Ophelia P. I.: A Short Story (Book 1): A Witch Cozy Mystery

by T. Lockhaven, Catherine LaCroix

Murder in An Ophelia P.I. MysterySet in the charming yet enigmatic 1950s Cicero, Illinois, Ophelia's cozy and magical short story is a must-read for fans of the Eastwind Witches and the Dresden Files. In this spellbinding tale, Ophelia, a resourceful sleuth, receives an urgent tip from psychic Madeline Lewis about a murder that's about to happen. Can Ophelia unravel the clues and stop the murder before it occurs?
Packed with intrigue, enchantment, and a touch of the supernatural, this cozy murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive into the magical world of Cicero and join Ophelia on her thrilling quest to prevent a crime and uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows.
Get your copy of the first short story today and immerse yourself in a gripping tale that will leave you craving more!

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2024

About the author

You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in the Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, "Some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world," inspired me.

Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full-time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series, which I write under Thomas Lockhaven, all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.

For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.

I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me, and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 😉🐈

This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account

Ophelia is meeting with her friend to analyze a case. She continues to ask questions to the suspects leading to the truth and closing the case. 💃

I would recommend this novella and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 😀😯 2025 👒🎉

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
Ophelia P.I.: Murder in Cicero by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix is a wonderfully written quick read.

Will Ophelia figure out who killed Diane Kahler before the culprit gets away?

Ophelia Windsor
Our investigator is Ophelia Windsor. She is the only private investigator in Cicero, Illinois. Ms. Windsor investigates both magical and nonmagical crimes. She is one of my favorite detectives. Ophelia finds the culprit with class and sophistication. She is gifted and talented, yet she doesn't let anyone belittle her or put up with bad manners.

The Mystery
Ophelia is summoned to a psychic's house to be informed about a murder that is about to happen. However, before Ophelia can do any investigating, the deed is done, and the police are at the scene of the death. The police call Ophelia in as the detective in Cicero is out of town.

Ophelia does a great job of getting the suspects and witnesses to cooperate and tell the truth. She finds out whodunit quickly and before the culprit can leave town. Ophelia even lines up a witness to hear the confession.

Five Stars
My rating for Ophelia P.I.: Murder in Cicero by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix is five stars. I enjoyed the mystery and the quickness with which Ophelia cracks the crime. I recommend this series; although it isn't officially out yet, look for it to be released later in 2024.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Ophelia P.I.: Murder in Cicero by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix.

Until the next time,

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Nere · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ophelia P.I.: A Witch Cozy Mystery: Short Story 1” es una excelente historia corta para los amantes de las historias de detectives y la fantasía. Esta corta pero intensa aventura nos sumerge en el mundo mágico de Ophelia Windsor, una bruja con una gran habilidad para resolver misterios.
Cuando Madeline Lewis, una psíquica, acude a Ophelia en busca de ayuda para detener el asesinato de una mujer, nuestra bruja detective se ve envuelta en un caso lleno de giros inesperados. A pesar de sus esfuerzos, Ophelia no logra evitar el asesinato de Diane Kahler, lo que la lleva a una investigación aún más compleja.
Los autores logran crear un ambiente misterioso y lleno de intriga, y los personajes son carismáticos y memorables. Ophelia es una protagonista inteligente y valiente, y su relación con los demás personajes es muy interesante.
Si eres fanático de las historias de detectives y de la fantasía, esta historia corta es una lectura amena. Te recomiendo ampliamente que la leas y te sumerjas en el mundo mágico de Ophelia Windsor.
_______________________________________________
“Ophelia P.I.: A Witch Cozy Mystery: Short Story 1” is an excellent short story for lovers of detective stories and fantasy. This brief but intense adventure immerses us in the magical world of Ophelia Windsor, a witch with a remarkable ability to solve mysteries.
When Madeline Lewis, a psychic, turns to Ophelia for help in stopping the murder of a woman, our detective witch finds herself involved in a case full of unexpected twists. Despite her efforts, Ophelia fails to prevent the murder of Diane Kahler, which leads her to a challenging and complex investigation.
The authors create a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere, and the characters are charismatic and memorable. Ophelia is a bright and brave protagonist, and her relationship with the other characters is fascinating.
This short story is an enjoyable read if you are a fan of detective stories and fantasy. I highly recommend reading it and immersing yourself in the magical world of Ophelia Windsor.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When our heroine gets a message from a friend she is given a rare opportunity to prevent a murder rather than just investigate the aftermath. Can she unravel the mystery in time or will it be too little too late?

This is a cozy mystery with touches of the paranormal. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun setting. We only get a glimpse of it in this short story, but I can see it will be fun to explore in future books. The characters are also nicely done, particularly our heroine who I find to be just the right kind of clever and smart for the job. The mystery was simple but still fun as befits a short story. Overall, I quite enjoyed this introduction and I hope to see more of the series in the future.
Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mererid Evanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed the author's lively Ava and Carol stories, I was intrigued to try this more adult, 1950s-set paranormal series. This short story comes after the first book chronologically, but I read it first. Far from being the flamboyant sort of witch, Ophelia is a restrained and workmanlike P.I. Though a psychic vision opens the story, this does not affect her investigation much at all: it is mainly interviews and note-taking. I appreciated that she didn't jump to conclusions. The other characters are well-drawn and varied. I look forward to seeing more of Ophelia's unusual and interesting world.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T. Lockhaven]

Hello everyone! This short story comes right after the first novel: Ophelia P. I.. However, it can be read as a standalone. We're hoping to release the kindle book earlier than 12/1/2024. We're planning on releasing the paperback on 7/1/2024, but if you can't wait, and would love to help us out by leaving a review, you may download a free copy on Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review...

We hope you enjoy this cozy mystery short story!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Windsor is a psychic and PI. She's gone to the house of a woman who says she is also psychic. The woman had a vision of a murder and wanted to let Ophelia know. She hoped Ophelia would be able to stop it. When she gets to her office her secretary tells her that the police had called about a murder. So she is on retainer to find out the identity of the murderer. She starts her investigation. There are three possible suspects. So she goes about her business of questioning each. Will she find the culprit?
A short mystery that will just wet the reader's appetite for more!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read usually is not able to capture a lot of essence of the characters, but that's the one major thing I loved about this book.

I got a glimpse of not only Ophelia's profession but her powers, her friends, and probably the other characters who might be in the future books.

Telling so much in a story, while also solving the mystery is something I can really appreciate. The writing is good, Ophelia's character seemed smart and I am ready to read the other novels/stories in the series.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a neo-noir feel to it. There’s a good mix of mystery and supernatural. It’s a short read but a great one! The mystery plot is well done and the characters are incredibly vivid, it’s as if you were watching an old detective show. Really enjoyed reading this short story and I hope there’s many more to come!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immortal witch uses her deductive skills to help the local police and her community.

A charming cast of supporting characters, including her somewhat pushy cat familiar, a determined homicide detective, a miscellany of other magical, and s
Some desperate folks who seem determined to make the crimes more difficult to solve, because they would rather not paint themselves or some folks close to them in a bad light.

Suspense, drama and action , with noir and magical overtones.

[Amber Leigh Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and compelling cozy mystery that can be read on your lunch hour. Witchy private investigator Ophelia Windsor races against time to find a murder victim after a tip-off from a psychic. Though this is a short story, it's so well paced that the investigation doesn't feel rushed at all. Like the novelette in this series, this story leans more into its who-done-vibes than the supernatural.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to read, very quick, but great in introducing some of the main characters and the town of Cicero. The descriptions are a strong point of the story and give the perfect noir vibe, where following the detective around is more satisfying than guessing the culprits.
Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ease of reading: 5/5

Characters: 4/5
Introduces intriguing characters that you want to learn more about.

Plot/Pace: 4/5
A short story that is well written with a snappy pace.

An interesting mystery that provides a good introduction to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a short story it was able to cover everything that was needed to keep the reader engaged. I haven't been a fan for short stories before but this book kept me interested. Look forward to reading more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Dennos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breezy, confidently-written quick trip back to visit the coolest P.I. in Cicero that's nicely paced, to-the-point and very entertaining. It makes the most out of its format and delivers a bite-sized little mystery that manages to be satisfying while still containing the aspects that drew us into this cozy little series in the first place.

Cozy indeed, and looking forward to more!

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short murder mystery was an entertaining read. The author has managed to fit an incredible story into this novelette. I really liked how the story progressed and the different characters involved. A great short story with a strong female lead.

[Andrew Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story, quick read. I found the characters interesting and the story enjoyable. Would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Satisfying

Ophelia PI (Short Story) was a short an satisfying mystery set in 50s Cicero, IL. I like Ophelia, a PI with her witchy talents and sharp mind. I hope to see many more mysteries starring Ophelia.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia is quite a remarkable private investigator. She has magic which is just awesome. She also has exquisite instincts. This was fun to read and I loved it!

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

This was a great short story! Lots of twist and, of course, magic! I can’t wait for the next story!

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical!

A great read. The story is well put together and leaves you wanting more. I'll definitely be adding more of this series to my library. Great read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia is notified that a murder is to happen, but the only information given is the victim is a woman and the perpatatrator a man. It happened in an office somewhere in town.
With minimal info to go on will Ophelia be able to stop it from happening? If not will she find the man responsible before he gets away with murder?

Catch up with Ophelia and her trusty driver Max on her new case. It may be short yet still full of entertainment for mystery lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.