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Nine Lives Magic #12

Growling Grimoire

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Life in Winterspell is pretty idyllic, even during the peak of tourist season.

At least, it was—until a psychic serial killer escapes from a supernatural prison and arrives in town. And something tells me she’s not here for the summer jam band showcase.

In a twist of fate that could only happen to me, my familiar has been pen pals with the wanted killer, putting us right in her crosshairs.

I was hoping to survive the tourist season without becoming the monster to Selene’s Dr. Frankenstein. Now, I just have to hope to survive at all.

Spend the summer in Winterspell with your favorite grumpy familiar!

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2024

333 people are currently reading
323 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Garrett

90 books1,412 followers

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5 stars
479 (54%)
4 stars
287 (32%)
3 stars
102 (11%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,097 reviews61 followers
January 5, 2026
It doesn’t matter how many books there are in this series I will never get tired of listening to Cora and Selene! With each book these two find themselves at the center of a mystery with only their wits to guide them, along with Selene’s bravado and snark. But this time it seems as if the Fates have finally caught up with Selene and the only way to keep her ninth life may be to solve this murder.
Profile Image for Bri_winter.
163 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2025
Serial killers à la Winterspell!
And we learn a bit more about Selene's past. And there's hope for a big adventure in the future...
Profile Image for Andrea.
815 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
This entry in the Nine Lives series has a more serious tone than its immediate predecessor, which was basically a charming Christmas card. Acknowledging the strain caused by the limitations of their magical bond as witch and familiar, Cora and Selene get serious in their efforts to relax or remove the ties. Selene strikes up a correspondence with a powerful witch who is in prison for being a serial killer. She is in touch with the Fates, giving her foreknowledge of murders that haven’t happened yet, and she kills the killers before they kill, and she claims to know how to loosen the bond between Cora and Selene. However, she escapes from prison, and immediately there’s another murder modeled after her MO. She agrees to share the release spell when Cora and Selene have cleared her name. It’s a good mystery, adding a bit of suspense to the trademark charm and humor of this series.
Profile Image for Jelena.
420 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2025
After a long time this one has that same cozy mystery vibes it had in the beginning. I really enjoyed myself.
Profile Image for Christina's Library.
1,307 reviews32 followers
March 23, 2025
Definitely one of my favorite books in this series, although thouroughly enjoyable, hilarious
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
July 2, 2024
In the next to last book in an exciting series, Danielle spins a spiderweb of a tale that encompasses magic, murder and a bit of merriment. I can’t wait for the adventure to continue.
Selene is at it again. When the last disastrous attempt to sever her familiar bond with Cora backfired, she persuades (read blackmails) Cora to take her to a notorious prison to meet an inmate Selene has been writing to. Claiming to work at the direction of the Fates, she agrees not to tell the Fates where Selene is and give her a time travel spell to reverse the familiar bond. Selene had stolen the thread of her 9th life from them. Of course all hell breaks loose. The killer escapes prison and insists Cora and Selene help her escape. With Warden Quinton breathing down her neck, Cora enlists her Mom and Aunt Lavender, soon to leave to find Atlantis, to help her recapture the killer and fulfil Selene’s dream.
Profile Image for Michelle.
232 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
I found the premise of this very appealing, but the execution fell short for me.

The characters, including the cat, were hard to appreciate. Little character building, relationship building, or world building existed. In fact, I found I didn't even like the cat at all!

Was 40% into the story before anything interesting happened.

I kept asking if I missed a book in this series? The starting point, as well as the ending, left me feeling like huge black gaping holes existed.

In the end, she announces she decided that she was going on a trip with her mother for the next installment for all the world as ifnit had been discussed in depth already. The cat could come too..

Was I so bored by the content I ended up multitasking and missed the background of why the trip was important? I never do that, so who knows?

The one thing I'm sure of is there won't be a 2nd book for me. I'm one and done for this series.
200 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2024
Growling Grimoire

Good book. It had mystery and lots of Selene shenanigans. Sometimes you want to hug her and sometimes you just want to put her in a soundproof bubble.
The end of the last book, Aunt Lavender gets her Atlantis research back and she is totally in her scatterbrained foggy head wanting to pick up where she left off.
Clint and Cora are still a wonderful couple and get to enjoy a little bit more of romance.
The mysteries, yes mysteries, get complicated and take us on a push me pull you ride through Winterspell. So lots of twists and turns. Huge surprise at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. Dare I say that I hope Selene gets her tail clipped a bit. To me she brings that note of love/hate feeling. She definitely keeps things stirred up! See you soon Selene.
Kathy
Profile Image for Margery.
886 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2024
Well, it seems Selina may have unintentionally opened a Pandoras Box. In her quest to find a way to sever her familiar bons with Cora, she has been in contact with a convicted serial killer. One who is said to know of a time travel spell. For Selina, this seems her only way to actually be free from familiar bonds during her 9th life. after a visit to the prison she realizes this was not a valid path. Then that box opens! The murderer manages to escape prison. Qill she seek Selena and Cora out? Will she get Selena in trouble with the fates, whom she stole a thread of life from to live her 9th life again? This is an exciting page turner with great characters and twists and turns
Profile Image for Rebecca .
203 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2024
Serial Killers and Certain Catastrophe

