. Love! Love! Love! The ending… a little cliffhanger for the next book 😍

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 6

I've enjoyed meeting the witches of Crescent Moon. Amelia had no idea of her skills when she inherited her Inn from her aunt but has gotten more powerful in the time she's been there.