A Jolly Fiasco!

Silver Screen Coven #5

by Dominique Daoust

'Tis the season for murder

Annabelle's first Christmas away from home just got deadly. When murder disrupts a glamorous MGM Studios holiday decorating shoot, she and her coven are thrust into their most dangerous mystery yet. Between temperamental actors, suspicious reporters, and a mysterious spellbook-related curse that needs breaking, they'll need every magical skill they possess to catch the killer. But with their supernatural secret on the line and danger lurking behind every twinkling light, this holiday season is far from jolly.

Can they unmask the murderer in time for Saint Nick's annual visit, or will they end up with something much worse than a lump of coal in their stockings?

The Silver Screen Coven Series is a historical-paranormal cozy mystery series for lovers of Old Hollywood, whodunits and newbie witches. It’s perfect for fans of Lily Harper Hart and Magda Alexander.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Dominique Daoust is the author of The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy and the Silver Screen Coven series. She is a journalism graduate from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. When not reading or writing, she likes to do yoga, drink margaritas, incessantly quote Friends and listen to rap while doing mundane household chores.

You can follow her on Facebook (@DominiqueDaoustAuthor) and Instagram (@dominique.daoust) for updates!

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MGM studios are decorated for the holidays and glamorous parties are being planned. The witches of the Silver Screen Coven, Annabelle, Velma, Mae, and Mila, are searching for a way to free their spellbound mentor, Prudence, from her book prison. Along with research in the library, they take a trip to San Bernardino, where they find that Prudence may have been cursed for good reason. Meanwhile, another death at the studio has the ladies casting a spell with some unintended effects to flush out a killer before the holiday break. And a special guest arrives to surprise one of the ladies for Christmas.

A Jolly Fiasco!, the fifth book in Dominique Daoust’s enchanting Silver Screen Coven series brings seasonal joy with a side of murder. The snappy dialogue is filled with 1930s slang and the MGM studios is brought to life with legendary stars making their appearances. The ladies’ jobs give them the behind the scenes access they need to search for clues, and their unique powers give them the edge they need. Their quartet of familiars, Scarlet the fox, Midnight the cat, Fangs the bat, and Ramona the crow provide plenty of cuteness and chaos. I could just imagine them singing Christmas carols. As in the previous books of the series, their spell goes spectacularly awry giving LA some unexpected extra holiday charm. Another fun addition to a great series.

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

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silver Screen Coven series has such eye-catching book covers! In A Jolly Fiasco, it is December 1923 in Los Angeles. Annabelle and her friends Mila, Mae, and Velma work at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Annabelle's boss in the publicity department, Nelson Beauregard, has given her an assignment. She needs to write up a press release about all the fun things happening in December. Shockingly however, Humphrey Greenstreet, director of the annual Christmas decorating montage, is found dead! Nelson gives Annabelle permission to conduct her own investigation on the down low. The 4 witches work together to solve the murder. I liked the setting and the year as well as the friends working together as amateur sleuths. This was a fun cozy!

[Mony Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Jolly Fiasco! was such a delightful surprise. It blends cozy mystery vibes with just the right touch of magic and Old Hollywood glamour. I really enjoyed the Christmas setting it felt festive without overpowering the mystery and the coven dynamic added a lot of charm and humor. The plot kept me guessing, and the mix of curses, suspicious characters, and behind-the-scenes studio drama made it hard to put down. This is a fun, seasonal read that still has real stakes, and it’s perfect if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.”

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a Christmas themed book in a series. The holiday decor and people’s traditions are always so fun to read about. It was so fun to meet Mama Stonewood. The mystery was good in this book as well. These gals are really flushing out a lot of bad people at the MGM studios. Of course I’m loving the hints of romance too. And I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens with Prudence!

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always an adventure trying to solve a murder with these gals! I was so excited for a Christmas themed book after having so much fun with the Halloween one. Annabelle’s boss finally gives her a task she can sink her teeth into. It was like I got to celebrate the holidays at MGM in the 1930s. I love this journey they are on and excited to see what is next.

Thank you to the author for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Annabelle, Velma, Mae, Mila and Prue! Loved following along on their adventures! A fun glimpse into 1930’s Hollywood! This is the first book I’ve read in the series. It works as a stand alone book but might be better enjoyed if you read the other books in the series first. They referred to prior events, but that didn’t ruin the book for me. These are my impressions after enjoying an advance copy of the book.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets and snowflakes - Los Angeles is held in the grip of a strange weather system as the coven ladies take on another case. A dictatorial director meets his end on one of the Christmas sets, suspects abundant as he was privy to secrets he used to his advantage. A jolly good read just in time for Christmas that I inhaled in a few hours.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The witches of Hollywood are trying to figure out who murdered Mr. Greenstreet.
Nobody liked him but who would kill him?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book from the series! The Christmastime setting warmed my little holiday-loving heart. I enjoyed learning more about each character, their pasts, and individual quirks. My favourite from the series so far!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. I was quickly pulled into the story and found it to be a great escape. I will be looking for more books by this author.