Good book 📕! No, not Grimoire!! Although that didn’t show up often!
Selene is still searching for a way to separate the familiar bond with Cora. She’s fixated on an inmate in the magical Prison. Evidently she can look into the past and see the future. She’s known for murdering people that will be killers.
Selene decides that she would know of a way to take Cora And her back to the beginning of the when Cora changed Selenes connection to Lavender (because Lavender wasn’t around and Selene needed the magic to survive).
Welcome to craziness, Creepy and catastrophe!
Can’t WAIT for the next book !
Profile Image for Chantal.
1,993 reviews88 followers
September 23, 2024
Read in Audio 4.25 out of 5 Stars: I was happily surprised when I found out this book came out (thank you Libby). I did guess the plot twist, but it was a fun adventure and in suspense. These books are always a fun palette cleanser and uplifting especially when prior to them, I've been reading books with darker themes. While not all the books are 5 stars for me, they are so fun, I do also hope this series gets turned into a TV show.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,783 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2024
I could not believe the trouble Selene got Cora mixed up in. All because of that little thread she stole from the Fates. Turns out she had been telling the truth about that. Go figure! Unfortunately, getting blackmailed by a convicted murderer with ties to said Fates makes a big mess. It was so exciting reading about their latest mess though. I had no idea how this was going to turn out and how they were going to keep from getting into bigger trouble with the council. Edge of your seat read that I could not put down!
2,006 reviews
July 6, 2024
See note

Amazon synopsis:
Life in Winterspell is pretty idyllic, even during the peak of tourist season.

At least, it was—until a psychic serial killer escapes from a supernatural prison and arrives in town. And something tells me she’s not here for the summer jam band showcase.

In a twist of fate that could only happen to me, my familiar has been pen pals with the wanted killer, putting us right in her crosshairs.

I was hoping to survive the tourist season without becoming the monster to Selene’s Dr. Frankenstein. Now, I just have to hope to survive at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
111 reviews
June 30, 2024
Selene has done it again, put her paw in it. Selene got into hot water and dragged Cora into it. So when a bad witch escapes prison she seeks out Selene and Cora. That is just the beginning, and if you think I am going to give out any more details, well you all are right. I am not giving out any more details. You all will have to get the book and in fact why don't you get the series. Ms. Danielle is an excellent author and I highly recommend this book and series. Thank you
Profile Image for Chris B.
213 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2024
I have enjoyed this paranormal cozy mystery series a lot. Who wouldn’t like a community of witches and a talking cat familiar! I certainly liked the sarcasm of the feline familiar and the occasional flashes showing she really did care about her witch even if most of the time she seemed so narcissistic.
Those who enjoy the light reading of cozy mysteries and a paranormal would enjoy this series.
1,413 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2024
Selene is determined to break the bond with Cora and believes going back in the past will be the answer. So, she makes touch with a convicted magical murderer to find the answer. Instead, she is caught out in her truth of stealing a thread from the 3 Fates. Unfortunately for the duo, the murderer escapes from jail and demands their help. Enjoy this magical read!
Profile Image for Renee Marski.
Author 93 books80 followers
July 7, 2024
Murder and fates

A serial killer that kills killers may have the key to break the bond. And then she escapes, coming to Cora and Selene for help. One blood pact later, and Cora is trying to solve the murder of a reporter. With Selene along, anything can happen, including fights with teacup manticores!
313 reviews
October 16, 2024
Be careful what you look for, it may not be what you really want

Selene has one more option in the quest to sever the bond with Cora and have a life of her own. Unfortunately, she has to deal with a prisoner in order to get the desired information she seeks. The ensuing dramatic tale doesn’t quite turn out the way she was hoping. However, all is well that ends with adventure.
279 reviews
February 10, 2025
Selene and her antics have gone too far this time. With Clint wanting to open another store, but Cora doesn't have the time for another store or at least she doesn't think she does. But then a killer is needing their help, what will happen? Oh, Selene's secret is about to become common knowledge, and she cannot have it.
Profile Image for Jessica Williams.
214 reviews
May 11, 2025
review

I love seeing these stories, and it’s clear Selene misses her adventures with Lavender. Checkers is great at handling the day to day, but overall he’s happy with his life. Selene always manages to drag Cora into a hair raising, high risk situation in her quest for adventure.
90 reviews
June 29, 2024
Cora and Selene strike again

I really enjoy this series and these characters. Cora and Selene solve a murder with a twist. Only one more book to go. Hopefully they will show up in other series.
495 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2024
Growling Grimoire:a Nine Lives Magic Mystery

Depend had been secretly corresponding with a criminal who works for the fates. In her quest to remove the bond lots happens including a murder.
50 reviews
July 7, 2024
Wonderful series

Begin at the beginning so all will be clear! The characters are wonderful with the exception of Selene. You are going to want to throttle her for sure! I can't say more without giving away stuff! Read the series for yourself; you'll see why, then! Enjoy!
2,811 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2024
I was happy to see a new book in this series, but sad to learn that it the second to last book in the series. It was full of action with Selene, along with Cora are trying to figure out how to set Selene free. Well-written with fun characters. Recommend reading.
Profile Image for E.
1,883 reviews
July 11, 2024
Magically Awesome!

Hooked from the first line with a snarky Selene at her best. I am sad to learn that there is only one book left in the series. This has been a pleasure to read. I look forward to seeing how it all wraps up. I highly recommend this book & series.
149 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2024
Great magical Mystery

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how Cora and Selene solved the mystery using their magical powers. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes magical talking cats and their owner who is also a witch.
1,371 reviews13 followers
August 13, 2024
Love this series!

Am very disappointed it's ending! One more book!😥 I'll definitely miss Salene and the gang! After all, Clint just used his powers! That opens up a whole new bunch of adventures. This was a good storyline!
Profile Image for Wendy ( ͡°❥ ͡°).
119 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2024
"Growling Grimoire" by Danielle Garrett weaves together fantasy and mystery in a captivating way. I really enjoyed this one. Garrett's engaging writing style brings to life a world that is both enchanting and perilous. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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