If the Curse Fits

A Hex on Me Mystery #1

by Kennedy Layne

USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne brings a completely different twist to her brand new cozy paranormal mystery series that you won’t want to miss!Have you ever heard of a cursed witch? Well, that’s exactly what Tempest “Lou” Lilura has become, and she’s willing to do just about anything to rectify her desperate situation. Unfortunately, the consequences of being hexed by the only immortal Lich Queen has kept Lou a little too busy to find a solution to her problem.What’s the hex, you ask? In Lou’s tragic case, her curse gives her the foresight of murders yet to be committed. It’s the ultimate race against time—can she discover the culprit prior to the actual deed or can she save the victim and catch the murderer in the act? This poor hexed witch is going to need all the help she can get. Unfortunately, her help comes in the form of a warlock who is obsessed with conspiracy theories, an overly optimistic yet naïve healer, and a rather pretentious familiar who has an obsession for proper etiquette. Come join this traveling mystery band while they try to solve another murder as they’re faced with powerful druids, two odd magical hares, and a mysterious man who definitely knows more than he’s willing to say.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

156 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2019

About the author

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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Reviews

[Jae]

Lou has been cursed by an immortal witch to have premonitions of murders. She is then compelled to rush to the scene in an effort to either avert tragedy or make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice. Lou is desperate to remove her curse, which is why she seeks out Piper, a young witch who comes from a long line of healers. When a murder is committed at the coffee shop where Piper works, Lou and her friend, Orwin, try to solve the case, but a nearby druid is blocking Orwin's ability to pick up on other peoples' thoughts. Soon Lou and Orwin are chasing down leads with the assistance of Piper and her familiar, a white cat named Pearl. During the course of their investigation, Lou has a premonition of another murder. Now the race is on to not just solve one crime, but to prevent another.

This is billed as a first in series, but I really felt I'd been dropped into the middle of a series. The reason why the witch cursed Lou was rather inane, and part of me wondered why she didn't simply ignore her premonitions if she felt so burdened by them. I was left wondering why Lou didn't have a premonition about the first murder. I mean...duh? That made no sense. I am also dismayed to admit that I didn't care for Pearl, the cat. I love cats! But she was such a condescending snot that I simply did not like her at all. The author saw fit to have a hunka hunka man show up everywhere Lou and Orwin did, but with no explanation as to how or why. Finally, the motive for the initial murder (and the attempted one) was incredibly pithy. I suppose it's safe to say that people have been murdered for dumber reasons, but I'd rather not devote my time to reading about it.

I generally enjoy cozy mysteries that involve witches and familiars and whatnot, but this one was incredibly lackluster. Giving it a generous three stars.

[Krystyna]

Terrific first in series

Awesome read. A plot of witches, the undead, werewolves and murder. With characters that add spice, warmth and a sarcastic twist to the tale. Especially the all knowing, all self important familiar that is Pearl.
The curse foisted on her by the Queen of Lich's has caused her no end of trouble. But she hopes that this latest stop at a small coffee shop will have the answers for her and her sidekick (a druid that she has on a retainer) in lifting the curse. All it brings however is a murder, a sarcastic familiar and the knowledge that her hoped for curse removal is doomed to fail. However her curse has just shown her another victim that will fall to the hands of the cold blooded killer. Can she, her druid, the witch she has been seeking and the familiar stop and catch the killer before more victims turn up? Would is the mysterious man who knows about witches and the other supernaturals? Will they leave as a duo or will their small group expand as she searches for a way to get rid of the hex?

[Ken Finlay]

For the life of me I could not get into "If the Curse Fits", it has all the necessary elements but they just don't come together.
Witch Tempest "Lou" Lilura has been cursed by the immortal Lich Queen and she is desperate to find a way to break free.
Her curse - she's sees murders before they happen, in graphic detail.
Three months later she's still trying to break the hex.
I can't quite put my finger on what it is that prevents me from enjoying the read, the writing style is ok (if a bit given to too much talking), the story is solid enough (though with a habit of not telling you quite enough) and plot progression is pretty normal - whatever it is I'm out at the halfway point.
2 Stars.

[Liz Etnyre]

I so wanted to like this book - but this was painful. It took me the better part of a week of to try to choke this down, all the while hoping it would get better - and it did, but only enough to give it an extra half star for unrealized potential. Repetitive, insipid, and although some of the characters had promise, they were never allowed to develop. The cat went from quirky and interesting to just plain annoying - and I like cats. Then there are the randomly missing words or incorrect tense - not often, just enough to jar you. Good premise, poorly executed. 2 stars.

[Heather]

Kind of a struggle to read

It seemed to take forever to get to the end of this book. I almost feel like this could have been a novella if all the unessential talking back and forth wasn't added. If most of the gibber jabber was left out and more of an actual story was put in ( more backstory on the characters ) this wouldn't have been such a slow long read. I will try to read the next in the series, but I don't have high hopes.

[Tyrannosaurus regina]

There were definitely parts of this I liked, but in general, it took a while to actually get going, and when it did it kind of spun around in circles until it reached an ending that kind of came out of nowhere. As well, it definitely could have used one more solid edit. I'm intrigued by the Supernatural-lite setup, though, and am still willing to keep going with the series once I get through some more of my TBR pile to see where it goes.

[Myra Ball]

Great paranormal mystery

This book was actually a mixture between a cozy paranormal and a regular mystery. The mystery part was excellent with lots of unexpected twist. Pearl, the cat, character had humorous dialogue that was on spot perfectly. Kennedy Layne is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her Paramour Bay series is wonderful as well.

[Barrie Davis]

Readable

This is one of those books that rolls along pleasantly with a good storyline and relatable characters, unfortunately, it's just a good readable book never quite reaching Its potential, it's a good read but it could have been so much more. Let's hope that book two addresses these shortcomings. Baz.

[Mary A Moon]

Excellent New Series

If the Curse Fits is a fun, and snark filled first book in a new series by Kennedy Layne. This story is rich in mystery and banter, which keeps you hooked till the end. I highly recommend this new book/series. This new concept is brilliant!

[Kerry Sharp]

Nicely put together

A believable universe and a curse that might not be. This is the first in the series, it ends satisfactorily and sets up the rest of the series.
The characters are full but still have room for growth.
A good read.

[Jennie Ersari]

Intriguing cozy!

Lou is a witch that has been cursed and is traveling the world with her sidekick, Orwin, trying to find someone that can help remove her hex. She can see murders before they actually happen!

[Guenevere Garrity]

I'm loving this series! Kennedy Layne has taken a group of strangers and given them a shared goal. With a plausable plot (it is a fantasy cozy mystery), great characters, and interesting mysteries to solve.

[Terasa]

I really liked the beginning of this series. I definitely plan on read more of this series and this author. Enjoyable, fun, and the story is interesting and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next to the characters!
Give this book a try. I believe you will also find it enjoyable.

[Campbell]

Own in Hex on Me Mysteries Books 1-3

[Linda Farrell]

Interesting story line

This was a fun book to read. I like the main characters and the story building. Fairly short read but leads you along well. Looking forward to reading the next in line!

[Evonne Hutton]

Imagine if you will....you are a lecturer and a witch. One day out oof the blue you get cursed!
From then on you see horrible visions of murder.
Would you try to find a cure?

[Catherine Wright]

Brilliant characters. Grabbed me right from the start. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Barbara]

What do a witch that been hexed, a murder in a small town while you're trying to undo the hex and an opinionated familiar have in common. Good read.

[Tannis Antonio]

Different and Good

This book was a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed the characters, the plot and will be eager to read book 2.

[Matthew Murray]

Enjoyed

I have read the paramour bay series and have enjoyed it,but this latest book I'm waiting to see if I can get into the series.

[Alicia Hart]

Okzy

Or win just needs to chill and go to the nearest clinic for an allergy shot, rather than waist money on those pills. Just saying!

[stephanie huntington]

Interesting and entertaining

[James Ross]

Very enjoyable experience

The author has created a masterful and unique plot to go with a variety of characters making this hard to put down

[Janet]

Great beginning to the series! This is a cozy witch mystery. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series is going with Tempest and Pearl.