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Clarissa Spencer #1
A Taste of Magic
A bossy cat. An eccentric aunt. An unsolved murder.
Out of work reporter Clarissa Spencer is being stalked by a stray cat. She can't cook to save her life, her garden is an overgrown mess and her chocolate chip cookie addiction is out of control. Then to top it all off, she gets struck by lightning.
Clarissa thinks she has it bad - until she learns the town mayor has been murdered. Okay, so it could be worse...
Clarissa makes it her mission to expose the true killer before her arch nemesis - an infuriatingly handsome reporter from the city newspaper - can. Unfortunately, solving a murder is easier said than done...especially with the lunacy in Clarissa's life!
Out of work reporter Clarissa Spencer is being stalked by a stray cat. She can't cook to save her life, her garden is an overgrown mess and her chocolate chip cookie addiction is out of control. Then to top it all off, she gets struck by lightning.
Clarissa thinks she has it bad - until she learns the town mayor has been murdered. Okay, so it could be worse...
Clarissa makes it her mission to expose the true killer before her arch nemesis - an infuriatingly handsome reporter from the city newspaper - can. Unfortunately, solving a murder is easier said than done...especially with the lunacy in Clarissa's life!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2015
348 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
July 2, 2016
Good read, but...
The author is a little bit to obsessed with chocolate chip cookies. How her main character doesn't weigh over 300 pounds is beyond me. Although the story was good, the obsession with the cookies and often repeated information made me shake my head and took me away from full enjoyment of the book. Still a good read, but could be greatly improved with some editing.
The author is a little bit to obsessed with chocolate chip cookies. How her main character doesn't weigh over 300 pounds is beyond me. Although the story was good, the obsession with the cookies and often repeated information made me shake my head and took me away from full enjoyment of the book. Still a good read, but could be greatly improved with some editing.
May 7, 2019
Death! By! Exclamation! Marks!
I forgot how old the character of Clarissa Spencer is supposed to be but I am pretty sure based on her behavior the answer is...9.
A cute, free cozy mystery but the best part was definitely the title. "Happiness is a Smoking Gun"? Genius.
Otherwise? Not so much.
Even for a journalist, Clarissa behaves pretty unethically in her search for the murderer and for someone who supposed "knows small town gossip"...she really doesn't know any small town gossip. She mostly knows her BFF who fills her in on small town gossip. (And in the process fills in the reader.)
There is a hawt, hot-shot journalist to keep things interesting and the usual cozy mystery family issues.
And also magic?
The witchcraft came out of nowhere and continued to feel out of nowhere throughout the story. Maybe it gets further developed in future books but it did not leave me wanting more. Far from it, I think I will avoid any other book in this series primarily because of the magic.
I forgot how old the character of Clarissa Spencer is supposed to be but I am pretty sure based on her behavior the answer is...9.
A cute, free cozy mystery but the best part was definitely the title. "Happiness is a Smoking Gun"? Genius.
Otherwise? Not so much.
Even for a journalist, Clarissa behaves pretty unethically in her search for the murderer and for someone who supposed "knows small town gossip"...she really doesn't know any small town gossip. She mostly knows her BFF who fills her in on small town gossip. (And in the process fills in the reader.)
There is a hawt, hot-shot journalist to keep things interesting and the usual cozy mystery family issues.
And also magic?
The witchcraft came out of nowhere and continued to feel out of nowhere throughout the story. Maybe it gets further developed in future books but it did not leave me wanting more. Far from it, I think I will avoid any other book in this series primarily because of the magic.
May 3, 2016
Original review found on Novels all Night
I tend to enjoy witchy mysteries, which is why I decided to give this one a try. The blurb made it sound fun and amusing. I was concerned that it would end up being way too outlandish and ridiculous. I mean she's being stalked by a cat, is struck by lightning, and there's obviously some witch component? It could get too silly for my liking. Luckily, I was completely wrong. A Taste of Magic was just the right amount of fun. Clarissa is a fun and completely relateable main character. Slightly down on her luck but determined and a severe cookie addiction. Basically what I'm saying is I loved the main character! There also weren't any other characters that I found too unlikable or annoying. Sometimes a minor character can really detract from my enjoyment of a book and I'm glad that wasn't the case.
A Taste of Magic was a quick and light read but that doesn't mean the mystery was lacking at all. In fact, the mystery was my favorite part of this book. Way too often in cozy mysteries like this there's a heroine who stumbles around trying to solve a murder and only discovers who it is because they try to kill her. Clarissa's investigation seemed much more impressive to me than the average amateur sleuth. Maybe it's because she's a journalist but I love that once I found out who the killer was I was able to look back and see how she got there. I was able to spot all the clues that I missed. And that is my favorite part about mysteries.
This was a quick, funny, and delightful read! I'm so glad that I stumbled across it. I have to say I immediately picked up the next book in the series and spoiler...I loved that one too. Probably more than I enjoyed this one. So, if your looking for a fun book to lose yourself in for a few hours then I'd give this one a try. I must say the witchy/magic component in this books is very minor and does not play a big role in the story. That was not an issue for me, I actually enjoyed how it was woven into the story but if you're looking for a ton of magic then you may be disappointed.
I tend to enjoy witchy mysteries, which is why I decided to give this one a try. The blurb made it sound fun and amusing. I was concerned that it would end up being way too outlandish and ridiculous. I mean she's being stalked by a cat, is struck by lightning, and there's obviously some witch component? It could get too silly for my liking. Luckily, I was completely wrong. A Taste of Magic was just the right amount of fun. Clarissa is a fun and completely relateable main character. Slightly down on her luck but determined and a severe cookie addiction. Basically what I'm saying is I loved the main character! There also weren't any other characters that I found too unlikable or annoying. Sometimes a minor character can really detract from my enjoyment of a book and I'm glad that wasn't the case.
A Taste of Magic was a quick and light read but that doesn't mean the mystery was lacking at all. In fact, the mystery was my favorite part of this book. Way too often in cozy mysteries like this there's a heroine who stumbles around trying to solve a murder and only discovers who it is because they try to kill her. Clarissa's investigation seemed much more impressive to me than the average amateur sleuth. Maybe it's because she's a journalist but I love that once I found out who the killer was I was able to look back and see how she got there. I was able to spot all the clues that I missed. And that is my favorite part about mysteries.
This was a quick, funny, and delightful read! I'm so glad that I stumbled across it. I have to say I immediately picked up the next book in the series and spoiler...I loved that one too. Probably more than I enjoyed this one. So, if your looking for a fun book to lose yourself in for a few hours then I'd give this one a try. I must say the witchy/magic component in this books is very minor and does not play a big role in the story. That was not an issue for me, I actually enjoyed how it was woven into the story but if you're looking for a ton of magic then you may be disappointed.
August 15, 2019
Clarissa's life as a reporter is great until one day an out of town newspaper buys the paper she works for and shuts it down. Now she is fast running out of money, has acquired a black cat and gets struck by lightning.
If that isn't bad enough, she may have heard the murderer of the town mayor. But no one likes the town mayor, so it could be anyone.
Weirdly, the lightning strike triggers her ability to do witchcraft. Her long lost aunt comes to deliver her first spellbook and while coming to grips with the fact that she is a witch, she must solve the murder of the mayor. If she solves the murder, she can write about it for the paper she is determined to publish in her hometown.
Between bumbling through some rudimentary spells and pretty much making a fool of herself, she preservers and finds the truth.
I really liked the character and her quirky friend the coffeeholic. Lots of suspects, but some could have been better developed.
I will read on because I think this has potential for some fun.
If that isn't bad enough, she may have heard the murderer of the town mayor. But no one likes the town mayor, so it could be anyone.
Weirdly, the lightning strike triggers her ability to do witchcraft. Her long lost aunt comes to deliver her first spellbook and while coming to grips with the fact that she is a witch, she must solve the murder of the mayor. If she solves the murder, she can write about it for the paper she is determined to publish in her hometown.
Between bumbling through some rudimentary spells and pretty much making a fool of herself, she preservers and finds the truth.
I really liked the character and her quirky friend the coffeeholic. Lots of suspects, but some could have been better developed.
I will read on because I think this has potential for some fun.
July 4, 2018
Funny and fun. Clarissa loses her job as a reporter, is adopted by a cat and learns that she may be able to perform magic. She decides to create her own newspaper and needs to solve the murder to provide the big headline to get subscribers. The characters are a bit stereotypical but the mystery is well done and the characters are fun. I will read more from this series.
October 28, 2016
Clarissa Spencer is an unemployed reporter. She is
addicted to chocolate chip cookies plus is being
followed by a stray cat.
Then the cat takes her bracelet. While chasing the
cat into the woods, lightning strikes Clarissa. She
also hears someone running near her.
Next morning the mayor is discovered shot. Was it
the murderer running past her??
The mayor's wife is arrested but Clarissa believes
she is innocent and is determined to investigate the
crime.
The story is mixed with murder, mystery, a best
friend, a stray cat, plenty of suspects, suspense, a
quirky aunt and a glimmer of romance.
Clarissa will discover amongst all the mayhem that she
is a witch with magical powers that she will need to
learn.
A quick, fun read!!
addicted to chocolate chip cookies plus is being
followed by a stray cat.
Then the cat takes her bracelet. While chasing the
cat into the woods, lightning strikes Clarissa. She
also hears someone running near her.
Next morning the mayor is discovered shot. Was it
the murderer running past her??
The mayor's wife is arrested but Clarissa believes
she is innocent and is determined to investigate the
crime.
The story is mixed with murder, mystery, a best
friend, a stray cat, plenty of suspects, suspense, a
quirky aunt and a glimmer of romance.
Clarissa will discover amongst all the mayhem that she
is a witch with magical powers that she will need to
learn.
A quick, fun read!!
January 30, 2017
If you prefer a light mystery with a touch of romance this is the perfect book. It was very easy reading and could easily be finished in an afternoon. The main character is likeable and the supporting characters blend in with the story line. I can see this being a series with a developing love story.
I have rated this book 3.5 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
I have rated this book 3.5 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
December 6, 2018
I was disappointed in the too-simple plot and rather mediocre writing. Better proofreading might have improved it by removing the annoyance of obvious errors and some poor sentence structure. And there was really no point to having the main character be a witch since witchcraft was not utilized to move the story forward.
May 13, 2018
Boring, with a heroine who was too stupid and ditzy for me to like. The language is sloppy (literally everybody talks „a mile a minute“). And there are glaring logic holes - she never cooks, but when she wants to make a potion all spices are in the cupboards (and no, it is not implied she magicked them there). And the very next day she states she has never bought spices before. Then where did the spices come from?!? And what idiot „eyeballs“ potion ingredients because „measuring is boring“?!?
Not to mention that the potion is supposed to turn back the last 60 seconds, but then turns back an event that happened before she went into the kitchen, made the potion with all ingredients - all in under 60 seconds???
Deeply annoying
Not to mention that the potion is supposed to turn back the last 60 seconds, but then turns back an event that happened before she went into the kitchen, made the potion with all ingredients - all in under 60 seconds???
Deeply annoying
March 22, 2016
First Kiss really
The ending was a little short, I was waiting to see how the mayor's wife and family thanked Clarissa by keeping her word to help them clear her name. I also wondered why it took so long for her to connect the teen with the case, why does everything have to be at the last moment? Well I hope Clarissa gets Parker and perfect her magic with out mishaps.
The ending was a little short, I was waiting to see how the mayor's wife and family thanked Clarissa by keeping her word to help them clear her name. I also wondered why it took so long for her to connect the teen with the case, why does everything have to be at the last moment? Well I hope Clarissa gets Parker and perfect her magic with out mishaps.
January 4, 2018
I didn't enjoy this first novel of the series, but I didn't hate it either; just simply indifferent. The author clearly kept trying out new scenarios with the character, and I guess is hoping it solidifies in future stories. I don't intend on finding out though.
While Clarissa is said to be addicted to chocolate chip cookies, that's not the case as she happens to eat whole pies in one sitting. Then after, well still not sure if she was actually hit by lightning, or just got a little side effects from being too close to a hit tree; surprise, she's a witch with levitating powers. Her aunt Matilda shows up suddenly when Clarissa, just as a joke, tries to make a box of cookies come to her from a table out of her reach, they move, but tumble to the floor. Ding Dong, there's Matilda at the door, after about a 10-15 year hiatus from Clarissa's life, with a book of potions and a "congrats, you have discovered your powers; call me if you need any lessons".
Clarissa also begins as a very whiny character, then suddenly she's a self-confident reporter, who does yard work to make ends meet, trying to get a scoop on a local murder to begin her own newspaper, to replace the paper that she worked for, but was bought out and closed down....and the going back and forth with her life choices was just too tiring for me to enjoy.
While Clarissa is said to be addicted to chocolate chip cookies, that's not the case as she happens to eat whole pies in one sitting. Then after, well still not sure if she was actually hit by lightning, or just got a little side effects from being too close to a hit tree; surprise, she's a witch with levitating powers. Her aunt Matilda shows up suddenly when Clarissa, just as a joke, tries to make a box of cookies come to her from a table out of her reach, they move, but tumble to the floor. Ding Dong, there's Matilda at the door, after about a 10-15 year hiatus from Clarissa's life, with a book of potions and a "congrats, you have discovered your powers; call me if you need any lessons".
Clarissa also begins as a very whiny character, then suddenly she's a self-confident reporter, who does yard work to make ends meet, trying to get a scoop on a local murder to begin her own newspaper, to replace the paper that she worked for, but was bought out and closed down....and the going back and forth with her life choices was just too tiring for me to enjoy.
February 22, 2021
This is H in my list of A-Z of Fiction Titles.
Happiness is a Smoking Gun is a cosy murder mystery about a woman called Clarissa who decides to start her own newspaper and her first story will be solving the murder of the town mayor.
This wasn't a bad book and story, however (as you can see by the front cover [and which I didn't see when choosing the book on my kindle]) there is a witchiness about the book. Now, you know if you have read my other reviews, I don't mind a bit of paranormal or supernatural, but in this book it just seemed unnecessary, and her new powers didn't actually help her solve the crime either. I'm guessing, because this is the first book in a series, it will be a bigger part of the plot in future books, however, for me, I don't feel inclined to read the rest.
A good book to while away a few hours, and (unusually for me), I didn't predict who the killer was going to be.
Happiness is a Smoking Gun is a cosy murder mystery about a woman called Clarissa who decides to start her own newspaper and her first story will be solving the murder of the town mayor.
This wasn't a bad book and story, however (as you can see by the front cover [and which I didn't see when choosing the book on my kindle]) there is a witchiness about the book. Now, you know if you have read my other reviews, I don't mind a bit of paranormal or supernatural, but in this book it just seemed unnecessary, and her new powers didn't actually help her solve the crime either. I'm guessing, because this is the first book in a series, it will be a bigger part of the plot in future books, however, for me, I don't feel inclined to read the rest.
A good book to while away a few hours, and (unusually for me), I didn't predict who the killer was going to be.
June 4, 2017
This is the first in the series. It's a fun quick easy read. Clarissa Spencer is an out of work reporter when the local home town newspaper is bought out for under the town. While her life is a mess like her garden Clarissa finds herself not only looking for a another job but she is also being stalked by a cat. She doesn't know why this cat keeps showing up around her. One day she gets word that the mayor has been murdered. Now Clarissa has a new mission, she decides to find out who did it before her arch nemesis does. While all this is going on here her eccentric shows up out of the blue and tells her she is a witch. This book is easy to read in a day and is one that you can wait to see if you are on the same trail as Clarissa.
June 23, 2018
No job and a death in town
A good solid cozy. She had lost her job on the local paper and no-one in town was hiring. Plus that annoying cat was back. Now a thunderstorm was heading her was and the cat had run away with her bracelet. Could things get any worse? A lightening strike, a death, being told you are a witch and seeing an innocent woman being arrested. All these are wrapped up in a plot that was great but the ending was just a bit weak, . The characters however have started strongly and should get better in subsequent books.
A good solid cozy. She had lost her job on the local paper and no-one in town was hiring. Plus that annoying cat was back. Now a thunderstorm was heading her was and the cat had run away with her bracelet. Could things get any worse? A lightening strike, a death, being told you are a witch and seeing an innocent woman being arrested. All these are wrapped up in a plot that was great but the ending was just a bit weak, . The characters however have started strongly and should get better in subsequent books.
September 22, 2019
Cute story, easy read
This is a great story to read when you're in the mood for something light and fun. Larissa is a delightful character, one about which I'm anxious to read more. The reporter angle is interesting, and it would be hard not to feel sorry for her when her job goes away. The story is well put together, amusing, and humorous. My favorite part is at the end and involves cinnamon. No spoilers here, but it had me rolling. If you enjoys a little off-beat, give this a try.
This is a great story to read when you're in the mood for something light and fun. Larissa is a delightful character, one about which I'm anxious to read more. The reporter angle is interesting, and it would be hard not to feel sorry for her when her job goes away. The story is well put together, amusing, and humorous. My favorite part is at the end and involves cinnamon. No spoilers here, but it had me rolling. If you enjoys a little off-beat, give this a try.
June 7, 2018
A very good story
This started out a little slow. I can happily say that changes quickly. The story has a good pace and no words are wasted. The main character is so very real and her quirks are relatable, especially for me. Th we secondary characters are intriguing and enhance the story. I would have given it five stars, but the cat was a letdown and the magic was just dropped until the end.
This started out a little slow. I can happily say that changes quickly. The story has a good pace and no words are wasted. The main character is so very real and her quirks are relatable, especially for me. Th we secondary characters are intriguing and enhance the story. I would have given it five stars, but the cat was a letdown and the magic was just dropped until the end.
July 17, 2025
Excellent Story with nerotic tendencies.
Ok, So only Clarissa is somewhat nerotic, but she's funny that way. Very well written mystery. There were a lot of great characters. I really enjoyed the banter between Clarissa and Parker. As well as the interactions with 'cat'. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I am especially looking forward to seeing how the friendships develop.
Ok, So only Clarissa is somewhat nerotic, but she's funny that way. Very well written mystery. There were a lot of great characters. I really enjoyed the banter between Clarissa and Parker. As well as the interactions with 'cat'. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I am especially looking forward to seeing how the friendships develop.
October 3, 2017
A really fun read
This story is filled with innocence and expectations.
Y'all really need to read it for yourselves, for me to take this review any further would diminish your own enjoyment of the story.
As for myself, I am going to be searching out more of this author's work.
This story is filled with innocence and expectations.
Y'all really need to read it for yourselves, for me to take this review any further would diminish your own enjoyment of the story.
As for myself, I am going to be searching out more of this author's work.
March 14, 2018
Not quite sure which age group the author is targeting. I found the story more suitable for young girls - not adults (maybe my mistake thinking it was for adults). Still not quite sure what being a witch had to do with the rest of the story. I will probably not be reading more books in this series.
March 28, 2018
Beginning of a witchy series
Aĺaine Allister has written a mystery that is a nice start to this cozy witchy series . Could use a little more attention to editing but reads smoothly enough. If you like cozy tales then you should like this series as the author has left enough unanswered details to keep you hanging on.
Aĺaine Allister has written a mystery that is a nice start to this cozy witchy series . Could use a little more attention to editing but reads smoothly enough. If you like cozy tales then you should like this series as the author has left enough unanswered details to keep you hanging on.
February 26, 2019
Another novice witch
A nice, easy read. Engaging story that ties up neatly. Characters developed naturally (I love Mrs Meddler & Nora). A little light in some details, and leaves a couple open threads, but that just leaves me wanting more of Clarissa....and Cat. Not to mention having me checking my spice rack.
A nice, easy read. Engaging story that ties up neatly. Characters developed naturally (I love Mrs Meddler & Nora). A little light in some details, and leaves a couple open threads, but that just leaves me wanting more of Clarissa....and Cat. Not to mention having me checking my spice rack.
September 8, 2023
The mayor been murdered
Clarissa is unemployed and wondering what she can do. While chasing a cat in the woods she hears a gunshot and a man running and cursing. Then she finds out the mayor has been murdered and oh yeah she is also a witch. Throw in the son of owner of the closed town newspaper.
Clarissa is unemployed and wondering what she can do. While chasing a cat in the woods she hears a gunshot and a man running and cursing. Then she finds out the mayor has been murdered and oh yeah she is also a witch. Throw in the son of owner of the closed town newspaper.
October 9, 2017
Happiness is an entertaining book
Although it started out a little slow, by the midway point the story picked up steam and got more interesting. All in all, a fairly enjoyable, entertaining, clean read. I look forward to book 2.
Although it started out a little slow, by the midway point the story picked up steam and got more interesting. All in all, a fairly enjoyable, entertaining, clean read. I look forward to book 2.
April 8, 2018
A lot of fun
I chose this rating because the work was carefully crafted and had a discernible structure. It was fun to read with a number of asides which will enable the author to develop her scanum and entertain her audience.
I chose this rating because the work was carefully crafted and had a discernible structure. It was fun to read with a number of asides which will enable the author to develop her scanum and entertain her audience.
April 29, 2018
Flat
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Flat, barely able to finish it. Not much witchy going on, but the last few chapters were good. Not enough to make up for the rest.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Flat, barely able to finish it. Not much witchy going on, but the last few chapters were good. Not enough to make up for the rest.
June 25, 2018
Fun and Quirky Read
Started this book after the granddaughters went to bed and stayed up till four a.m. to finish it.
Fun clean story and rooting for the romance to to start.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Started this book after the granddaughters went to bed and stayed up till four a.m. to finish it.
Fun clean story and rooting for the romance to to start.
Can't wait to read the next book.
August 16, 2018
Pretty good stuff!
I think this would be a good series. The characters were fun, if a little shallow. More depth to the magical powers and mystery solving would give the story more suspense. Well done!
I think this would be a good series. The characters were fun, if a little shallow. More depth to the magical powers and mystery solving would give the story more suspense. Well done!
October 22, 2018
This was a quick and funny read. I stumbled across it accidentally and I have to say I so enjoyed it that I'm going to finish the series. If your looking for a fun book to lose yourself in for a few hours, then I'd give this one a try.
June 4, 2020
Fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, but it did pick up. The characters were intriguing. The story was interesting and engaging. The ending was great. Good stuff. This book is definitely worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, but it did pick up. The characters were intriguing. The story was interesting and engaging. The ending was great. Good stuff. This book is definitely worth reading.
October 8, 2020
Okay storyline but very slow moving. Also seems like there was no reason for her to be a witch? It was a very weird interlude in an otherwise standard cozy mystery. Would have been 2 stars but I loved the cat, Cat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews