What do you think?
Rate this book
Return to Magic #8
The First Curse is the Deepest
When a young girl goes missing on the way to her bus, Maddie Graves-Winters goes searching and finds the sort of mystery she never wanted to uncover.
The girl, crying and shaking and talking about a monster, is okay when Maddie finds her. What they discover with the girl isn’t, however.
When Maddie and her husband Nick were in high school, three teenagers went missing. Everybody assumed they fled to Detroit for some fun and never came back, but it turns out, they never left Blackstone Bay.
The new case seems to coincide with the old case but nobody can figure out how. Even when Maddie calls in her friend Ivy Morgan to help, there are more questions than answers.
Blackstone Bay always felt like a safe place to live. Now Maddie isn’t certain. On top of that, her son is having dreams where he’s lost in dark woods. They’re the same dreams Maddie is having. The same monsters haunting them both.
When the unthinkable happens and another girl goes missing, the clock starts ticking. Can Maddie save the day, or will the past ruin the present all over again?
The girl, crying and shaking and talking about a monster, is okay when Maddie finds her. What they discover with the girl isn’t, however.
When Maddie and her husband Nick were in high school, three teenagers went missing. Everybody assumed they fled to Detroit for some fun and never came back, but it turns out, they never left Blackstone Bay.
The new case seems to coincide with the old case but nobody can figure out how. Even when Maddie calls in her friend Ivy Morgan to help, there are more questions than answers.
Blackstone Bay always felt like a safe place to live. Now Maddie isn’t certain. On top of that, her son is having dreams where he’s lost in dark woods. They’re the same dreams Maddie is having. The same monsters haunting them both.
When the unthinkable happens and another girl goes missing, the clock starts ticking. Can Maddie save the day, or will the past ruin the present all over again?
- GenresCozy MysteryFantasy
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
636 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 9, 2025
An intriguing mystery
This one was inspired and I am enjoying how this series is growing especially with kids in the mix and not just any kids but ones with gifts as well it’s an added layer to see parenting with extra…
This story was intriguing with the mystery, from 20yrs ago melding with a new one today they layers to unravel kept me guessing and the ending was great.
This one was inspired and I am enjoying how this series is growing especially with kids in the mix and not just any kids but ones with gifts as well it’s an added layer to see parenting with extra…
This story was intriguing with the mystery, from 20yrs ago melding with a new one today they layers to unravel kept me guessing and the ending was great.
February 3, 2025
This was a bit heavy and also touchy subjects - kidnapping and homocide on minors. There was paranormal and magic involved which included psychic visions. There was snark per Lee’s usual and that’s always welcome. Thank you, Amanda!
Another good one.
My next read is by Hope Callaghan from her Made in Savannah series: “Biscuits and Graves”, Book 24.
Another good one.
My next read is by Hope Callaghan from her Made in Savannah series: “Biscuits and Graves”, Book 24.
January 10, 2025
I enjoy these books, they combine the characters from four separate series as the four couples use magical gifts to solve mysteries. After all.four series had successful runs they sort of fame to a natural end after the main characters married. Jump forward almost ten years and each couple have now grown their families adding children to the mix. The four couples collaborate with each other to help their police detective husbands solve crimes which have a supernatural aspect to them. Maddie Graves and Ivy Morgan work closely together living just twenty minutes away from each other while Harper Harlow and Rowan Grey are several hours away, though they do live in the same town and also work together. Maddie's grandmother is also still with us, now in her nineties but still getting into trouble and the children are a delight though this book centres on Maddie and Nick's two, son Finn whos7 and daughter Olivia who's 3.
June 23, 2025
Compelling Plot
Maddie has a tough reality on her hands when a local child is kidnapped and her son Finn, blessed with psychic gifts like hers, is frustrated that she can’t “find” his classmate as she did his other classmate who was almost taken as well.
Maddie, along with bestie friend Ivy, Maddie’s hubby and a host of friends and family, use their sleuthing and magical powers, or their police connections and race to connect the pieces, before the child is killed.
When the villain is revealed it quite surprising. Lily Harper Hart is a fabulous writer and one of my favs. She skillfully merged an ugly real life situation with delicacy, a compelling plot and resolved it skillfully and compassionately in a cozy mystery and an absolutely worthwhile read
Maddie has a tough reality on her hands when a local child is kidnapped and her son Finn, blessed with psychic gifts like hers, is frustrated that she can’t “find” his classmate as she did his other classmate who was almost taken as well.
Maddie, along with bestie friend Ivy, Maddie’s hubby and a host of friends and family, use their sleuthing and magical powers, or their police connections and race to connect the pieces, before the child is killed.
When the villain is revealed it quite surprising. Lily Harper Hart is a fabulous writer and one of my favs. She skillfully merged an ugly real life situation with delicacy, a compelling plot and resolved it skillfully and compassionately in a cozy mystery and an absolutely worthwhile read
February 6, 2025
Why Are Little Girls Disappearing?
Join Maddy and Ivy as they try to find out who is responsible for girls in grade 1 disappearing two days in a row, one girl was found by the women before it was too late and another went missing the next day and is still missing. Not only that but while the woman were searching the woods for the first child they discover 3 unmarked graves, who is buried there and does it have anything to do with the girls disappearance. To find all the answered to these questions and more, I recommend you get this book and read it for yourself, you know what I say, you’ll be happy you did;)
Join Maddy and Ivy as they try to find out who is responsible for girls in grade 1 disappearing two days in a row, one girl was found by the women before it was too late and another went missing the next day and is still missing. Not only that but while the woman were searching the woods for the first child they discover 3 unmarked graves, who is buried there and does it have anything to do with the girls disappearance. To find all the answered to these questions and more, I recommend you get this book and read it for yourself, you know what I say, you’ll be happy you did;)
September 11, 2025
Powerful theme in this episode
While not rubbing it in, Hart shows how being scared, traumatized, can make it impossible for someone to act against what they know is wrong. She gently covers generational trauma, and how although religion tells people to be good to each other, it can also support the trauma.
I like this series because it uses the love of parents for their children and having them try to teach their children how to be good even when the world may fear their differences to make good choices.
Somehow I doubt those who might benefit most from such an open minded approach will never expose themselves to paranormal romance.
While not rubbing it in, Hart shows how being scared, traumatized, can make it impossible for someone to act against what they know is wrong. She gently covers generational trauma, and how although religion tells people to be good to each other, it can also support the trauma.
I like this series because it uses the love of parents for their children and having them try to teach their children how to be good even when the world may fear their differences to make good choices.
Somehow I doubt those who might benefit most from such an open minded approach will never expose themselves to paranormal romance.
January 12, 2025
Excellent Read
The characters in this book are all from previous series of their own, they are just older now with families. This book had all the emotions; sadness, anger and happiness. It also had a lot of sarcasm which was hilarious and some romance with a cozy mystery about every parents greatest fear. A must read after you read all four series about the four paranormal women and their men. Then the previous seven books to understand why they are now a team. It is the best way to understand the characters and the their gifts.
The characters in this book are all from previous series of their own, they are just older now with families. This book had all the emotions; sadness, anger and happiness. It also had a lot of sarcasm which was hilarious and some romance with a cozy mystery about every parents greatest fear. A must read after you read all four series about the four paranormal women and their men. Then the previous seven books to understand why they are now a team. It is the best way to understand the characters and the their gifts.
February 11, 2025
There's a monster hunting in Blackstone Bay.
When a little girl vanishes on her way to the first day of school, Maddie and Ivy Morgan team up in an effort to find her. Who and what they find sends them down the trail of a horror that started two decades ago. When another little girl goes missing, the hunt intensifies, and so do the dark dreams plaguing Maddie. And her son, Finn.
This is another of Lily Harper Hart's magical series set in Northern Michigan and is suffused with love, laughter, and terror.
When a little girl vanishes on her way to the first day of school, Maddie and Ivy Morgan team up in an effort to find her. Who and what they find sends them down the trail of a horror that started two decades ago. When another little girl goes missing, the hunt intensifies, and so do the dark dreams plaguing Maddie. And her son, Finn.
This is another of Lily Harper Hart's magical series set in Northern Michigan and is suffused with love, laughter, and terror.
January 15, 2025
A Learning Experience
I love that we get an opportunity to visit the paranormal ladies, who have been heroines to us through the years. Twenty years ago three teenage girls went missing, now it’s happening again with eight year old girls. What is going on. Maddie learns that her son has not been telling her everything about his paranormal experiences. It’s a learning experience for all, as they rush to save a little girls life.
I love that we get an opportunity to visit the paranormal ladies, who have been heroines to us through the years. Twenty years ago three teenage girls went missing, now it’s happening again with eight year old girls. What is going on. Maddie learns that her son has not been telling her everything about his paranormal experiences. It’s a learning experience for all, as they rush to save a little girls life.
January 20, 2025
Searching the woods, with time running out
Mostly Ivy and Mattie, with a bit of the others. It all starts when a young girl has to run away from a scary man, and soon after, everyone is searching for a missing girl who got off the bus, and never made it home. Ivy and Mattie search fruitlessly, their magic somehow blocked. And one of my favorite young characters goes through some difficult growing pains.
Mostly Ivy and Mattie, with a bit of the others. It all starts when a young girl has to run away from a scary man, and soon after, everyone is searching for a missing girl who got off the bus, and never made it home. Ivy and Mattie search fruitlessly, their magic somehow blocked. And one of my favorite young characters goes through some difficult growing pains.
January 17, 2025
Really enjoyed
As much as I liked the original series for each character, I had a hard time getting into this one even though I loved the premise. This book has changed that. It’s a great story and, in addition to Maddie & Ivy working together, seeing Finn’s ability continue to develop was a new twist. Also, Maddie and Nick’s coaching and love was heart warming.
As much as I liked the original series for each character, I had a hard time getting into this one even though I loved the premise. This book has changed that. It’s a great story and, in addition to Maddie & Ivy working together, seeing Finn’s ability continue to develop was a new twist. Also, Maddie and Nick’s coaching and love was heart warming.
February 1, 2025
Love It
I loved all of the original characters from their books and so anytime I see a book from this series is out, I pick it up. This series is so good and I love to see Maddie, Ivy, Rowan, and Harper putting their abilities to use in the perfect way. Overall, this series is fantastic and never fails to be a quality read.
I loved all of the original characters from their books and so anytime I see a book from this series is out, I pick it up. This series is so good and I love to see Maddie, Ivy, Rowan, and Harper putting their abilities to use in the perfect way. Overall, this series is fantastic and never fails to be a quality read.
March 2, 2025
A great read that really held my attention!
Loved this storyline and interesting characters. I wish Zander had been included in the storyline, too. He's an awesome character. Just downloaded one of each of the series by this author. I want to read all of them since reading this series.
Loved this storyline and interesting characters. I wish Zander had been included in the storyline, too. He's an awesome character. Just downloaded one of each of the series by this author. I want to read all of them since reading this series.
January 11, 2025
Great story! Finn is coming into his powers but doesn't know what's going on so Maddie, Ivy and the gang are there to help him. The culprit totally took me by surprise; I did not have an inkling about them.
January 14, 2025
Ghosts
I like this series because we get a story from one of the four women and their lives. We visit each of their home twins and the others come to help, or they video conference each other. The kids are a trip, you never know what is gonna be said. On to the next adventure!😉💙💚
I like this series because we get a story from one of the four women and their lives. We visit each of their home twins and the others come to help, or they video conference each other. The kids are a trip, you never know what is gonna be said. On to the next adventure!😉💙💚
January 15, 2025
Another great read
LHHmanages to keep each story and character distinct, and a joy to read. The best part of this series is that it combines 4 protagonists from other series, and we get to see them through whoever's "turn it is".
LHHmanages to keep each story and character distinct, and a joy to read. The best part of this series is that it combines 4 protagonists from other series, and we get to see them through whoever's "turn it is".
January 21, 2025
Great story!
I love Ms. Hart's stories! Out of all the different books I read she is my favorite author. She has a fun sense of humor that she writes interesting mysteries around. You won't be sorry to buy any of her books.
I love Ms. Hart's stories! Out of all the different books I read she is my favorite author. She has a fun sense of humor that she writes interesting mysteries around. You won't be sorry to buy any of her books.
May 8, 2025
Fun book
The plot lines are interesting and suspenseful. How she is able to write about this is amazing. I enjoy watching the characters interact and grow, especially with their children.
The plot lines are interesting and suspenseful. How she is able to write about this is amazing. I enjoy watching the characters interact and grow, especially with their children.
November 22, 2025
It’s been a while since I last read a book in this series and I had fun coming back to it. The story was interesting and just how I like it. 5 stars for another good book in one of my favourite series.
January 10, 2025
Great
This is another great book. You are an author. I love your books. Thank you for writing your wonderful books.
This is another great book. You are an author. I love your books. Thank you for writing your wonderful books.
January 11, 2025
Engaging and entertaining, love these characters and these series
February 1, 2025
Ghosts
Awesome read with lots of action and humor, and finding the way friends helped each other was great. Great characters and storyline.
Awesome read with lots of action and humor, and finding the way friends helped each other was great. Great characters and storyline.
February 14, 2025
Good as always
I love watching the women all interact. It's really nice how each book focuses on a different couple and their family while not excluding the others.
I love watching the women all interact. It's really nice how each book focuses on a different couple and their family while not excluding the others.
April 10, 2025
Holy hijinks!!
I loved this book! It was filled with magic and witches (both children and parents), evil and death, murder and mystery.
I loved this book! It was filled with magic and witches (both children and parents), evil and death, murder and mystery.
April 11, 2025
Cold case
Three bodies have been found, which had been buried in the woods for 20 years. A girl Finn's age is missing.
Three bodies have been found, which had been buried in the woods for 20 years. A girl Finn's age is missing.
May 8, 2025
exciting
A good book in the series with plenty of mystery, suspense, horror, drama, magic, humor, angst, violence, and romance. Eager for next book.
A good book in the series with plenty of mystery, suspense, horror, drama, magic, humor, angst, violence, and romance. Eager for next book.
January 21, 2026
Great book
This is a great series. The kids in this series are growing up so fast. I wonder what Finn will be like as an adult.
This is a great series. The kids in this series are growing up so fast. I wonder what Finn will be like as an adult.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews