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Blackwood Bay Witches #2
Bad Magic and the Big Top
Welcome to Blackwood Bay, where magic and murder have come out to play... Life for fledgling new witch Dru Rathmore Davis has been a whirlwind since moving to the charming seaside town of Blackwood Bay over a month ago . Seeing spirits, talking to animals, living with three cranky roommates, and totally not crushing on her new Guardian … But when Dru wakes one morning to find the body of a circus clown slouched dead against her doorstep and her bookshop broken into overnight, one of her worst fears may come to pass. She may be haunted by a clown... Together, Dru and her Guardian—incredibly handsome police sergeant Wolf Harper who’s absolutely just a friend —take their investigation to the most marvelous show on the traveling Braun Bros Circus. It’s evident that there’s a far more sinister performance going on behind the scenes, and this traveling circus may have more skeletons buried in their closet than the Rathmore family. But when your suspects are a tight-knight troupe of acrobats, fortune tellers, magicians , and clowns, everyone has something to hide—and secrets they’d do anything to protect… Bad Magic and the Big Top (Blackwood Bay Witches Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, Book 2) is a humorous paranormal cozy mystery novel. THE BLACKWOOD BAY WITCHES PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERY Haunted and Hexed (Book 1) Bad Magic and the Big Top (Book 2) Phantoms in High Fidelity (Book 3) Broomsticks and Bones (Book 4) On A Witch and A Spell (Prequel Novelette)
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2019
903 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Misty Bane
27 books117 followersMisty Bane is the author of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries filled with witches, shapeshifters, snarky ghosts, and a talking animal or two.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 12, 2019
This is the second book in the Blackwood Bay Witches series. Dru is starting to get used to being a witch, seeing ghosts and talking to animals. Oh, and running the bookstore. When she finds a dead clown almost on her doorstep the same night her shop was broken into, things become interesting, especially because it involves a traveling circus and a magician with a little magic himself.
Dru is smart, level headed, and determined, even when it comes to creepy clowns. She has a coven to depend on and her Guardian, a local police sergeant, but doesn't hide behind any of them. There's also some humor, especially in her interactions with her grandmother and the bombshells she learns about her family. The story is well written and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Dru is smart, level headed, and determined, even when it comes to creepy clowns. She has a coven to depend on and her Guardian, a local police sergeant, but doesn't hide behind any of them. There's also some humor, especially in her interactions with her grandmother and the bombshells she learns about her family. The story is well written and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
March 31, 2020
This was better that the first granted the granny still avoiding answering things that might be important and she's still not learning anything
April 18, 2019
Found this one a tad less enjoyable than the first. But, if I continue this bout of KU, I’ll probably read the 3rd when it’s out. She does keep them moving and have a multitude of possible suspects/motives for her mysteries.
March 16, 2019
Welcome to Blackwood Bay, where magic and murder have come out to play...Life for fledgling new witch Dru Rathmore Davis has been a whirlwind since moving to the charming seaside town of Blackwood Bay over a month ago . Seeing spirits, talking to animals, living with three cranky roommates, and totally not crushing on her new Guardian …But when Dru wakes one morning to find the body of a circus clown slouched dead against her doorstep and her bookshop broken into overnight, one of her worst fears may come to pass.She may be haunted by a clown... Together, Dru and her Guardian—incredibly handsome police sergeant Wolf Harper who’s absolutely just a friend —take their investigation to the most marvelous show on earth: the traveling Braun Bros Circus. It’s evident that there’s a far more sinister performance going on behind the scenes, and this traveling circus may have more skeletons buried in their closet than the Rathmore family. But when your suspects are a tight-knight troupe of acrobats, fortune tellers, magicians , and clowns, everyone has something to hide—and secrets they’d do anything to protect…
This is the second book in the Blackwood Bay Witches series. For those of you who like story lines with witches, ghosts, talking animals, wizards and covens, then this book is for you!
In this story Dru is starting to get used to being a witch, seeing ghosts and talking to animals and running the bookshop.
Just when Dru thinks her life is really starting to settle in Blackwood Bay, she opens her door and finds a dead clown on her doorstep.
The circus is in town and murder is afoot.
Come get to know this lovely set of characters. They are wisecracking and lovely bunch; well developed and will make you smile.
This has a good plot, twists abound to make you guess. Loaded with the humor and wise cracks. There are no cliff hangers just really good writing.
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! I can't wait for more!!!!
Highly recommend reading!
I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
This is the second book in the Blackwood Bay Witches series. For those of you who like story lines with witches, ghosts, talking animals, wizards and covens, then this book is for you!
In this story Dru is starting to get used to being a witch, seeing ghosts and talking to animals and running the bookshop.
Just when Dru thinks her life is really starting to settle in Blackwood Bay, she opens her door and finds a dead clown on her doorstep.
The circus is in town and murder is afoot.
Come get to know this lovely set of characters. They are wisecracking and lovely bunch; well developed and will make you smile.
This has a good plot, twists abound to make you guess. Loaded with the humor and wise cracks. There are no cliff hangers just really good writing.
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! I can't wait for more!!!!
Highly recommend reading!
I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
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March 14, 2024Not interested. See note.
Amazon synopsis:
Life for fledgling new witch Dru Rathmore Davis has been a whirlwind since moving to the charming seaside town of Blackwood Bay over a month ago. Seeing spirits, talking to animals, living with three cranky roommates, and totally not crushing on her new Guardian …
But when Dru wakes one morning to find the body of a circus clown slouched dead against her doorstep and her bookshop broken into overnight, one of her worst fears may come to pass.
She may be haunted by a clown...
Together, Dru and her Guardian—incredibly handsome police sergeant Wolf Harper who’s absolutely just a friend —take their investigation to the most marvelous show on earth: the traveling Braun Bros Circus.
It’s evident that there’s a far more sinister performance going on behind the scenes, and this traveling circus may have more skeletons buried in their closet than the Rathmore family.
Amazon synopsis:
Life for fledgling new witch Dru Rathmore Davis has been a whirlwind since moving to the charming seaside town of Blackwood Bay over a month ago. Seeing spirits, talking to animals, living with three cranky roommates, and totally not crushing on her new Guardian …
But when Dru wakes one morning to find the body of a circus clown slouched dead against her doorstep and her bookshop broken into overnight, one of her worst fears may come to pass.
She may be haunted by a clown...
Together, Dru and her Guardian—incredibly handsome police sergeant Wolf Harper who’s absolutely just a friend —take their investigation to the most marvelous show on earth: the traveling Braun Bros Circus.
It’s evident that there’s a far more sinister performance going on behind the scenes, and this traveling circus may have more skeletons buried in their closet than the Rathmore family.
March 8, 2019
The invasion of the chickens
A good read but wish her familiar had had more of a role as his banter does lift the story. A good plot with murder after murder. I was certainly caught out by the reveal. Nice to see how she starts using her magic but Granny really needs a good talking to. Talk about selective training!
When she goes to open the shop it's to discover not only a break in but also a dead body. The body of a clown. Now she fully awake and is eager to investigate with Harper. Add in another couple of murders, a love triangle, her magic ring stolen (causing her magic to misfire), disagreements with Harper, the chicken fiasco, a curse and information about her grandfather. Will they find the killer? Will she get her ring back? Why is Granny out all hours? Can she break the curse? Will she and Harper ever get together?
A good read but wish her familiar had had more of a role as his banter does lift the story. A good plot with murder after murder. I was certainly caught out by the reveal. Nice to see how she starts using her magic but Granny really needs a good talking to. Talk about selective training!
When she goes to open the shop it's to discover not only a break in but also a dead body. The body of a clown. Now she fully awake and is eager to investigate with Harper. Add in another couple of murders, a love triangle, her magic ring stolen (causing her magic to misfire), disagreements with Harper, the chicken fiasco, a curse and information about her grandfather. Will they find the killer? Will she get her ring back? Why is Granny out all hours? Can she break the curse? Will she and Harper ever get together?
March 16, 2019
Great second in series!
I like clowns about as much as Dru! A break-in, a dead clown on her doorstep, a circus in town. What's a witch to do? Dru is learning more about her magic and just a little more from granny. What is that woman's problem, tell Dru what she needs to know already! Dru isn't on her own with the coven and her hunky guardian but since granny doesn't want to really fill her in, she just seems to figure out her magic as she goes along. Three murders, too many clowns and who is the guilty party? Plenty of twists and turns to make this a fast paced read! Can't wait for the next chapter!
I like clowns about as much as Dru! A break-in, a dead clown on her doorstep, a circus in town. What's a witch to do? Dru is learning more about her magic and just a little more from granny. What is that woman's problem, tell Dru what she needs to know already! Dru isn't on her own with the coven and her hunky guardian but since granny doesn't want to really fill her in, she just seems to figure out her magic as she goes along. Three murders, too many clowns and who is the guilty party? Plenty of twists and turns to make this a fast paced read! Can't wait for the next chapter!
June 20, 2019
KUDOS
Eccentric but believable characters, seamless writing, and a deft hand with the continuing story arc make Book 2 another fine addition to the paranormal cozy genre. I share Dru' s frustration with her "need-to-know" status but it does make for surprising reveals. Granny is becoming more likeable, and I look forward to becoming better acquainted with the rest of the coven. And (a first for me!) I have to offer heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Bane's ARC team and Misha, her proofreader. It's a real treat to be able to enjoy good storytelling without being distracted by poor editing.
Eccentric but believable characters, seamless writing, and a deft hand with the continuing story arc make Book 2 another fine addition to the paranormal cozy genre. I share Dru' s frustration with her "need-to-know" status but it does make for surprising reveals. Granny is becoming more likeable, and I look forward to becoming better acquainted with the rest of the coven. And (a first for me!) I have to offer heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Bane's ARC team and Misha, her proofreader. It's a real treat to be able to enjoy good storytelling without being distracted by poor editing.
March 6, 2019
I love this series!! Misty Bane is a terrific author whose spell I am glad to be under. The series is
great and I whole heartedly recommend her to young and old alike. You will be glad you fell under her spell as well. For someone who just found out a month or so ago that she was a witch, Dru has taken giant steps in embracing her destiny. There are hijinks and serious moments that keep the reader turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens next.
Seriously though give Misty a go and see for yourself if you don’t agree with me that she’s an author you want to read more of.
great and I whole heartedly recommend her to young and old alike. You will be glad you fell under her spell as well. For someone who just found out a month or so ago that she was a witch, Dru has taken giant steps in embracing her destiny. There are hijinks and serious moments that keep the reader turning the pages faster and faster to see what happens next.
Seriously though give Misty a go and see for yourself if you don’t agree with me that she’s an author you want to read more of.
October 3, 2019
Bring on your big girl panties
Misty Bane has a rather delightfully mystical and wimsicle manor of writing, bringing caracters and mystery's to fruition. This series is a humorous clean cozey murder mystery with stellar caracters of witches, shifter,gohsts, wizards and that just the beginning of the many reasons of why so many enjoy reading the series and 99.999.....%sure that if your the type who enjoys a witchy cozey mystery then you can't possibly miss out on this " Bad Magic and the Big Top "read. 😉🙄☺Kat
Misty Bane has a rather delightfully mystical and wimsicle manor of writing, bringing caracters and mystery's to fruition. This series is a humorous clean cozey murder mystery with stellar caracters of witches, shifter,gohsts, wizards and that just the beginning of the many reasons of why so many enjoy reading the series and 99.999.....%sure that if your the type who enjoys a witchy cozey mystery then you can't possibly miss out on this " Bad Magic and the Big Top "read. 😉🙄☺Kat
January 27, 2020
Clowning Around
This is a very enjoyable series but I've come to expect good stories fom the author.
Not being a fan of clowns myself, I feel for Dru Rathmore, novice witch, when Hunter takes her to a circus. Chuckles the clown was found murdered outside Dru's bookstore/home. No one heard anything so they are off to the circus to investigate. Off is what Dru feels at the circus especially when the first acrobat falls to his death froma broken trapeze Accident or does someone have it in for the performers in the Big Top?
This is a very enjoyable series but I've come to expect good stories fom the author.
Not being a fan of clowns myself, I feel for Dru Rathmore, novice witch, when Hunter takes her to a circus. Chuckles the clown was found murdered outside Dru's bookstore/home. No one heard anything so they are off to the circus to investigate. Off is what Dru feels at the circus especially when the first acrobat falls to his death froma broken trapeze Accident or does someone have it in for the performers in the Big Top?
March 6, 2019
A wonderful read. I love all of Ms. Bane's books in this series. She is a very gifted and talented author. Her characters are fantastic and enjoyable to follow along with on their adventures. In this one, her main character, Dru, is off to the circus to discover why it's missing one of it's clowns, namely, the one lying dead on her doorstep. Join her and her sexy Guardian/cop extraordinaire on their latest adventure of investigating the crazy circus that has come to Blackwood Bay.
March 17, 2019
The circus is in town what could go wrong!
Book two in the series sets the scene for a well written story that captures the reader's attention from the very beginning.
Humorous at times, downright funny and interesting at other times plus unpredictable twists to confuse the reader, all make for a captivating, engaging and enjoyable story.
The Author did not disappoint. Recommended.
Gifted with a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Book two in the series sets the scene for a well written story that captures the reader's attention from the very beginning.
Humorous at times, downright funny and interesting at other times plus unpredictable twists to confuse the reader, all make for a captivating, engaging and enjoyable story.
The Author did not disappoint. Recommended.
Gifted with a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 23, 2019
You put a spell on me
“To find true love…
I conjure thee
I conjure thee
I’m the Queen
You’re the bee
As I desire, so shall it be”
I think this book put this sort of spell on me, haha!
No seriously, I loved it! This was another fun book in a wonderful series! People who love paranormal cozy mysteries will love this book, I believe. I for one will be looking forward to the next installment!
“To find true love…
I conjure thee
I conjure thee
I’m the Queen
You’re the bee
As I desire, so shall it be”
I think this book put this sort of spell on me, haha!
No seriously, I loved it! This was another fun book in a wonderful series! People who love paranormal cozy mysteries will love this book, I believe. I for one will be looking forward to the next installment!
June 9, 2019
Bad Magic and the Big Top
This time Dru and her band of witches and ghosts visit the traveling circus. There are clowns, plots and 3 murders. Someone steals Dru's ring from her home while she is asleep. Add a good looking, off limits guardian and you have the ingredients for an enjoyable read!
I liked this book more than the first. The characters are more detailed and the plot moved smoothly--showing the reader has to be vigilant to name the murderer before the reveal.
This time Dru and her band of witches and ghosts visit the traveling circus. There are clowns, plots and 3 murders. Someone steals Dru's ring from her home while she is asleep. Add a good looking, off limits guardian and you have the ingredients for an enjoyable read!
I liked this book more than the first. The characters are more detailed and the plot moved smoothly--showing the reader has to be vigilant to name the murderer before the reveal.
October 14, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed this story. Unlike many authors who leave out key clues to keep the reader in the dark about whodunit until the end, Ms. Bane provides the clues to let the reader solve the mystery along with the heroine. The only thing that keeps me from giving the book 5 stars is the author's inability to figure when to use I vs. me, her vs. she, him vs. he, and sight vs site. It's minor, but a bit annoying.
I really enjoyed this story. Unlike many authors who leave out key clues to keep the reader in the dark about whodunit until the end, Ms. Bane provides the clues to let the reader solve the mystery along with the heroine. The only thing that keeps me from giving the book 5 stars is the author's inability to figure when to use I vs. me, her vs. she, him vs. he, and sight vs site. It's minor, but a bit annoying.
October 19, 2019
'Bad Magic and the Big Top' was a great addition to the 'Blackwood Bay Witches Series'. I loved the story line and how it played out. Well written and well thought out. The characters are such a great array of personalities. I love the humor and the banter between Dru and her posse. She makes a great lead. Harper is the perfect partner for Dru. I look forward to reading more. A great add to your tbr list.
May 4, 2020
Fun
A fun romp into the big top, where a performer or two might just be killed... can Dru speak to their ghosts and solve the murders?
Another enjoyable trip to Blackwood Bay. It’s a cozy mystery series, featuring a witch, her ghostly family, her familiar... and her handsome love interest.
The romance is very slow burn, the murders non graphic, and the storylines are fun and fantastical!
For fans of magical cozy mysteries.
A fun romp into the big top, where a performer or two might just be killed... can Dru speak to their ghosts and solve the murders?
Another enjoyable trip to Blackwood Bay. It’s a cozy mystery series, featuring a witch, her ghostly family, her familiar... and her handsome love interest.
The romance is very slow burn, the murders non graphic, and the storylines are fun and fantastical!
For fans of magical cozy mysteries.
March 5, 2019
Just when Dru thinks her life is really starting to settle in Blackwood Bay, she opens her door and finds a dead clown on her doorstep. The Circus has come to town in more ways than one. So once again Dru jumps in with both feet and tries to solve another murder. But there are a lot of very interesting twists in this book and if you liked her first book, you have to read this one.
March 6, 2019
Dru finds a dead body of a clown on her doorstep at the same time as she had a break-in at her shop. Her special ring is missing and she comes to the conclusion that it was stolen. Everything leads to the circus that has just arrived in town. The more she and the policeman, Harper, look into the case the more complicated it gets. Between them they should be able to work it out.
March 9, 2019
What a great story!
What a great story! I was hooked from the very first page. It is well written. The characters are believable and interesting. I can't wait to read more from Misty Bane. So if you love cozy mysteries then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and series.
What a great story! I was hooked from the very first page. It is well written. The characters are believable and interesting. I can't wait to read more from Misty Bane. So if you love cozy mysteries then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and series.
March 9, 2019
Who doesn't love the circus! I could almost smell the popcorn and cotton candy. You have to love Dru's wisecracking Granny. Plus, Harper and Dru make a good couple, even when they aren't looking for murderers.
Great read if you like your Cozies with witches.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
Great read if you like your Cozies with witches.
I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
March 13, 2019
A delightful story
Ever read a book that leaves you grinning, well, that's this book. Dru and Harper have a murder to solve. The circus is in town, and a clown is down, murdered. Too many people who could have killed the clown, and they all have an alibi, each other. Read the book and solve the crime, grinning the whole time.
Ever read a book that leaves you grinning, well, that's this book. Dru and Harper have a murder to solve. The circus is in town, and a clown is down, murdered. Too many people who could have killed the clown, and they all have an alibi, each other. Read the book and solve the crime, grinning the whole time.
March 27, 2019
Good mystery!
I don't like c!owns, they don't scare me, I just don't like them. With that being said, this is a clown mystery. Everyone dresses as clowns on opening night of the circus, so brave yourself. The author does a good job of not making it creepy though. There is a lot going on and I didn't have a clue whodunit!!
I don't like c!owns, they don't scare me, I just don't like them. With that being said, this is a clown mystery. Everyone dresses as clowns on opening night of the circus, so brave yourself. The author does a good job of not making it creepy though. There is a lot going on and I didn't have a clue whodunit!!
May 8, 2019
A Circus in town, a dead clown, a strange man with something to hide, a stolen ring, break-ins, murder...Dru is up to her ears in mystery & keeps getting Harper upset with her...cleaning fairies??? Clues aren’t adding up & it’s a real puzzle for sure...Read for more fun with Granny, Tillie & Dorothy, in this delightfully entertaining book about the circus folk
May 22, 2019
Another Great Cozy Mystery!
Misty Banes definitely does a great job writing a fabulous story. I loved how when you think things are figured out, you learn there is an interesting twist. That is what made reading this book a delight. I literally didn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book.
Misty Banes definitely does a great job writing a fabulous story. I loved how when you think things are figured out, you learn there is an interesting twist. That is what made reading this book a delight. I literally didn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book.
October 5, 2020
Clever!
This series is cute, clever, funny, and enjoyable! Lots of witch activity while the coven attempt to determine the murderer of clowns from the visiting circus! There is much bumbling around and witch spells gone haywire to provide the laughs! Easy, cozy read with no pressure to rush to find " who dunnit" as it is more fun to read about all the mishaps!
This series is cute, clever, funny, and enjoyable! Lots of witch activity while the coven attempt to determine the murderer of clowns from the visiting circus! There is much bumbling around and witch spells gone haywire to provide the laughs! Easy, cozy read with no pressure to rush to find " who dunnit" as it is more fun to read about all the mishaps!
September 25, 2024
It’s a very quick read, and definitely not as interesting as the first.
Dru’s fear of clowns was never fully explained or resolved.
The whole angsty relationship “issue” was dumb.
There was very little character depth or development.
As I already have the first five books of the series, I will continue to read. Hopefully things improve!
Dru’s fear of clowns was never fully explained or resolved.
The whole angsty relationship “issue” was dumb.
There was very little character depth or development.
As I already have the first five books of the series, I will continue to read. Hopefully things improve!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2019
I enjoyed this witchy cozy mystery. The circus is in town and murder is afoot. The writing is fresh and skillful. The plot is tight and multi-layered with no cliff-hangers. I’m looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
March 16, 2019
A book to make you smile. This is a fun story with magic, the circus, and a dead body. Good character development and the relationship between Dru and her snippy but loving grandmother will make you laugh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews