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One Last Spell
Zelda has sworn never to perform magic again. She's also sworn never to help solve a murder again -- last time she did both, disaster occurred. She's had it with magic, murder, and men.
She's happy with her life now, secluded on the mountainside in the small cozy town of Castlerock. No one bothers her and that's the way she likes it. But when her long lost best friend and police detective Jessica turns up on Zelda's doorstep one day everything changes. Jessica tells her there's been a murder in town and Zelda is the only one who can help.
Last time, things ended in disaster. Zelda's life and relationships were destroyed. Zelda however can't say no to her best friend, especially when she hears that the murder victim is someone Zelda knew - a fellow outcast. Now the case is personal in more ways than one. Zelda agrees to help out but only this one last time.
Zelda meets handsome but bumbling police recruit Josh, and she gets dragged further and further into the mystery, she might just have to rethink her stance on life. Maybe life back with the mortals might not be so bad after all, but things are not all they seem.
Can Zelda solve the case and put her past to rest?
Will Josh prove himself to be worthy of a witch's affections?
Will this really be Zelda's last spell?
Short Story. Volume 1 (approx. 10,000 words) ends with a small cliffhanger. Story concludes in Volume 2 (also approx. 10,000 words), which is available free (linked in the book). Romance is CLEAN.
She's happy with her life now, secluded on the mountainside in the small cozy town of Castlerock. No one bothers her and that's the way she likes it. But when her long lost best friend and police detective Jessica turns up on Zelda's doorstep one day everything changes. Jessica tells her there's been a murder in town and Zelda is the only one who can help.
Last time, things ended in disaster. Zelda's life and relationships were destroyed. Zelda however can't say no to her best friend, especially when she hears that the murder victim is someone Zelda knew - a fellow outcast. Now the case is personal in more ways than one. Zelda agrees to help out but only this one last time.
Zelda meets handsome but bumbling police recruit Josh, and she gets dragged further and further into the mystery, she might just have to rethink her stance on life. Maybe life back with the mortals might not be so bad after all, but things are not all they seem.
Can Zelda solve the case and put her past to rest?
Will Josh prove himself to be worthy of a witch's affections?
Will this really be Zelda's last spell?
Short Story. Volume 1 (approx. 10,000 words) ends with a small cliffhanger. Story concludes in Volume 2 (also approx. 10,000 words), which is available free (linked in the book). Romance is CLEAN.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2015
30 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Raven Snow
71 books96 followersRaven Snow lives in the Pacific Northwest & enjoys writing Witch Cozy Mysteries. Please click the "+Follow" button.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 6, 2018
It was okay. The author states that this is an older book and from before she hit her stride as an author. I agree with her and wish she had left it in the past. Her newer work is better and I wish I hadn't read this one in comparison. The characters are incomplete. There seems to be a backstory that isn't provided but simply hinted at which left me frustrated. That feeling remained with me throughout this story. I did finish it so I gave it a slightly higher rating.
September 23, 2017
A short story dealing with hidden identities, paranormal, witch vs. mortals. Fast paced, short and a fun read!
August 27, 2017
I greatly enjoyed this book. Its a perfect afternoon cozy book. I am looking forward in reading more from this author. I hope this author has this book in a series , have to check.
March 3, 2016
Yes, this is a short story, but it is free. There are several grammatical errors but, I was not overly bothered by them. I have paid for much worse books. Another short story that could easily become a full length novel.
February 2, 2016
A witchy teaser for a first part of series, not too long but written with so many questions. I liked the relaxed style and spunky attitude. William forward to seeing how it blends in part2
March 11, 2020
This is a short story started in “Volume One” and concluded in “Volume Two” – both of which I received for free from the author. The author admits up front that this is an older story that she dusted off for publication. Although there were obvious issues, if this was an “old” work before she reached her stride as an author, I’m definitely going to be looking for more. The biggest issue for me was backstory – as in there obviously was one which we get hints of throughout. But it was cute, a fast read, and intriguing enough for me to want to look for more.
What I liked: the characters. And light-hearted giggles here and there, like the scene where Zelda is brewing a cup of tea with her new-found cat at her feet: “Here I was, a witch, leaning over a cauldron, with a black cat at my feet.” I liked the interaction of the characters and the flavor of a small town. The mystery was pretty standard and I figured out the culprit pretty early, but it was still a satisfying, quick, fun read.
What I didn’t like: a few minor editorial issues that had me cringing. Yes, I can be picky about them, but if it takes me out of the story, it’s a problem for me.
Recommendation: I’d definitely look for more books by this author—and I will.
Thanks to the author for providing this for free with no strings attached.
What I liked: the characters. And light-hearted giggles here and there, like the scene where Zelda is brewing a cup of tea with her new-found cat at her feet: “Here I was, a witch, leaning over a cauldron, with a black cat at my feet.” I liked the interaction of the characters and the flavor of a small town. The mystery was pretty standard and I figured out the culprit pretty early, but it was still a satisfying, quick, fun read.
What I didn’t like: a few minor editorial issues that had me cringing. Yes, I can be picky about them, but if it takes me out of the story, it’s a problem for me.
Recommendation: I’d definitely look for more books by this author—and I will.
Thanks to the author for providing this for free with no strings attached.
July 4, 2018
I received a copy of this book for free from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was a very fun story about a witch that has sworn off her powers but promises to use them one last time to help her friend. The characters were all very well written. They seemed like people that I know. The story had clues thrown in at the appropriate times to keep the story interesting. I will definitely be interested to read other stories by this author.
This was a very fun story about a witch that has sworn off her powers but promises to use them one last time to help her friend. The characters were all very well written. They seemed like people that I know. The story had clues thrown in at the appropriate times to keep the story interesting. I will definitely be interested to read other stories by this author.
November 18, 2020
Oh how I enjoy a good clean witchy cozey mystery and this mystery was delightful Zelda's a witch in self exile not wanting to face the mortals of her small town. Her caracter is a carreing vibrant youg woman learning to cope with her identity, sad really being bullied by a cult. It can happen to anyone. This is Zelda's storey of how she overcame her fears and those whose lives are are part of it. Aquier "One Last Spell "today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮😐🤔🙄Kat
June 25, 2017
Loved this shorter story! Perfect for a rather quick read, full of twistsvto keep you hooked til the end.
Zelda is a witch in hiding until her detective friend Jessica comes to her asking for help with a case...
Zelda is a witch in hiding until her detective friend Jessica comes to her asking for help with a case...
September 21, 2017
I enjoyed this short story (novelette maybe?) quite a bit. This is an early work by the author, still feels "young," but shows great potential for future works. This would make a good series, but it doesn't look like Snow has pursued that yet. A nice cozy afternoon read.
September 29, 2017
It was a little confusing at first but once you get into the story a bit. Everything gets a little clearer. It was a very cute story. Just enough to draw you in and make you want more. I definitely love the characters. There were a few unexpected twist in it as well.
October 5, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. Very entertaining.
November 9, 2017
Great short story. Kept me interested and wanting to know who...the ending I wasn't really expecting. Can't wait to read the rest.
November 30, 2018
Good start
Good start to a story I could t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next part. To see where this story goes.
Good start to a story I could t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next part. To see where this story goes.
January 14, 2019
I love cozies
I love cozies and paranormal cozies. I like the cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to the next.
I love cozies and paranormal cozies. I like the cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to the next.
February 26, 2020
Enjoyed the writing style of this author. The story line was engaging and enjoyable.It was a quick read and did not want it to end. Will enjoy reading another book by this author.
November 29, 2022
It was good
I liked it but did not realize it was only part of the book. She is a good author. Ok
I liked it but did not realize it was only part of the book. She is a good author. Ok
August 21, 2017
This was given to me as a free promotional book, and that's what it should be. It's an older book and she states that, and it felt like she hadnt found her stride yet. If you are looking for something that has the wit and characters of her other books, this isn't going to satisfy you. If you want something cute and cozy it's a great quick read, you wont regret reading.
June 20, 2016
Castlerock is a small town. People there like things slow and "normal". No outsiders or those they perceive to be outsiders. Zelda became an outsider the last time she tried to help the police, and her friend Jessica, with a murder. Everything went wrong everything went wrong. Now Jessica is back to ask for more help. Should Zelda help her?
This author's book intrigues me and reels me in every time! She's really a fantastic story teller. The characters seem to be people I grew up with. I recognize neighbors among them. *smile* Twists and turns, a unique setting and fun make this a book you'll enjoy over and over. It's short, so you could read this in no time. You'll be telling your friends to check it out too. 'One Last Spell' is not your mama's mystery.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I laughed over and over again. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
This author's book intrigues me and reels me in every time! She's really a fantastic story teller. The characters seem to be people I grew up with. I recognize neighbors among them. *smile* Twists and turns, a unique setting and fun make this a book you'll enjoy over and over. It's short, so you could read this in no time. You'll be telling your friends to check it out too. 'One Last Spell' is not your mama's mystery.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I laughed over and over again. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
March 19, 2016
I don't hold any ill will against this book, but I really just didn't enjoy it. It says a lot that I didn't care that it ended with a quasi cliffhanger. Normally, when I like a story, the cliffhanger infuriates me if I wasn't expecting it. But, in this case, it was totally predictable (in the sense that I actually said out loud "I bet so-and-so will be the result" and it was). I have no problem leaving it up in the air and walking away.
Also, there is so much vague referencing to a particular traumatic past experience that is never explained. But the all-too-often mentioned references to this great mysterious event were so annoying and poorly written that I really didn't care at all about finding out the details.
Lastly, the two main characters are so catty and I didn't find their bickering at all endearing.
One plus side: it was short.
Also, there is so much vague referencing to a particular traumatic past experience that is never explained. But the all-too-often mentioned references to this great mysterious event were so annoying and poorly written that I really didn't care at all about finding out the details.
Lastly, the two main characters are so catty and I didn't find their bickering at all endearing.
One plus side: it was short.
April 17, 2016
"One Last Spell: Paranormal Witch Cozy Mystery & Romance" by Raven Snow is an interesting novella. Prior to the start of this novella, an event took place that changed the way Zelda views herself and the world. Throughout the novella, Snow gives the readers some hints as to what happened, but does not go into great detail about it. As a result, Zelda has become a recluse, living up on a mountain outside of town. It's only when her friend, Detective Jessica, begs her for help on her current case, that Zelda reactivates her sixth sense. Overall, I think it is a great start to a potentially good novella. I just wish that both parts were included instead of having to separately download the second part.
January 17, 2016
Glad it was free
The grammar errors aside, which where really annoying, but the worst was the lead character comes across very weak and whiney . One minute in her home she's bemoaning the fact she's a witch. She hasn't used her powers for months when her best friend, who she's ignored and blamed for her troubles shows up. She feels "that familiar tingle" at the door with her friend is knocking on the other side then minutes later she believes her friend, when said friend tells her she must have lost her magic from non-use. This book has promise with a really good clean up of errors, underlining, contradictions and rework of main character's personality.
The grammar errors aside, which where really annoying, but the worst was the lead character comes across very weak and whiney . One minute in her home she's bemoaning the fact she's a witch. She hasn't used her powers for months when her best friend, who she's ignored and blamed for her troubles shows up. She feels "that familiar tingle" at the door with her friend is knocking on the other side then minutes later she believes her friend, when said friend tells her she must have lost her magic from non-use. This book has promise with a really good clean up of errors, underlining, contradictions and rework of main character's personality.
April 15, 2016
Half of a mystery, subscribe for the second half
Too many loose ends, and so many unanswered questions.
What happened to Zelda last time to make her give up?
Who was Harry and why did it end badly?
What happened in their previous case?
Why is it seemingly obvious who the killer might be?
Why did I bother reading?
I feel a bit cheated that it's as though someone gave me half a book, and is keeping the remainder for ransom, subscribe or else!
I do enjoy the story writing, but half a story? Ugh.
I realize that it was a free book, I really do. I just can't shake the feeling that it was a come on to subscribe.
Too many loose ends, and so many unanswered questions.
What happened to Zelda last time to make her give up?
Who was Harry and why did it end badly?
What happened in their previous case?
Why is it seemingly obvious who the killer might be?
Why did I bother reading?
I feel a bit cheated that it's as though someone gave me half a book, and is keeping the remainder for ransom, subscribe or else!
I do enjoy the story writing, but half a story? Ugh.
I realize that it was a free book, I really do. I just can't shake the feeling that it was a come on to subscribe.
January 10, 2016
Please read my review
Well this not well written. There are spelling mistakes, grammar errors and plot holes. It has clearly not been edited by anyone which is not good. I don't want to begin to read a story and spot mistakes. It end asking you to subscribe to see how it ends, well that's not needed I hadn't even got to the end of this before I realised who the murderer was. It was too obvious. No intrigue at all. Don't bother.
Well this not well written. There are spelling mistakes, grammar errors and plot holes. It has clearly not been edited by anyone which is not good. I don't want to begin to read a story and spot mistakes. It end asking you to subscribe to see how it ends, well that's not needed I hadn't even got to the end of this before I realised who the murderer was. It was too obvious. No intrigue at all. Don't bother.
December 16, 2016
From the first page I found myself getting wrapped up in Jessica who is the co leading female character who is friend with a witch called Zelda. The twists and turns that surround this going to keep you guessing until you complete the short story.
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http://kristalmckerringtons.blogspot....
June 27, 2016
This was a fun, quick read (only 77 pages), and I'm hoping it was the introduction to a series rather than just a stand-alone short mystery. There was a sweet (clean) romance element to it, and a bit of mystery.
June 25, 2016
Could have been cute and fun for a short story, but why has it not been proofread? I saw so many mistakes that i kept count, at least 18 , in a story this short that's awful, and ruined it.
January 7, 2016
Enjoyed
Enjoyable book had me gripped right from the start. Although it was a bit short didn't take long to read
Enjoyable book had me gripped right from the start. Although it was a bit short didn't take long to read
January 17, 2016
So many spelling and grammar mistakes. And to top it off the book ends with a link to the second half, which I'll only get if I subscribe to the newsletter. No thank you!
February 1, 2016
The book is literally are building up to nothing. You don't know what have happened or what's going to happen, nothing.
This book was just a klick bait with bad spelling.
This book was just a klick bait with bad spelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews