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Ophelia & Abby Mystery #6
The Witch's Grave
Cupid has cast his spell on good witch Ophelia Jensen. The practical, pragmatic, law-abiding librarian has just begun letting down her hair with Stephen Larsen, the author of some of the most scandalous crime exposés ever written. It's a match made in the stacks—until the would-be lovers take a quiet countryside stroll, and shots ring out.
A murderer, not magick, made Stephen disappear—and Ophelia might be next. The sheriff warns her and her grandmother Abby not to meddle, but after another shooting leaves them shaken the women can't help but get involved. A sinister stalker is slowly drawing closer to Ophelia, and she'll have to summon all her powers to prevent herself from ending up six feet under.
A murderer, not magick, made Stephen disappear—and Ophelia might be next. The sheriff warns her and her grandmother Abby not to meddle, but after another shooting leaves them shaken the women can't help but get involved. A sinister stalker is slowly drawing closer to Ophelia, and she'll have to summon all her powers to prevent herself from ending up six feet under.
262 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2008
28 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Damsgaard
16 books440 followersI’ve read many bios that start with the words “I wanted to be a writer all of my life and wrote my first story at the age of five.” I honestly can’t say that’s true for me—at the age of five, as an only child growing up on a farm, my career goal was to be a princess. Unfortunately, all those positions happened to be filled, so I followed the path so many other women have traveled—marriage, children, a career outside of the home—in my case, with the United States Postal Service. It wasn’t until the tender of age of 48 that I really decided to try my hand at writing.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 2, 2019
On my quest to catch up on past series I've enjoyed, I'm almost to the end with the Ophelia & Abby series written by Shirley Damsgaard. Today I've finished number six, The Witch's Grave. I enjoyed this one, but it's my second favorite thus far. I liked the last book a bit more, yet this was still a good one.
Ophelia is having vivid dreams. She's also met the man of her dreams in real life. And she thought it was love at first sight... then he was shot. Was the bullet meant for her or him? As she unravels the truth about his identity, she learns more about her own past lives... is reincarnation something she should learn more about? This paranormal cozy takes on new levels when Abby and Ophelia try to solve the biggest case yet. Her adopted daughter, Tink, might be in danger, so she leaves to visit Aunt Mary and Aunt Dot... because that's gonna be the mystery in the next and final (possibly?) book in the series.
Ophelia is a headstrong girl who knows how to keep herself single and distant. She might flirt from time to time, but she's really not a relationship-type of gal anymore... at least ever since Brian was murdered before the series started and the only other guys she opened up to about her being a witch weren't very supportive. I understand why she's hesitant and I applaud Damsgaard for not making this a central part of the book's story-line. It's truly the mystery and a witch's learning curve. I like this style and definitely recommend it for anyone looking to foray into a new sub-genre or genre-crossing medium. Hey, look at that, I'm using proper lingo. I must be getting lazy in my reviews by introducing quips instead of solid feedback.
This book deals with an author's secrets, a vision of Nazi Germany, and illegal immigrants. How does it fit together? Well, it's perhaps a bit of a stretch. I believed all the action, but I also thought too much was left out to make this a show-stopper book. I really want to see if have the full package where I can't ever put it down. It falls short but is still a really strong read. I can't wait to dive into number seven next when we visit North Carolina.
Ophelia is having vivid dreams. She's also met the man of her dreams in real life. And she thought it was love at first sight... then he was shot. Was the bullet meant for her or him? As she unravels the truth about his identity, she learns more about her own past lives... is reincarnation something she should learn more about? This paranormal cozy takes on new levels when Abby and Ophelia try to solve the biggest case yet. Her adopted daughter, Tink, might be in danger, so she leaves to visit Aunt Mary and Aunt Dot... because that's gonna be the mystery in the next and final (possibly?) book in the series.
Ophelia is a headstrong girl who knows how to keep herself single and distant. She might flirt from time to time, but she's really not a relationship-type of gal anymore... at least ever since Brian was murdered before the series started and the only other guys she opened up to about her being a witch weren't very supportive. I understand why she's hesitant and I applaud Damsgaard for not making this a central part of the book's story-line. It's truly the mystery and a witch's learning curve. I like this style and definitely recommend it for anyone looking to foray into a new sub-genre or genre-crossing medium. Hey, look at that, I'm using proper lingo. I must be getting lazy in my reviews by introducing quips instead of solid feedback.
This book deals with an author's secrets, a vision of Nazi Germany, and illegal immigrants. How does it fit together? Well, it's perhaps a bit of a stretch. I believed all the action, but I also thought too much was left out to make this a show-stopper book. I really want to see if have the full package where I can't ever put it down. It falls short but is still a really strong read. I can't wait to dive into number seven next when we visit North Carolina.
January 27, 2016
The author seems to like experimenting to keep the series fresh. Sometimes she takes them out of town, sometimes she introduces new characters like adopted daughters and eccentric aunts, sometimes she shakes up whether they're investigating a murder or something else, and in this book she does some kind of weird merge with flashbacks of a woman in Nazi times who has to say goodbye to a love interest.
The backstory was interesting but it's not a personal preference for me when an author does that. Color me uncreative, but I don't care for keeping track of two main characters with two different time lines. I'm woefully limited that way. That aside, the back story worked to tie together the beautiful and somewhat surreal introduction to this one where Ophelia acts completely un-Ophelia like with a new man.
The mystery is different in that she is not trying to solve a murder or find a missing person, but instead is trying to solve an attempted murder and find out the story of the her visions and what her new suitor has been up to. It has potential to be fascinating, but falls short at times, missing a step and curtailing by being too calm and with no big twists or shocks. For the past life, that one turned out to be emotionally moving and actually heart-wrenching.
Even if the author changes up the story by trying new things, she keeps the same old mannerisms that drive me bonkers - such as exaggerated hand and head movements for the main characters as they decide things, wonder things, and point out things. The intelligence is only so-so for Ophelia and she goes from lukewarm to friendly for her personality. Abby is still not my favorite as she's too over the top cliche, but Tink is an enjoyable delight as the introduced daughter of her own unique powers.
Overall this is an enjoyable book if you're a fan of the series, but it falls short of the others, missing something I can't put my weak detective finger on.
January 5, 2016
I didn’t have much expectation from this instalment as I didn’t quite enjoy the last one. However, I was proven wrong! I really enjoyed the little spin in this one which included Ophelia’s dreams of past life. The mystery itself was quite interesting which involved a fairly controversial topic these days in Australia (“undocumented immigrants”). Whilst this particular theme wasn’t deeply explored, the twist to the mystery was unexpected. I read this book in one sitting; an easy read with a fascinating turn with Ophelia’s alter ego. The thing I’m a little disappointed with this series is the lack of romance! There are a number of attractive males but nothing ever develops, grrr!
December 30, 2010
This might be my least favorite so far of the books. It wasn't bad but it lacked the humor of the other books. Also too much was going on between present day and Ophelia's dreams of a women back in Nazi occupied France. This one had a lot of Abby helping out Ophelia which I liked.
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January 20, 2009
This Shirley Damsgaard series revolves around a witch named Ophelia who keeps getting entangled in mysteries. In the first book, Ophelia is unhappy and unaccepting of her 'powers'. Then with each following book, she grows a little stronger and more confident in her abilities. This sixth book, "The Witch's Grave", has Ophelia coming into a new level of power while experiencing dreams of another, possibly past, life.
Ophelia is happy when she meets a handsome blond stranger and they seem to have an instant 'connection'. So when he asks her to walk with him and discuss a date, she's glad to comply. Their walk is interrupted when he is shot right in front of her. He manages to pass her a diary before he collapses at her feet and in the flurry of the rescue, she forgets to give it to the police. That night she reads the diary and becomes interested in what could possibly make this man a target for a killer. That night, she also begins to dream of a woman. The further she gets into the mystery, the more of this mysterious woman's past life is revealed. Can Ophelia figure it out before the killer comes for her?
I've enjoyed Ophelia's journey so far and in past books, the balance between magic and mystery has been weighted more towards mystery. However, in this book the balance shifted quite a bit towards the magical side and I think the mystery suffered as a result. Hopefully, Damsgaard will adjust the balance and I certainly intend to keep reading about Ophelia's life, loves, and mysteries.
Ophelia is happy when she meets a handsome blond stranger and they seem to have an instant 'connection'. So when he asks her to walk with him and discuss a date, she's glad to comply. Their walk is interrupted when he is shot right in front of her. He manages to pass her a diary before he collapses at her feet and in the flurry of the rescue, she forgets to give it to the police. That night she reads the diary and becomes interested in what could possibly make this man a target for a killer. That night, she also begins to dream of a woman. The further she gets into the mystery, the more of this mysterious woman's past life is revealed. Can Ophelia figure it out before the killer comes for her?
I've enjoyed Ophelia's journey so far and in past books, the balance between magic and mystery has been weighted more towards mystery. However, in this book the balance shifted quite a bit towards the magical side and I think the mystery suffered as a result. Hopefully, Damsgaard will adjust the balance and I certainly intend to keep reading about Ophelia's life, loves, and mysteries.
August 9, 2016
I think I had the same issues with this one as book 1. It started well enough, but then in the middle I got bored. It was just so meh.
I did not really care for Ophelia.
The whole nazi dream mystery was all wtf is that even doing in the book?
The blurb promised me some romance, the guy gets shot in the first few pages and they met minutes ago.
Yes I did not read the ones in between, but considering book 1 was meh and this one was meh. I wont. It will get an ok from me, since I did like it before it got all meh and I skimmed
I did not really care for Ophelia.
The whole nazi dream mystery was all wtf is that even doing in the book?
The blurb promised me some romance, the guy gets shot in the first few pages and they met minutes ago.
Yes I did not read the ones in between, but considering book 1 was meh and this one was meh. I wont. It will get an ok from me, since I did like it before it got all meh and I skimmed
October 19, 2017
A fun easy read. Colourful characters make this series very enjoyable and they didn't disappoint in this the penultimate book in the series.
August 11, 2018
The Witches Grave by Shirley Damsgaard
Ophelia has a dream of a romantic interlude, which would generally mean nothing were it not for their usually having a prophetic outcome. Ophelia is a witch, one with psychic abilities. Shortly after said dream, she meets the starring man and immediately loses him to a gunshot to his chest. Did she miss something in that dream? Could she have prevented his attempted murder?
The next shot was directed at her. While the local law investigates both events, she tries to decipher a series dreams with her as another woman in nazi-era Europe, hobnobbing with the Reich while presumably working against them. A spy?
The dreams continue, giving more information for Ophelia to figure out who and why, bringing her closer to an answer and possibly her own demise.
The addition of Wiccan acts make these most interesting for me. As the series progresses, so also does her talent.
Not as silly as standard cozies, yet it does go light on the violence, for which I am most grateful.
Found it interesting that a book written in 2009 brings up the politics of illegal immigrants and the battle against their deportation. Even in fiction, little has changed.
Ophelia has a dream of a romantic interlude, which would generally mean nothing were it not for their usually having a prophetic outcome. Ophelia is a witch, one with psychic abilities. Shortly after said dream, she meets the starring man and immediately loses him to a gunshot to his chest. Did she miss something in that dream? Could she have prevented his attempted murder?
The next shot was directed at her. While the local law investigates both events, she tries to decipher a series dreams with her as another woman in nazi-era Europe, hobnobbing with the Reich while presumably working against them. A spy?
The dreams continue, giving more information for Ophelia to figure out who and why, bringing her closer to an answer and possibly her own demise.
The addition of Wiccan acts make these most interesting for me. As the series progresses, so also does her talent.
Not as silly as standard cozies, yet it does go light on the violence, for which I am most grateful.
Found it interesting that a book written in 2009 brings up the politics of illegal immigrants and the battle against their deportation. Even in fiction, little has changed.
December 6, 2016
Ophelia has an "instant connection" with Stephen when she meets him. But then bad things start happening and Ophelia is having unusual dreams of the past. The author explores the idea of reincarnation this time around as Ophelia and Abby work to figure out what is going on in their town.
October 23, 2025
A suspenseful read
July 12, 2011
This was as good as I'd hoped it would be. Shirley Damsgaard never lets me down.
Ophelia has met a man at a party and as they take a walk to get to know each other better, he gets shot. Who was the intended target, the man or was it Ophelia?
Abbey is a good guide and mentor for Ophelia and her growing confidence in her abilities. I want to work at Abbey's greenhouse and nursery.....
Paranormal cozies have been on the nightstand lately. It's the neatest mixture of amateur sleuth and supernatural. And Ophelia and Abby are two of my favorite amateur sleuths, let alone amateur sleuth witches.
Ophelia is blessed. She has her wonderful grandmother Abby, her daughter Tink, and her best friend Darci. She loves her life as the head librarian, she's coming along in realizing and accepting her abilities as a witch. And along comes Stephen Larsen, hottie author of thrillers and true crime. He is also shot almost as soon as he and Ophelia meet. It's kind of like watching a Bonanza episode, those poor Cartwright boys never catch a love break either.
Ophelia needs to find out who is behind the shooting because of Stephen and because the sheriff is telling her she might have been the actual target.
Five witches and love beans......
Ophelia has met a man at a party and as they take a walk to get to know each other better, he gets shot. Who was the intended target, the man or was it Ophelia?
Abbey is a good guide and mentor for Ophelia and her growing confidence in her abilities. I want to work at Abbey's greenhouse and nursery.....
Paranormal cozies have been on the nightstand lately. It's the neatest mixture of amateur sleuth and supernatural. And Ophelia and Abby are two of my favorite amateur sleuths, let alone amateur sleuth witches.
Ophelia is blessed. She has her wonderful grandmother Abby, her daughter Tink, and her best friend Darci. She loves her life as the head librarian, she's coming along in realizing and accepting her abilities as a witch. And along comes Stephen Larsen, hottie author of thrillers and true crime. He is also shot almost as soon as he and Ophelia meet. It's kind of like watching a Bonanza episode, those poor Cartwright boys never catch a love break either.
Ophelia needs to find out who is behind the shooting because of Stephen and because the sheriff is telling her she might have been the actual target.
Five witches and love beans......
February 10, 2016
Of the ones I have read so far in this series...This has to be my favorite.
Ophelia is finally accepting who & what she is as well as her "gift". Abby is there only as a guide and a sometime companion.
While at a library fund raiser Ophelia (librarian) meets Stephen (literally the man of her dreams), but as he takes her in his arms they are disturbed by crows...and then a near fatal shot that downs Stephen.
As Ophelia goes about her nosing around, other "accidents" befall her, thus forcing her to send Tink back to Appalachia to stay with the Great-Aunts.
Ophelia's dreams continue....with her in a past life as a Nazi resister in France, a lover who will not commit until it's too late, a Romany family fleeing France for their lives.
How Ophelia's dreams of her past life come into play is very interesting. The tie-in to occupied France, moving targeted families & the relation to the plight of migrant workers is very well done.
In my opinion, this is definitely the best in the series, so far...and I am so glad for the improvement!
Ophelia is finally accepting who & what she is as well as her "gift". Abby is there only as a guide and a sometime companion.
While at a library fund raiser Ophelia (librarian) meets Stephen (literally the man of her dreams), but as he takes her in his arms they are disturbed by crows...and then a near fatal shot that downs Stephen.
As Ophelia goes about her nosing around, other "accidents" befall her, thus forcing her to send Tink back to Appalachia to stay with the Great-Aunts.
Ophelia's dreams continue....with her in a past life as a Nazi resister in France, a lover who will not commit until it's too late, a Romany family fleeing France for their lives.
How Ophelia's dreams of her past life come into play is very interesting. The tie-in to occupied France, moving targeted families & the relation to the plight of migrant workers is very well done.
In my opinion, this is definitely the best in the series, so far...and I am so glad for the improvement!
January 15, 2013
Ophelia Jensen is a witch and a librarian. When she attends a library function, she meets a man to whom she finds an instant attraction. When he is shot right after their first kiss, Ophelia begins to have dreams that transport her back to World War II in occupied France. She is a model and is also acting as a resistance operative. Her romance with Henrick, a Swedish diplomat, is questionable. He seems to be using the Nazis as a way to get rich instead of caring about what is happening to the citizens she is trying to assist. Ophelia feels that the answer to Stephen's assault is tied to the dreams. She enlists the help of her grandmother, Abby, and they quickly find the answers. I like this series very much. Abby is a no-nonsense grandmother and she is guiding Ophelia to use her powers and to find the peace that they provide.
June 16, 2019
Small town Iowa librarian, psychic and witch in training, Ophelia Jensen feels a strong connection to a man she's only met in her recent dreams. That man is now standing a short distance away from her at a fundraiser at the local winery, and he appears to be quite drawn to Ophelia, as well, until the sound of gunfire fills the air. That night, Ophelia's dreams take her to another place and time, making her wonder about a possible connection between her dreamworld and the present.
March 7, 2020
Ophelia finally comes to terms with her psychic abilities in this sixth outing that includes her having dreams about a woman from WWII Paris and how her fate intertwines with Ophelia's. Also includes a "pulled from the headlines" storyline about undocumented workers & politicians. The librarian from Iowa takes risks but gets the bad guys in the end & realizes that her grandmother, Abby, knew about her all along.
August 16, 2021
Ophelia is attending a library fundraiser and tells Darcy about her recurring dream involving a blonde haired blue eyed man. Darcy points out such a man to Ophelia, and it is him! They start chatting but then he gets shot so Ophelia is determined to find out who shot him and why!
A solid story, can’t wait to see how the series ends!
A solid story, can’t wait to see how the series ends!
September 5, 2022
Book #6 The Witch's Grave by: Shirley Damsgaard will put you in a mood for anything that has to do with murder. Ophelia has someone who really likes her and she to him as well but things go very wrong on a walk that leave her male friend fighting for his life so it is up to Ophelia and her grandmother Abby to find out who the shooter is.
June 7, 2025
Very happy with this series, entertaining without being a series of action scenes, love the interaction between the characters and think most people can relate to Ophelia trying to fit in her crime fighting along with her magick and her job at the library and now having the responsibility of a teenager. Cant wait to find out what happens next.
February 8, 2019
Another Good One
This series continues to captivate. The steady building of the character Ophelia is fascinating. The secondary characters are interesting. The stories continue to cover the gamut of paranormal experience.
This series continues to captivate. The steady building of the character Ophelia is fascinating. The secondary characters are interesting. The stories continue to cover the gamut of paranormal experience.
April 11, 2021
Best yet!
In this installation of the Abby and Ophelia mysteries, Abby is challenged to grow and settle her past...even the ones from other lives! Well done. A true page turner. Great depth as the character grows
In this installation of the Abby and Ophelia mysteries, Abby is challenged to grow and settle her past...even the ones from other lives! Well done. A true page turner. Great depth as the character grows
April 26, 2021
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Really enjoyed reading this book. There were so many emotional and story layers. I love the characters and stayed up late to finish it.
Really enjoyed reading this book. There were so many emotional and story layers. I love the characters and stayed up late to finish it.
July 20, 2017
Very good story, great ending......
March 15, 2018
Another chapter in Ophelia’s life as she continues to come into her own. Quite enjoyable.
June 11, 2018
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 28, 2018
2.5/3
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
March 13, 2021
Not my kind of book.
October 6, 2021
I just reread the Ophelia and Abby Mystery series. It is just a fun, light, mystery series with witches.
August 10, 2025
I really enjoy these books! Lovely twisted plot as always. Now for the next one!
October 1, 2025
There was too much focus on the reincarnation piece for a book this short, I wish more time was dedicated to the mystery in the present day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews