Doom and Broom

Spellbound #2

by Annabel Chase

Welcome to Spellbound, where paranormal is the new normal.


Emma Hart hasn’t had a moment’s peace since her arrival in Spellbound. Her fear of heights hits an all-time high when she’s tasked with mastering a broomstick. It doesn’t help that Lady Weatherby seems determined to make basic witch training feel more like the magical ninja warrior championships.

When a werewolf is found dead and Daniel is named as the prime suspect, Emma takes the initiative to prove that the angel’s halo is firmly intact, once again stepping on the hooves of the cranky centaur, Sheriff Hugo.

The heat is on as Emma struggles to get a grip on her broomstick and identify the killer before it’s too late.

Doom and Broom is the second book in the Spellbound paranormal cozy mystery series.

This is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery novel.

Books in the series include:
Curse the Day, Book 1
Doom and Broom, Book 2
Spell's Bells, Book 3 (coming March 2017)

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Witches, Magic

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2017

About the author

Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.

Reviews

[Avada Kaddavra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hach, diese Reihe ist wirklich so gemütlich, ich liebe es! Die Charaktere sind charmant und witzig und Emma ist hier echt mein Liebling mit ihrer offenen Art🥰
Die Auflösung des Mordfalls war für mich nicht überraschend, aber der Weg dorthin war trotzdem wieder sehr unterhaltsam und ich freue mich, mit Emma und ihren Freunden weitere Fälle in Spellbound zu lösen😃

[Sophia Wordworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die "Spellbound" Reihe von Annabel Chase wurde mir von meiner lieben Buchfreundin Sofia (@SofiasWorldofBooks) herzlich empfohlen und da ich ihren Empfehlungen immer vertraue, habe ich begonnen, die Reihe als Hörbücher zu hören und sie ziemlich schnell durchgesuchtet. Mit zehn Bänden ist die "Spellbound"-Reihe zwar ziemlich umfangreich, allerdings sind die einzelnen Bücher nur zwischen 200 und 300 Seiten lang und lesen sich -abgeschlossen, aber doch Teil einer größeren Erzählung- wie verschriftlichte Episoden einer Lieblingsserie. Damit ist die Reihe perfekt zum Durchsuchten geeignet!

Das Grundkonzept der Reihe besteht dabei aus einer Kombination aus Kleinstadt und Fantasy Setting, Krimiplot und Liebesgeschichte und lässt sich mit einem Wort zusammenfassen: gemütlich. Egal um welchen Band es sich handelt, es ist immer genau das Richtige, wenn man Lust auf eine magische Mischung aus Krimi, Romantik und einer ordentlichen Portion Humor hat. Die Krimifälle sind zu Beginn vielleicht etwas leicht zu durchschauen, es gibt aber auch einige, die wirklich fesselnd sind. Auch wenn nicht jede Wendung überrascht, hat die Geschichte einiges zu bieten. Zum Beispiel die patente und witzige Hauptfigur Emma, die man gerne beim Einstieg in ihr neues Leben begleitet. Über die Bände verteilt steigen wir mit ihr in das Leben als neuerkannte Hexe ein, lösen mit ihr Fälle als Pflichtverteidigerin der Stadt und begutachten wie sich ihr Privat- und Liebesleben verändert. Außerdem wäre da auch noch das Rätsel ihrer familiären Wurzeln aufzudecken und der Fluch zu lösen, der auf der Stadt liegt...

In Kombination mit der Vielzahl an Charakteren und magischen Kreaturen, die seit Jahrhunderten in Spellbound eingesperrt sind und nach und nach vorgestellt und vertieft werden, ist also allemal genügend Erzählstoff für die vielen Bände vorhanden. Denn egal ob Hexen, Gestaltwandler, Zwerge, Vampire, Banshees, Feen, Vampire, Zentauren, Berserker, Yeetis, Elfen, Kobolde, Trolle oder Einhörner - es gibt kein paranormales Wesen, das nicht in Spellbound zu finden wäre. Wer also Lust auf eine entspannte, aber dennoch packende Geschichte hat und gerne mal aus dem Alltag in eine zauberhafte Kleinstadt voller Geheimnisse und Abenteuer flüchten möchte, sollte Spellbound unbedingt einen Besuch abstatten.


Fazit

Wer auf der Suche nach einer Wohlfühlreihe ist, die ein bisschen Magie, viel Humor und eine gute Prise Krimi mitbringt, wird in Spellbound definitiv fündig. Annabel Chase hat hier eine charmante Welt erschaffen, in die man immer wieder gerne eintaucht!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Spellbound indeed !!!!!

Emma Hart has had a very busy and interesting beginning in Spellbound and her life doesn’t look like its going to calm down anytime soon and that just add to the adventure doesn’t it lol.

I love all the characters the whole town of Spellbound is just wonderful and I am really loving this series.

I’m wondering if Emma will ever love flying either on her broomstick or in Daniels arms, I know which I would prefer lol.

[Shawna ~ The Wonderer Shawna Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series! Emma and her remedial magic are fun and entertaining PLUS she is a lawyer learning new areas of law in the town of Spellbound.

I can’t wait to find out what coven she comes from and who lured her into town

Jolene’s death was a sad but interesting investigation and Emma is making more friends and learning more magic. 🪄

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars
This was quite cute and fun.
Includes the standard elements of cultural appropriation such as voodoo dolls, spirit animals, dream catchers etc used as magical tools so to speak in a largely European set magical world.

[Selina B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne

[Julia]

I’m really enjoying this series but I’m annoyed but the not-so-rare, not-so-subtle derogatory comments towards certain characters’ physical appearance.

[Dana Melton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars on this cozy mystery. Perfect for the Fall and Halloween season😊

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Spellbound series is about a magical "place" where the magical folk can't leave.. as they were bound to the place by an angry witch. Thus the name of the town became "Spellbound" (don't you love that?).
Emma Hart was rescued by a fallen angel who accidentally flew her into the "zone" not knowing she was a witch and would now stuck there too. In her former life she was a defense attorney. Now in her new life in Spellbound she returns to the law defending characters in Spellbound. This time, it's her 'savior' Daniel, the fallen angel who has been accused of murder.

This is a fun light read with compelling characters and plot.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was even more fun than the first. Broomstick flying class was especially funny. I solved the mystery easily once we were told the cause of death, but it was still fun nonetheless. This book is a light, fun quick read (or listen, in my case). The audiobook was nicely narrated by Emily Lawrence who does a good job with all of the voices of the different supernatural characters.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is actually not bad. Emma is learning to be a witch, unrequited crush on a fallen Angel and representing defendants in the cursed town.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is still trying to come to terms with being a witch, her spells don’t necessarily work like they should, the head witch seems to be out to get her and she has to master riding a broom which is extremely difficult with her fear of heights. She also has to deal with Gareth’s ghost who can only be seen and heard by her.
While all this is going on, a werewolf is found dead, but is it murder (by fallen angel Daniel) or is it suicide.
Wanting to make sure that Daniel is cleared, Emma starts to investigate much to the annoyance of Sheriff Hugo.
This is a fun easy read, with a mystery that became more obvious as the book went on.
A very light book, with humour popping up all over, between the spell mishaps, Gareth’s comments, the annoying cat Magpie and her familiar Sedgwick. This is a book that doesn’t need much deep thinking to enjoy, very entertaining.

[Ame · Rating 3 out of 5]

Werewolf murder! Throwing up while driving a broom! A sassy owl! Vampires with unbuttoned shirts! A gay ghost vampire! Revenge! Plotting! Emotional growth?

The jokes about the gay ghost vampire roomie being gay are way too 1990s and those jokes weren't even funny when it was the 1990s.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is amazing! I urge anyone to read this series if this is your genre. Great writing and a MC who isn't a flighty woman helps. She's a wee bit infatuated with Daniel, but whoooo wouldn't be??

[Jen Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the mystery in this story! Definitely moved along faster than book one.

[Nomnivor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Sterne.

0.5 Sterne Abzug für die Mental Health-Rep.

[Olga Rudnitska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broom lessons was hilarious

I liked Garrett

And Daniel...still figuring out

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series. They are easy to read and I like the character of Emma (new witch to town) as she is known, and not a very good witch

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just so fun! I’m really enjoying all the characters and Emma’s friendships blossoming. The mystery is honestly fine. I’m just in it for the romance, friends, and humor.

[Stéphanie Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

German audiobook

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This takes place a month after the previous book. It involves romance, graffiti, a new old car, a murder?, and a magic obstacle course. The mystery was interesting. I had figured out who had done it and why before the reveal, but I hadn't thought of the how. It was obvious once it was revealed. I like that there wasn't as much romance in this book. I don't like love triangles.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

I crave being immersed in a different world and discovering magical adventures, which this series is able to deliver. After the slow introduction of the first book of introduction, this book was able to capture my attention and compel me to continue to read on.

Each page turn brings new insight into the supernatural beings in this paranormal world. Yet the heroine survives by comparing this magical world with the human world she has left behind. Her new roommate is playful and fascinating.

In this adventure, the heroine is intrigued by the hunky vampire, who makes women drool. But the fallen angel, who makes her heart flutters helplessly, has vowed celibacy to right his past transgressions.

This book can stand on its own, it was a clean presentation, and a mystery was solved -- ALL GOOD THINGS !!

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is turning out to be like a personal dose of medicine. I can't count how may times this book made me laugh and that in itself has to be a great thing. Not a particularly mind bending mystery but that is not what this series is about. Pure, sparkling fun that just might be addictive.

[Melanie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick, easy little mystery with a variety of supernatural characters. I won’t beat down anyone’s door to rave about the book or series, but it is good and I’m finding it worth my time.

[Bill Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Los of introductions to new people which continues to be a bit confusing, hope this settles down in the next instalment. Another mystery to solve. Interesting . . .

[Imjussayin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doom or Broom - Spellbound 2
An easy 3.5 stars

In A Nutshell: Emma Hart who it turns out is a lawyer, and a witch has a crush on Daniel the fallen angel. And Daniel is under suspicion for the death of a female werewolf he befriended. A warm and charming read into a fascinating fantasy world.

The Plot: Who killed Jolene the werewolf betrothed to Alex (natural successor to the pack) by arranged marriage?

The Protagonist(s):Emma is a feisty, fun, self-deprecating character. She also has a strong moral streak but finds it hard to trust. The story of why unravels a little more in each telling, but it's not soppy, 'woe is me' stuff.

What a beautiful bit of escapism this story is. Emma has enough problems; she is in love with a fallen angel, but he's just declared himself celibate and she is attracted to a dashing vampire. She lives with a gay ghost vampire who is sarcastic, as is her familiar, Sedgewick who is also a grumpy Owl. In class, she has to learn to fly a broomstick. Her remedial classmates do it without batting an eyelid. But they are not acrophobic. And at work, she has a hard case and to save Daniel from arrest.

So, already you can see there is a lively and lovely cast of supporting characters. And there are more, not least Sheriff Hugo, the centaur. He has no love for Emma. The characters immerse you in this whacky and wonderful world.

It's different, fun and easy to read. Go for it.


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Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Talaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das Leben geht für Emma in Spellbound weiter. Dieses Mal muss sie als Pflichtverteidigerin eine Jugendliche vertreten, während in der Stadt ein weiterer Mord passiert. Aber um ihr Liebesleben möchte sie sich auch kümmern. Zu allem Überfluss steht die Besenflugprüfung an und in ihrer Hexenkunst-Förderklasse gibt es menschliche? hexische? Schwierigkeiten.

Das Cover des zweiten Bandes passt sehr gut zum ersten, man sieht direkt, dass sie zusammengehören. Die Häuserreihe sieht gemütlich aus und das Blau ist schon wieder sooo schön...

Die Hauptfigur bleibt weiter nahbar und man erfährt ein bisschen mehr über ihre Vergangenheit. Wenn auch nur ein kleines Bisschen, aber durch das Anteasern wird man noch neugieriger und ich hoffe wirklich, dass dieses Mysterium, sowohl zu ihrer Familie als auch zu ihrem Hexenzirkel und auch noch zum Fluch der Stadt Spellbound irgendwann gelöst wird. Die Erwartungen sind jetzt zwar hoch, aber wenn die Reihe so weitergeht, bin ich zuversichtlich, dass sie diesbezüglich erfüllt werden können.
Die Nebenfiguren werden noch detailreicher als schon im ersten Band und mir gefällt, dass es auch erste kleine Konflikte gibt und nicht nur alles Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen ist.

Was mir hier gefallen hat, war, dass die Handlung kohärenter und in sich abgeschlossener als im ersten Band wirkte. Zwar war auch dieses Buch wieder viel zu schnell vorbei, aber es fühlte sich nicht so an, als ob man durchgestolpert wäre, um zum Schluss zu kommen. Außerdem waren in diesem Buch die Anhaltspunkte für den Mordfall auch so beschrieben, dass ich sie bemerkt habe und mir eigene Gedanken zur Falllösung machen konnte (und richtig raten konnte).

Insgesamt also wieder ein kuscheliger Krimi in einer so zauberhaften Umgebung, dass ich, die bei Krimis eigentlich eher Angehörige der Thriller-Fraktion bin, keine Spannung vermisse, schließlich ist die Welt einfach so fantastisch und bunt und schön ausgestaltet.

Wem der erste Band gefallen hat, der wird auch die Fortsetzung mögen.

[Harmony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm torn when it comes to this review. I liked parts of it and didn't like other parts.

The parts I liked:

I like the way the author weaves a story. She makes me want to learn more about the characters and the town they live in. I curious about the curse and how it came to be. She's a heck of a storyteller.

I like most of the other characters in the town. I find them interesting enough to want to learn more about them.

I liked the mystery. It was kind of twisted. I felt bad for Alex and really bad for poor Jolene.

The parts I don't like:

I don't like how helpless Emma is. It's kind of annoying. She seems to be in a constant state of terror. I prefer my female characters to be total bad asses. Emma is a wimp. I'm also over her terror when it comes to flying and magic in general. I really wish she'd grow a pair and grow up.

I don't like how Emma doesn't seem to have any friends her own age. She's 25 and hangs out with teens. It's kind of weird and pathetic. She seems likable enough so I'm not sure why the author hasn't given her friends. Friends who can help her become a less annoying and terrified witch.

The parts I on the fence about:

The love triangle. In this book, I actually thought she had more chemistry with the werewolf Alex! I don't see her with either of the men, Daniel or Demetrius. I blame the author for that. She hasn't developed the men enough for me to care either way about them.

The coven and the mystery regarding her witchcraft. Seeing how this is book 2, I expect some sort of movement forward when it comes to figuring her out. I also expect some sort of movement forward when it comes to her magic. I'm not a fan of drip drip drip storylines. I don't have the patience for it and I will abandon the book.

I'd like to see more growth from Emma in the next book.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Or My Waist Stars

Doom and Bloom is the second book in the Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by Annabel Chase.

I think I’m becoming accustomed to the writing style? Though, still not a favorite of mine, it didn’t disrupt the story’s flow to the same degree as the previous book. It’s somewhat similar to small town charm, a little kitschy but a core ingredient in the vision Chase is building. It would seem.

I do so appreciate her incorporating more background into the varying supernatural beings throughout Spellbound. Mainly we acquire a small glimpse into that of the werewolves and their pack hierarchy. Minimal as it is. Simply highlighting their seclusion from other supes, and dependence on each other. As well, some introduction into the societal norms separating and ruling the different classes.

It tough to grasp Lady Weatherby’s constitution. Whether she is truly out to get Emma, or simply using tough-love to achieve her full potential. She’s pretty much rough on all sides.

There’s a little pick-up in the Demetrius/Daniel competition department. It still registers as a mite petty, more than anything. But, at least in Daniel’s case mainly, there’s some true affection displayed.

Alas, Gareth still controls the spotlight. He’s far more entertaining and a definite permanent fixture in Emma’s home and life. Hopefully Maeve can offer some assistance in shifting his death into something beneficial, and possibly fulfilling.

In regards to the murder mystery aspect and suspect behind the suspicious death; it was still too easy to decipher. However, the criminal hunts seem less of a plot focus and more of an additional turmoil. We truly focus more on the community building and Emma acclimating to her new life and powers.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doom and Broom
By Annabel Chase
3⭐️

This book is the second of the Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series. It is a break from the heavy, more cerebral reads, yet fun and still very witty.

In the first of the series, Curse the Day, Emma Hunt finds herself trying to save a seemingly suicidal, fallen angel. In doing so she lands in the “cursed” town of Spellbound. Where mythical and magical creatures of all kinds reside and work, unfortunately for these creatures- there is no leaving Spellbound. Humans are not permitted so Emma believes she can just mosey on her way, until she can’t. Turns out she’s no mere mortal. She’s a witch, she just didn’t realize it.

In book 2, Doom and Broom, we find Emma still trying to adjust to her life in paranormal Spellbound. She is the local public defender for the town, which she took over for a vampire. She is taking her witch training classes (the remedial class, but she’s trying). But then, news reaches her that there is trouble in the werewolf pack.
The fiancé of Alex, (Alex being the next in line to be alpha), has been found dead. The pack is circling to keep their own close, and the Centaur who is the Sheriff, wants Emma to keep her wand out of the case. Of course that’s not going happen!

This series is just plain fun. I love imagining the town of Spellbound. You can go to the Brew-ha-ha and order a latte with a shot of common sense or confidence. Different creatures and beings work jobs as lawyers, judges, sheriffs, baristas, waiters, and parents parenting teenagers all while living together in this cursed town. And to top it off there is always a mystery brewing, even amongst all the magic and wonder— things turn dark.