Murder at the Magic Academy

by Alicia Rades

At Thornshire Magic Academy, psychics will always uncover the truth.

Halloween is supposed to be a night of celebration and fun, until I find my cousin murdered in her dorm room. The police claim it was an accident, but a psychic vision tells me otherwise.

To bring my cousin’s true killer to justice, I’ll have to team up with the one person I don’t want to be around. Kylan’s an all-too-handsome, exceptionally sexy warlock, who also happens to be my ex.

Together, we must hunt down my cousin’s killer… before another student ends up dead.

Mysterious clues lurk these halls where witches brew potions and romance gets a second chance in this standalone new adult paranormal short story.

Genres: Audiobook

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Alicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over forty young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering and claiming one's inner power. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.

Never miss a new release. Sign up for Alicia's newsletter at http://www.aliciaradesauthor.com/news...

Reviews

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder at the Magic Academy" by Alicia Rades is a quick Halloween magical cozy mystery. Elody is a psychic just coming into her full power amongst the witch community and it's Halloween night. Halloween always gives her a bad feeling. This one especially does and she's rushing to meet her older cousin for a Halloween Haunted House (with real ghosts and resurrected skeletons). Sadly, she finds her cousin dead from a seemingly self inflicted curse.

Elody has a gut feeling that a curse gone wrong couldn't possibly be true. Luckily her high school sweetheart believes her and the plunge into investigating her cousin's recent actions. This leads them to discover some pretty serious accusations and solving what really happened to a mutual friend in addition to her cousin.

If you're in the mood for a quick Halloween cozy mystery with a hint of romance, then this is what you're looking for.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @spotify @tlcbooktours @aliciarades @spotifyforauthors #partner for the gifted copy of this audiobook!

I listened to the Spotify audiobook for this one and wow, what a fun little novella that totally packed a punch! 🪄🎃

This one is set at a magic academy on Halloween night. (umm, say no more) This story kicks off when the Elody’s cousin is found murdered with strange markings that make it clear something much darker is at play. Elody refuses to believe it was just an accident based on the circumstances and is determined to find her cousins killer! This ended up being a fast paced and twisty mystery full of spells and curses which I loved!

My favorite part was how smart, persistent and steadfast Elody was. I liked that she did not take anyone’s word at face value and is absolutely determined to find justice for her cousin. The academia setting was another highlight for me. It had just the right touch of eerie darkness for the spooky Halloween night. I feel like Alicia did such a great job overall creating an atmosphere that felt both magical and slightly haunted which made this one a winner for me.

I sometimes feel like novella’s don’t give enough detail or leave me wanting more but this was not the case with this one. I will say I’d absolutely read a full length book set in this world! I did manage to figure out who the culprit was but I didn’t mind at all. I enjoyed this cozy and magical vibes in this fun audiobook jaunt!

If you’re looking to prolong Halloween a little bit longer with something fast and full of spooky charm...this one’s a perfect pick! 🕯️✨

[Cassandra Tuten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Spotify or this ALC of Murder At The Magic Academy by Alicia Rades

This is such a well done magical murder mystery.

The narration was enjoyable and engaging. Taylor Harvey did an amazing job.

The plot is not at all overly complicated, and is pretty easy to figure out. Regardless it’s still fun, and has a rather happy ending.

At Thornshire Magic Academy, psychics will always uncover the truth.
Halloween is supposed to be a night of celebration and fun, until I find my cousin murdered in her dorm room. The police claim it was an accident, but a psychic vision tells me otherwise.
To bring my cousin’s true killer to justice, I’ll have to team up with the one person I don’t want to be around. Kylan’s an all-too-handsome, exceptionally sexy warlock, who also happens to be my ex.
Together, we must hunt down my cousin’s killer… before another student ends up dead.

If you have Spotify, and are looking for a quick read, that has magical elements and a mystery then I highly recommend.

[Brianna Bourque · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ - a little predictable but a sweet short Halloween novella to end spooky szn

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A magical menace, mystery/thriller, romance short

My Review: Murder at the Magic Academy by Alicia Rades is a Spotify Audiobook Selects "Mystery & Thrillers | Romance." It is scheduled for release on 11/4/25.

About the Story: "Halloween is supposed to be a night of celebration and fun, until I find my cousin murdered in her dorm room."

In My Own Words: A Thornshire Magic Academy psychic and her ex team up to solve not one but two murders that are strangely linked together.

About the Characters: The players in this story were perfectly set. A psychic. Her ex. A cousin found. A friend who passed. Two suspicious males. A teacher with a special project. A team of community servicemen. A questionable love interest. Family and friends who have suffered a grave loss.

About the Couple: The lost love angle worked in this story. The fact that the former partners had to work together in order to find out what was what added texture. Because of the unresolved nature of their relationship, it made their forced reconciliation noteworthy. I will say that I super appreciated how the prospect of losing each other again a second time, in a sense, added depth to an already frothy story. Elody and Kylan are my new witchy/warlock dynamic duo.

About the Conflict: The air of mystery and intrigue in this little ditty was on the money. I loved the suspense. I was totally not expecting what happened. Everything was laid out just right. The tension was tight and the deceit was front and center.

About the Audiobook: This audio short was narrated by Taylor Harvey. I will simply say that this was... SUPERB!

My Final Say: I LOVED THIS AUDIOBOOK!!! I would pay money for it to become a series. How can we make that happen?! I am so not kidding.

This audiobook short gets a special bells and whistles shout out. It could be a whole thing, thank you very much!

Other: Fangirling #MurderattheMagicAcademy

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note: 🛎️😚📣
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Cover: +
Special Request: Might I have more?

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Spotify Audiobook Selects), and to NetGalley. Thank you is not enough, and yet it is my sincere expression of gratitude. I absolutely loved the entire listening experience. This was my very first Alicia Rades story, but it will not be my last.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet Halloween themed novella!

We are at the Magic Academy and Elody is a 1st year student there. Her cousin, Luna, is older and promises to teach her and give her everything she needs… before she herself graduates.

So, when Elody is running late for the Halloween Party…well, she gets a bit concerned, because her cousin gets upset whenever she’s late… but she gets a text back stating that she’s running a bit late too.

BUT, when she doesn’t meet up after a while, Elody goes looking for her…only to find she’s been murdered… in her dorm!

Elody is shocked. And upset.
She remembers their friend who died via suicide recently… but she still doesn’t believe that was the case.
So now, she vows to get to the bottom of this… and find out who killed Luna.

But, the next person to show up is her ex… Kylan. She doesn’t want to even talk to him! But, he seems to be the only one who believes that something is amiss here. The police aren’t paying any attention to her…

So, off they go to investigate!

Being as this is under 3 hours long, I thought I’d feel like it was too short. Instead… It. Was. Perfect!!

And, kept you wondering and guessing throughout!
And, had a very satisfying ending!

#MurderAtTheMagicAcademy by @AliciaRades and narrated nicely by @TaylorHarvey.

4 1/2 magical, mystical, romantic, fantasy stars for me! Happily rounded up to 5! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
OH… And I LOVE the cover!!!

This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!

Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @SpotifySelectAudiobooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Laura R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

Elody has been having a hard time lately with the recent death of her friend that was ruled as a suicide and her starting college, things have been very different in her life. But when she goes to meet up with her cousin, who's supposed to be showing her fun on Halloween -- only to find her dead in her room -- her Halloween night turns into an investigation to figure out what happened to her cousin and uncover the mystery she was working on solving. And to top it all off, she goes to investigate alongside her ex boyfriend – Kylan.

There was a lot going on in this really short novella about Elody going off with her ex boyfriend to discover the truth behind her cousin's murder, and for such a short story, there is a lot that goes on. I liked how the secrets and everything was unveiled, although it did feel very convenient for a lot of things, like I know that the cousin was investigating the death of the friend but everything just seemed too easy at times. One thing that I didn't like about this was Elody herself, like I get that she lost her friend recently, but she is too timid and simpering and I just couldn't stand how pitiful she seemed. I did like the relationship between her and Kylan, and the fact that the two of them used to date, so we get kind of a second chance between the two of them and I really enjoyed that. I did like how short this was and how quick we were given an explanation for the school and the magic, but I do kind of wish we had slowed down a bit and we had a better investigation that wasn't so convenient that it felt like it was an escape room set up by a teenager.

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally like novellas because they are over before they get anywhere but this story was so well done that I found myself hitting the five star button. Okay it was obvious who was responsible but the story and situation was so engaging that it didn't matter. The story unfolded nicely, with enough magic and mystery to keep you wanting more. The ambience was also set enough to give the feel of attended the magic academy and spooky enough to give you the Halloween chills. Just a well written story that worked its magic on me. I liked the characters and yes even the romance had me hoping for the best. I really hope this is just the start of a new series.

Running late to meet her cousin Luna, Elody gets a bad feeling that has nothing to do with the spooky Halloween costumes. It's only when she arrives at her cousins dorm room that she learn she should have trusted her instincts or premonition. With her cousin dead and the police claiming that she caused her own death by casting a spell she didn't understand, Elody sets out to find out who killed her cousin. Joined by an ex boyfriend and the only one who believes in her visions they will have to retrace Luna's step to find her killer, even if it means uncovering old memories Elody is determined to uncover the truth.
I Liked the narrator. She weaved her own magic and put in a spell binding performance.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Thornshire Magic Academy.

Elody has just found her cousin murdered in her room on All Hallows’ Eve. She knows it wasn’t an accident, even though the local police think otherwise. Determined to uncover the truth, Elody follows her instincts and teams up with her ex, Kylan, to investigate.

This was such a fun listen. I loved the Halloween setting and the cozy supernatural vibes. The mystery kept me hooked, and I was eager to find out who was behind the murder.
The narrator, Taylor Harvey, did a wonderful job bringing Elody and Kylan to life. The tone, inflection, and emotion, especially Elody’s grief, were all spot on.

It’s a short story, so there isn’t a ton of world building, but I was drawn in right away. I really hope the author returns to Thornshire Magic Academy because I’d love to read more set in this world. Perfect for lovers of mystery, warlocks, psychics, and second chances.

A very special thanks to TLC Book Tours + Spotify Audiobooks + Netgalley for the gifted ALC.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and light magical mystery which, while entertaining enough, doesn’t really have anything to do with Halloween.

This story seems to take place vaguely in the same universe as some of the author’s full length novels, which makes it a bit hard to follow if, like me, this is your first read of her work. Though this doesn’t appear to be officially tied to another series, one gets the impression that they’re supposed to be familiar with the characters and the world in which this is taking place.

As a result it feels a bit thin on backstory, and leaves the reader feeling like they were dropped into a space they can’t understand to solve a mystery. And that’s a real bummer, because this seemed like a space I *want* to inhabit and learn more about.

The mystery itself is fine, though structurally it feels a bit rushed. Not a lot to be done about that in short story format, but it feels like more confirmation that this would have played better as a novel than as a novella/short fiction.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun story (only about a 3 hours audiobook) following a murder mystery at a Hogwarts-esque magic school.

I love a murder mystery in a more unique story setting, that was very fun.

I just didn't love the writing. It was so cheesy and in a Disney Channel Original movie kind of way (and not the good ones, the cringey ones). It was especially like that with the dialogue. It was just so awkward and cringey. It reads as super duper young YA, maybe even middle-grade with that Disney Channel-esque dialogue.

I still had fun listening to this audiobook, but I can see some people really struggling to get behind the writing.

And when the killer was revealed, I had to skip quite a few times to get past the cringe and cheese.

Fun story, just not a writing style for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Tanya Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a fun read. It's Halloween and Elody is on the way to an event with her cousin, but when she gets to her cousin's place, she finds out that her cousin has been murdered. Elody believes that her cousin has been murdered, the police do not - the only person who believes her is her sexy ex... (you can see where this is going). It was just an enjoyable book, and I really enjoyed it. There is humour, as well as dealing with the murder investigation.

Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Strength isn’t about how much magic you have. It’s how you use it.”

3.5 stars! This is super short novella that I really enjoyed! The narrator, @taytayharvs, does a great job of quickly pulling you into this magical world and holds your interest throughout. Because of its length the murder mystery is not deep but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

I got some Hogwart’s vibes here, just with older characters. And it takes place on Halloween. A perfect quick listen for this time of year!

Thank you to @aliciarades, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors, and @tlcbooktours for the gifted audiobook.

[Tara Custara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

I wanted to test out my "I don't read fantasy" creed with this short story. I had some spotify hours to burn and I was intrigued by the mixture of murder mystery with a touch of fantasy. It was an entertaining enough story. I felt our main character was a very strong young lady that I could see following more of. It's just that I personally don't love a fantasy novel. If you knew me, you'd be shocked by that but here we are. The twist of the who dunnit was a genuine surprise which is great for a mystery reader. A fun little read tho, I would recommend!

[T’Andra Pilier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book was just okay for me personally. I don’t really read fantasy, so that definitely played a role in how I felt going into it. That said, it was still a decent short read, especially for someone who enjoys lighter fantasy mixed with a mystery element.

If you’re someone who prefers more realistic, grounded murder mysteries, this might not fully hit .. but for what it was, it kept things moving and didn’t overstay its welcome. Not amazing, not terrible, just an okay read that served its purpose.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and engaging novella to listen to! This story has a little something for everyone including dark academia, witches, magic, murder, and romance. The magic academy setting was perfect for an eerie murder mystery! I loved Elody and her dedication to solving her cousin’s murder! Her and Kylan’s second chance romance was sweet too. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging murder mystery with a touch of magic, then I recommend giving this one a listen!

[Curiouser_reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Magic Academy by Alicia Rades is a short, cozy Halloween-themed magical mystery with surprisingly strong world-building for its length. The narration suits the spooky, magical vibe well and makes it an easy listen.

That said, the plot isn’t very complex, and the hint of romance is extremely subtle. Still, as a fun seasonal cozy mystery, it delivers what it promises.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobook Selects for the ARC!

⭐ 3.5/5

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a Halloween novella where a fist year student that’s already reeling from the apparent suicide of her best friend investigates the murder of her cousin. It takes her all over the school, with her ex-boyfriend tagging along. The story was predictable, but it was a great way to end the spooky season. I listened to the book and the narrator did a pretty good job.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book Tours and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[nur_light · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Saw it was a 3 hour audiobook and was like why not? Cause I’m still not out of my October mood/vibe and still stuck there.
This book was a cozy, murder mystery book, and almost felt like Wednesday (the tv show) vibes for some reason, and that was cool. I love how there was still an engaging plot that was written in such a short book.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun cozy magical murder mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the academic setting, and the magic system. It's a quick read and yet feels like a full length book with the resolution wrapping everything up nicely. I listened to the audiobook and it was a delightful way to experience this unique short story.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25-2.75? I didn’t care for this one. I enjoy Simple books sometimes, but this one was a little too predictable for me. It’s ok if you want a super quick cozy story. It read more middle grade than YA. I’m sure this is perfect for some people. Maybe I’m just not the right audience. I would give this author another chance as it has good bones, I just wanted more.

[Luz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook on spotify
It was a cute little read while i was at work, was quick and easy enough to concentrate on even if i wasnt trying too hard (aka it was a good book that i did not have to be zoned in 100% of the time)

liked it, wasnt anything WOW out of this world for me, but it was cute and short and good

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two murders. One determined witch. And an ex she never quite got over.
Elody’s search for the truth plunges her deep into a world of magic, mystery, and rekindled sparks. Perfect for fans of dark academia with a romantic twist.

[Sarah Dureau]

Net Galley Honest review
This is a great novella to read in the lead-up to Halloween. It has all the witchy, spooky vibes that I was looking for! I really enjoyed how fast-paced and straightforward the story was. I also loved the fact that we were working with an already established relationship between the main characters and it wasn't an insta love that progresses way to fast in one night.
Even though it’s a novella, I still felt as though we got enough depth from each character and their backstories to make the story both fun, enjoyable and emotionally engaging. I’m not always a fan of “whodunit” stories, but this one kept me hooked the whole time. Overall, I had a great time reading it and would recommend it to anyone wanting a quick fun and spooky read!

Audiobook Review
I had a great time with this narrator and think they did a wonderful job portraying all of these characters.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and fun murder mystery with clairvoyance, first year student. it's also the first volume, introducing and cementing the main character's decision to become an intuitive and help. I didn't discover the culprit until it was revealed. Great plot twists to. Very pretty cover.

[Bookworm From Finland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, short and witchy YA murder mystery set on Halloween night. A good and complete story packed into a short novella. I listened to it in one go, the audiobook production was functional. I recommend it if you need a quick read.

[Courtney Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Magic Academy is a fun cozy witchy read full of suspense and thrilling twists. The setting is all the spooky academia vibes & the characters are intriguing. The tension of the murder mystery builds right to the very end!

[Sarah Hebel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one just didn’t really catch my attention. I liked the idea behind it, but I struggled to stay interested and never fully connected with the story. It wasn’t for me, but I can see how it might appeal to others who enjoy magical mystery settings.

[April Marie Wardle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ - Really enjoyed this. Quick little fantasy / magic read, straight into the story, great main characters, easy magic system, cosy murder mystery, splash of romance. Would love some more short stories in this world / with these characters!