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Sunnyside Retired Witches Community #2
Loony Town
Caring for elderly witches at the retirement home in Sunnyside, California is a full-time job for Zoey Rivers. But when one of them is blitzing, causing magic to act even weirder than normal, things get...well, downright wacky.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects. As the zaniness of the magical blips continues and things get crazier and crazier, Zoey has to work fast and try to stay one step ahead to keep her charges out of jail, figure out who is causing the chaotic blitzing so she can fix it, and also determine who the real killer is.
It's a tough job, but she's determined to do it. The people who live at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community are counting on her. And she's not about to let them down now.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects. As the zaniness of the magical blips continues and things get crazier and crazier, Zoey has to work fast and try to stay one step ahead to keep her charges out of jail, figure out who is causing the chaotic blitzing so she can fix it, and also determine who the real killer is.
It's a tough job, but she's determined to do it. The people who live at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community are counting on her. And she's not about to let them down now.
178 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2019
209 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 2, 2020
Zoey has new problems at the retirement home for witches she runs. An insurance agent has died and she is now working hard to keep her residents from being suspects.
A visit to this retirement home is always fun. The characters are varied and unique. Supernatural types show up with surprising regularity and Zoey's love life is entertaining.
A visit to this retirement home is always fun. The characters are varied and unique. Supernatural types show up with surprising regularity and Zoey's love life is entertaining.
November 18, 2020
This is the second book in the series and I must admit, I did not read the first. Although I think it would have been helpful to have a little bit of a back story on the characters, I didn't feel lost without reading it. Zoey Rivers runs a retirement home for elderly witches, most of whom have difficulty controlling their magic. Zoey's job is to keep them safe from themselves, each other and the non-magical community. I enjoyed how everyone in the book was magical and had knowledge of magic. Zoey is surprised when the local insurance agent starts spreading the news that she is going to cancel the policy on their beloved exercise fanatic, Howie because his magic is too unstable. Not long after her proclamation, the insurance agent is found dead outside the Retirement Home and the murder weapon was most definitely magic. All eyes are looking at Howie, but Zoey knows deep down that Howie couldn't have done it.
There were a couple pretty obvious plot answers? Story lines? I am not sure how to say it, but pretty much, a couple things were blatantly obvious, mainly involving Zoey's boyfriend. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I could see the magic zooming across the room in sprays of purple, pink and orange, and I could just imagine sitting in the common area with the residents, knitting!
There were a couple pretty obvious plot answers? Story lines? I am not sure how to say it, but pretty much, a couple things were blatantly obvious, mainly involving Zoey's boyfriend. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I could see the magic zooming across the room in sprays of purple, pink and orange, and I could just imagine sitting in the common area with the residents, knitting!
June 3, 2019
This is book 2 (not including the prequel) to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community Series, but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the other books in this series, but have already bought the Prequel to get myself caught up with the history of some of Sunnysides residents.
This contains a bit of mystery, mischief, and hints at the possibility of romance. Great story line, humorous and delightful. Awesome characters that are a hoot. Fantastic description to details and entertaining dialogue.
All in all a fantastic read and can not wait for more.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This contains a bit of mystery, mischief, and hints at the possibility of romance. Great story line, humorous and delightful. Awesome characters that are a hoot. Fantastic description to details and entertaining dialogue.
All in all a fantastic read and can not wait for more.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2020
Again, another fun book with different plot twists and interesting characters. An easy read but very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Amazon description:
Caring for elderly witches at the retirement home in Sunnyside, California is a full-time job for Zoey Rivers. But when one of them is blitzing, causing magic to act even weirder than normal, things get…well, downright wacky.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects.
Amazon description:
Caring for elderly witches at the retirement home in Sunnyside, California is a full-time job for Zoey Rivers. But when one of them is blitzing, causing magic to act even weirder than normal, things get…well, downright wacky.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects.
February 4, 2020
Lighthearted silly read.
Enjoyable however I did find the ending a little too twee for my liking.
Enjoyable however I did find the ending a little too twee for my liking.
May 15, 2020
A fast read, but fairly predictable and also a little too light on the reasoning/worldbuilding logic.
June 7, 2019
Zoey Rivers was on the beach with her boyfriend, Doug. She tried to remember the last time they had a real date – but the 20-minute fast-food break for lunch with Doug was too short to count. When she thought about it, she realized that even though they had been together for six months, they really didn’t know much about each other. As Head of Staff caring for elderly witches at the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community retirement home in Sunnyside, California, Zoey rarely had any time off. As she and Doug were about to walk on the beach, she got a call from Steve Grace, her helper at the retirement home, saying she had to return immediately because something tragic had happened.
They entered the common room and it was filled with people – but everyone was deathly quiet! Steve pointed outside and said Sonja Bennett, the insurance agent for the company that insured most of their residents, was dead! Trudy Douglas, Sonja’s assistant, said they had been telling Howie, a resident who was their self-proclaimed fitness guru, that the company had some concerns about him and may not be able to continue to pay for his housing at the retirement center. They said Howie’s magic was unstable and he could be a liability. Even as he was talking with Sonja and Trudy, sparks and mini explosions were shooting out all over as his excess emotional energy caused his magic to discharge. However, several residents said Howie was nowhere around when Sonja’s body started to fly up into the air and was slammed down on the ground repeatedly, which had caused her death. That would definitely take lots of powerful magic, which most of the residents just didn’t have anymore. Glancing down, Zoey saw Howie’s sweatband sticking out from underneath Sonja’s body!
Suspicion points to one of Zoey’s residents as being the possible murderer. Zoey will need to work quickly to find the real murderer and keep the resident out of jail -- or worse! Who would have wanted to cause the death of the insurance agent and for what reason? What is causing the magical blips that discharge uncontrollably? Who is powerful enough to have murdered Sonja?
This was a good cozy mystery that had a great cast of crazy characters, each unique and memorable. The zany goings on make for a busy story line that keeps the reader interested. Knowing each of her residents so well, it was difficult for Zoey to figure out who the murderer could be. Grab your copy and see if you can figure it out before Zoey cracks the case!
They entered the common room and it was filled with people – but everyone was deathly quiet! Steve pointed outside and said Sonja Bennett, the insurance agent for the company that insured most of their residents, was dead! Trudy Douglas, Sonja’s assistant, said they had been telling Howie, a resident who was their self-proclaimed fitness guru, that the company had some concerns about him and may not be able to continue to pay for his housing at the retirement center. They said Howie’s magic was unstable and he could be a liability. Even as he was talking with Sonja and Trudy, sparks and mini explosions were shooting out all over as his excess emotional energy caused his magic to discharge. However, several residents said Howie was nowhere around when Sonja’s body started to fly up into the air and was slammed down on the ground repeatedly, which had caused her death. That would definitely take lots of powerful magic, which most of the residents just didn’t have anymore. Glancing down, Zoey saw Howie’s sweatband sticking out from underneath Sonja’s body!
Suspicion points to one of Zoey’s residents as being the possible murderer. Zoey will need to work quickly to find the real murderer and keep the resident out of jail -- or worse! Who would have wanted to cause the death of the insurance agent and for what reason? What is causing the magical blips that discharge uncontrollably? Who is powerful enough to have murdered Sonja?
This was a good cozy mystery that had a great cast of crazy characters, each unique and memorable. The zany goings on make for a busy story line that keeps the reader interested. Knowing each of her residents so well, it was difficult for Zoey to figure out who the murderer could be. Grab your copy and see if you can figure it out before Zoey cracks the case!
August 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, in fact I loved both books in this fun quirky series. It is such a refreshing change from all the normal witch mysteries out there. It is well written and with the colourful cast of characters a lot of fun to listen to. I like how the magic goes wrong and leads to some funny situations. The magical mystery is engaging and keeps you both hooked and guessing until the end. I look forwarded to the next book in the series and this author has definitely been added to must listen to, so glad I discovered her.
Zoey is out on a date when she gets a desperate phone call asking her to return back to the retirement home. One of the guests has been killed and it looks like magic might be behind it. Howie was arguing with the insurance lady about being allowed to stay on at the home only moments before she was killed. Could he really be responsible? Magical power surges are happening all over the home causing spells to go wrong. The police want to take Howie away but Zoey and the rest of the family set about to find the real reason behind the death. It seems someone has it out for the retirement home and its elderly residents when sweet old and forgetful Estelle gets kidnapped. Can Zoey keep her family safe and all living under the same roof? Or does all the weird and wackiness mean the end?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job, weaving her own magic and bringing all the characters to life.
Zoey is out on a date when she gets a desperate phone call asking her to return back to the retirement home. One of the guests has been killed and it looks like magic might be behind it. Howie was arguing with the insurance lady about being allowed to stay on at the home only moments before she was killed. Could he really be responsible? Magical power surges are happening all over the home causing spells to go wrong. The police want to take Howie away but Zoey and the rest of the family set about to find the real reason behind the death. It seems someone has it out for the retirement home and its elderly residents when sweet old and forgetful Estelle gets kidnapped. Can Zoey keep her family safe and all living under the same roof? Or does all the weird and wackiness mean the end?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job, weaving her own magic and bringing all the characters to life.
June 7, 2019
Caring for elderly witches at the retirement home in Sunnyside, California is a full-time job for Zoey Rivers. But when one of them is blitzing, causing magic to act even weirder than normal, things get…well, downright wacky.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects. As the zaniness of the magical blips continues and things get crazier and crazier, Zoey has to work fast and try to stay one step ahead to keep her charges out of jail, figure out who is causing the chaotic blitzing so she can fix it, and also figure out who the real killer is.
It’s a tough job, but she's determined to do it. The people who live at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community are counting on her. And she’s not about to let them down now.
This is book 2 (not including the prequel) to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community Series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Zoey Rivers loves her job caring for elderly witches at the Sunnyside Retirement Home. However one of them is blitzing which is causing magic to act outside of the norm.
Well written story with so much humour.
Characters that are a delight to read about.
Can't wait for the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And when a local insurance agent winds up dead, some of the people Zoey is responsible for become the prime suspects. As the zaniness of the magical blips continues and things get crazier and crazier, Zoey has to work fast and try to stay one step ahead to keep her charges out of jail, figure out who is causing the chaotic blitzing so she can fix it, and also figure out who the real killer is.
It’s a tough job, but she's determined to do it. The people who live at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community are counting on her. And she’s not about to let them down now.
This is book 2 (not including the prequel) to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community Series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Zoey Rivers loves her job caring for elderly witches at the Sunnyside Retirement Home. However one of them is blitzing which is causing magic to act outside of the norm.
Well written story with so much humour.
Characters that are a delight to read about.
Can't wait for the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2019
I love this series! Zoe is the director of a retirement home for witches, which means her life is sometimes in an uproar as the elderly witches occasionally lose control of their magic. When the out of control magic incidents start happening more often and the insurance agent for the residents gets killed, Zoe has to determine the cause of the out of control magic and protect her residents. Ms. Lester has created a totally believable magic world existing in parallel with our human world. The characters are so well-defined that you will miss them when you finish the book. The pace of the story is fast enough to keep the reader reading to see what happens next while still allowing time to get to know everyone. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2020
4.5 Star review Loony Town by Paula Lester
Audio Review:
Both the author Paula Lester and narrator Ashley Music are relatively new to me. This was a fun cozy mystery book which I was invested in from start to finish. An entertaining light hearted listen thanks to the narrator who did a good job bringing the story to life for me.
Not only do I like Zoey River,but the residents of the retired witches home she runs are quirky and fun. Zoey has a nose for a mystery and she find she is good at investigation so when some of her residents are suspected of murder she knows she has to do whatever it takes to get to the truth. Can she find the real killer before it is too late? One click and find out.
Audio Review:
Both the author Paula Lester and narrator Ashley Music are relatively new to me. This was a fun cozy mystery book which I was invested in from start to finish. An entertaining light hearted listen thanks to the narrator who did a good job bringing the story to life for me.
Not only do I like Zoey River,but the residents of the retired witches home she runs are quirky and fun. Zoey has a nose for a mystery and she find she is good at investigation so when some of her residents are suspected of murder she knows she has to do whatever it takes to get to the truth. Can she find the real killer before it is too late? One click and find out.
November 17, 2020
Zoey and Steve try their best to manage the Sunnyside retirement home for Witches with love and care but accidents can happen. And oh boy is it a dosey.
Zoey manages Sunnyside, and Steve is her assistant manager. When one is out the other is there to handle the residents. So when Zoey gets aa call saying come back now its an Emergancy she knows something awefull has happened to someone at her home. She is terrified for her friends and residents not even realizing her boyfriend is still with her.
This is the start of a very exciting murder mystery. From start to finish. You don’t want to lay the book down Many witnesses, many suspects, right to end. Loved book no bab language, no sex, just great story.
Zoey manages Sunnyside, and Steve is her assistant manager. When one is out the other is there to handle the residents. So when Zoey gets aa call saying come back now its an Emergancy she knows something awefull has happened to someone at her home. She is terrified for her friends and residents not even realizing her boyfriend is still with her.
This is the start of a very exciting murder mystery. From start to finish. You don’t want to lay the book down Many witnesses, many suspects, right to end. Loved book no bab language, no sex, just great story.
September 23, 2020
I knew certain things that seemed to take Zoey forever to figure out where going to happen in this book. I'll just say I am happy with her relationship. That way you have no idea what I mean. This mystery is juicy! Love the story, I would never have come up with the brilliant insurance idea. Lo!. I love Zoey's fierce momma near instincts when anyone messes with her residents. She should have banned a certain someone from the premises. Ester cracks me up in this book. And Georgio is so sweet taking care of Howie. On to the next mystery.
June 7, 2019
Magically entertaining!
Paula Lester does it again! This story is full of hilariously quirky magical characters who you can't help but love. When an insurance agent is murdered at the retirement home, Zoey has to find the killer before the wrong person gets hauled off to jail. This is her family and she won't allow anyone to mess with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Paula Lester does it again! This story is full of hilariously quirky magical characters who you can't help but love. When an insurance agent is murdered at the retirement home, Zoey has to find the killer before the wrong person gets hauled off to jail. This is her family and she won't allow anyone to mess with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2019
I felt bad for Trudy. Her intentions were good, but everything doesn’t always turn out right. I’m glad Doug is gone. He didn’t seem like a good fit for Zoey. However, I like her choices between Steve and Luke. A supernatural love triangle!!!!! Hope is a good character and hopefully she will have a larger role in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2020
Spells on the Loose
I'm in my 60's and ohh I wish I were in the Sunnyside committee. Paula Lester has created such an enchanting town full of endearing and intreageing caracters and the retirement home residents so carring and helpful even through out all the drama and mayhem, I just wanted to jump right in and be a part of it all. Aquier "Loony Town "so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄😊Kat
I'm in my 60's and ohh I wish I were in the Sunnyside committee. Paula Lester has created such an enchanting town full of endearing and intreageing caracters and the retirement home residents so carring and helpful even through out all the drama and mayhem, I just wanted to jump right in and be a part of it all. Aquier "Loony Town "so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄😊Kat
August 14, 2019
magic is not playing or acting normally and when a dead body her charges are all suspects. They are old witches and she will try to find out what is going on before stopping it. Can she do that while solving the murder? See if she can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2020
Delightful read
This was a quick fun mystery of the retired witches of Sunnyside. I enjoyed Zoey’s relationship and dedication to her “family” at the retirement home. There is also a budding relationship in the making. The residents all have special ways about them and they are loved by the staff. An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of these takes.
This was a quick fun mystery of the retired witches of Sunnyside. I enjoyed Zoey’s relationship and dedication to her “family” at the retirement home. There is also a budding relationship in the making. The residents all have special ways about them and they are loved by the staff. An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of these takes.
May 16, 2022
This book was slightly better than book one. In all honesty, if you add books one and two together you end up with a decent story. Had these books not been combined into three books for a sale price, I would have skipped them altogether. If you need an escape from reality, Loony Town is a nice cozy mystery.
September 22, 2022
This is the second one I am listening to from the soccer because I purchased a three book deal from audible. The story is Cupid drags a little bit. If the narrator were more engaging it would probably be a much better book. The narrator seems to be uncertain as if this is the first time she is reading it through.
July 5, 2019
Another amazing installment of the Sunnyside adventures.
I simply love the beautiful experience that Paula Lester weaves for her readers, the different types of magical beings, how to work together and still retain their identities and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I simply love the beautiful experience that Paula Lester weaves for her readers, the different types of magical beings, how to work together and still retain their identities and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2019
Wonderful group of quirky characters in this lively and lovely retirement home for witches. Great story line. Cannot wait to read more
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2020
Fantastic
This was a twist and turns book from the start, you think you have something figured out only to have it twisted again and pointed in a new direction. I highly enjoyed this book as I have the series so far
This was a twist and turns book from the start, you think you have something figured out only to have it twisted again and pointed in a new direction. I highly enjoyed this book as I have the series so far
November 21, 2020
A fun story
This is a fun cozy mystery about witches. Zoe has her hands full trying to keep her residents at the elderly home she works at safe. Then she has to deal with a murder, a boyfriend, the police, and coworkers.
This is a fun cozy mystery about witches. Zoe has her hands full trying to keep her residents at the elderly home she works at safe. Then she has to deal with a murder, a boyfriend, the police, and coworkers.
May 30, 2021
These are just a okay. Not bad for a one time read but it’s missing the humor that you find in so many cozy mysteries. There is so intrigue but I am not really any more
Impressed then the first one. I’m sad. I wanted to love this series.
Impressed then the first one. I’m sad. I wanted to love this series.
May 18, 2020
This was a very entertaining read. Great Characters and story. You won't be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!
May 20, 2020
Loony Town
PAula Lester wrote another great mystery surrounding a retirement community. I really enjoyed reading this book in the series and look forward to reading more.
PAula Lester wrote another great mystery surrounding a retirement community. I really enjoyed reading this book in the series and look forward to reading more.
May 21, 2020
Fun read!
June 4, 2020
I'm enjoying this light hearted cozy series. I love the idea of a retirement home for witches!
June 30, 2020
Crazy Community
Loved it.Held my attention so I couldn't put the book down.The feeling of love and concerns for one another was overwhelming. Good book.
Loved it.Held my attention so I couldn't put the book down.The feeling of love and concerns for one another was overwhelming. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews