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Witch Hazel Lane Mysteries #3
Monsters Under The Magnolia
Welcome to Witch Hazel Lane... Former Vegas star and witch in hiding, Birdie Devaine is ready for a vacation away from all of the stresses of an ongoing (and haunted) house renovation. Lucky for her she’s got a first-class ticket aboard one of the swankiest cruise ships in the world. Along with her best friends, Birdie’s ready to set sail through the warm Caribbean waters, soak up some much needed sun and sip on some much needed fruity drinks… But a trip to paradise comes with a price. And on a ship full of magical beings, the price is steep. Murders. Kidnappings. Something fishy is going on aboard the Magnolia On Water, and Birdie isn’t willing to let her wishes for a relaxing vacation get in the way of finding the killer. Or killers. And with an old friend in danger, Birdie is determined to get to the bottom of this string of murders… before she ends up at the bottom of the ocean. This book contains plenty of southern sass, friendship, some delicious comfort food, and a little bit of magic along the way!
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2020
206 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Collins
33 books54 followersJ. L. (Jerri) lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, with her family and feisty canine. She loves delicious southern food, dogs, Carolina sunrises on the beach, shopping on King Street, and curling up with about twenty different books on the weekends. When she gets the rare chance, she also likes to go exploring and learning more about Charleston's rich history.
Make sure to sign up for Jerri's mailing list to receive her newsletter so you can find out all about her new releases, check out cover reveals, take part of fun giveaways, PLUS receive an exclusive cocktail recipe book from J. L. for free! https://www.subscribepage.com/u0d6c6
Feel free to contact J. L. Collins here: jlcollinsbooks@gmail.com
Make sure to sign up for Jerri's mailing list to receive her newsletter so you can find out all about her new releases, check out cover reveals, take part of fun giveaways, PLUS receive an exclusive cocktail recipe book from J. L. for free! https://www.subscribepage.com/u0d6c6
Feel free to contact J. L. Collins here: jlcollinsbooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 18, 2020
This is book 3 of the Witch Hazel Lane Mystery series and I do recommend that you read this series in order. That way you’ll understand all of the back story and the friendship between Birdie, TJ, Geena, Cinda, and Frannie.
In this adventure the ladies head out on the cruise that had been mentioned in book 2. Driving from Mississippi to Florida was a mess fraught with heat, vehicle malfunctions, and the stress of a two day trip. Upon arrival to the ship however, they’re in for one big shot. It seems that they’ve accidentally been booked on a magical cruise, and by that I mean that it’s a cruise for witches and wizards only. After discussing the predicament with the owners of the ship, it’s decided that they’ll stay on board, but can’t let anyone know that TJ, Geena, Cinda, and Frannie are mortals. But that’s not the only surprise in store for Birdie. It seems that an old friend is also on board, one who’s now married with a child and will soon be a father-in-law. Jonathan and Birdie met in DC during the height of the Vietnam War demonstrations when Birdie was accidentally shoved into Jonathan who was just attempting to get home.
While reconnecting with her old friend and enjoying some deck time, they’re witness to a suicide? Jonathan’s wife’s assistant goes overboard and when they get her out of the water, it’s too late for her. The very next day an employee is killed when a large keg of beer falls on him. Suspecting foul play, the owners take a radical approach in aiding the investigation.
Birdie and gang sets about trying to figure out what’s going on and why it’s happening when Birdie’s hurt and Jonathan becomes the latest person missing. With magic being banned while the investigation is moving forward, they need to use old fashioned brain power to solve the mystery. Also near the end, we get another tidbit of information to sock aside for the overall mystery arch.
I think this has been my favorite story so far. Full of action and adventure on the high seas, beautifully descriptive writing of the ports of call, new characters to learn about, more of Birdie’s past coming to light, and finally Birdie’s out of the broom closet to all of her friends. I can’t wait to read the next installment and see what Birdie and the gang are up to next.
*I read this story using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
In this adventure the ladies head out on the cruise that had been mentioned in book 2. Driving from Mississippi to Florida was a mess fraught with heat, vehicle malfunctions, and the stress of a two day trip. Upon arrival to the ship however, they’re in for one big shot. It seems that they’ve accidentally been booked on a magical cruise, and by that I mean that it’s a cruise for witches and wizards only. After discussing the predicament with the owners of the ship, it’s decided that they’ll stay on board, but can’t let anyone know that TJ, Geena, Cinda, and Frannie are mortals. But that’s not the only surprise in store for Birdie. It seems that an old friend is also on board, one who’s now married with a child and will soon be a father-in-law. Jonathan and Birdie met in DC during the height of the Vietnam War demonstrations when Birdie was accidentally shoved into Jonathan who was just attempting to get home.
While reconnecting with her old friend and enjoying some deck time, they’re witness to a suicide? Jonathan’s wife’s assistant goes overboard and when they get her out of the water, it’s too late for her. The very next day an employee is killed when a large keg of beer falls on him. Suspecting foul play, the owners take a radical approach in aiding the investigation.
Birdie and gang sets about trying to figure out what’s going on and why it’s happening when Birdie’s hurt and Jonathan becomes the latest person missing. With magic being banned while the investigation is moving forward, they need to use old fashioned brain power to solve the mystery. Also near the end, we get another tidbit of information to sock aside for the overall mystery arch.
I think this has been my favorite story so far. Full of action and adventure on the high seas, beautifully descriptive writing of the ports of call, new characters to learn about, more of Birdie’s past coming to light, and finally Birdie’s out of the broom closet to all of her friends. I can’t wait to read the next installment and see what Birdie and the gang are up to next.
*I read this story using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
April 18, 2022
looking forward to an exciting/relaxing cruise, Birdie, Geena, Cinda, TJ, and Frannie (who gifted the cruise to her friends) had no inkling of what awaited them. It turns out the cruise was for Magicals only, non-magicals were not allowed. Birdie confessed to the cruise director who realized a booking error was made by the aging booking agent, so she allowed the 5 to remain on the cruise. The cruise ship was put on a lockdown of magical powers after an "apparent suicide", the kidnapping of another guest, an "accidental death" of a staff member, and the disappearance of Jonathan (an old friend of Birdie's). With all that happening, the friends still tried to enjoy the cruise with its lavish shopping and island excursions. Birdie tried to investigate the incidents and things went from bad to worse. Will the friends get to enjoy themselves or more importantly can they survive the cruise unharmed? or even at all, as the 4 friends join Birdie's investigation.
February 16, 2020
The cruise that is a floating nightmare
A great read. The characters have really grown and their strengths and weakness seem to add colour and flavour to the read.
A gift of cruise tickets should have been a dream for the group. However a major problem cropped up pretty quickly. It a a cruise for witches and warlocks. Her four friends were the only humans on the ship. As soon as that problem was solved, another cropped up. A woman falling overboard. Throw in missing cufflinks, a missing woman, a missing man and a another murder. Will they find the missing people? Will her friends forgive her for lying to them? Will they catch the killer?
A great read. The characters have really grown and their strengths and weakness seem to add colour and flavour to the read.
A gift of cruise tickets should have been a dream for the group. However a major problem cropped up pretty quickly. It a a cruise for witches and warlocks. Her four friends were the only humans on the ship. As soon as that problem was solved, another cropped up. A woman falling overboard. Throw in missing cufflinks, a missing woman, a missing man and a another murder. Will they find the missing people? Will her friends forgive her for lying to them? Will they catch the killer?
February 20, 2020
In my opinion J. L. Collins did a really good job at hiding who was doing what. I never did figure out who was behind the murder and mayhem. So that get's a big WELL DONE! I really enjoyed the story and was very entertained. My biggest complaint was it was a little slow moving and it took to long to get to the mystery part of the story. There was some going back over the friends background, that was repetitive for me, but I get why J. L. Collins did it, I think it's to make it a story you don't have to read previous stories. I really enjoy the dynamic of Birdie and her friends I find it a lot of fun. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
February 21, 2020
This was first published on my blog "Lecture toute une Aventure"
I loved this new instalment, it was interesting to see some witches and warlocks to see some other powers and magical abilities even if we only saw a little.
The setting was great and it was even better to see all the girls working with Birdie on this investigation and to see how they care about Birdie as well. The investigation was well done with some twists and the rhythm was just what was needed to make us unable to stop before the last page.
A great instalment for this good southern cozy mysteries series. to read in order as we get a light cliffhanger at the end of the this book.
score 4,5/5
I loved this new instalment, it was interesting to see some witches and warlocks to see some other powers and magical abilities even if we only saw a little.
The setting was great and it was even better to see all the girls working with Birdie on this investigation and to see how they care about Birdie as well. The investigation was well done with some twists and the rhythm was just what was needed to make us unable to stop before the last page.
A great instalment for this good southern cozy mysteries series. to read in order as we get a light cliffhanger at the end of the this book.
score 4,5/5
February 26, 2020
This is the third book in this series, but the first book in this southern cozy series that I have read. It works very well as a standalone. I thought this was an entertaining read about friend, good food, and magic.
I received an ARC from the author, and while I enjoyed the characters and situations very much, The ending came as a bit of a surprise. This book is definitely a enchanted read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect me true and honest reactions to reading this book.
I received an ARC from the author, and while I enjoyed the characters and situations very much, The ending came as a bit of a surprise. This book is definitely a enchanted read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect me true and honest reactions to reading this book.
April 18, 2020
This installment in the series is set on a cruise ship. Unbeknownst to Frannie, the cruise she’s gifted to her friends is supposed to be only for magical beings, which leads the rest of the group to find out that Birdie is a witch. The friends are faced with solving a suicide (or was it?), a murder and a kidnapping.
There was more focus on the mysteries to be solved than in the previous book, which made for a more enjoyable reading experience for me. My biggest issue with the book was the need for more thorough editing. I found these editing errors so distracting that I was pulled out of the story. My rating would have been higher if it wasn’t for the editing issues.
There was more focus on the mysteries to be solved than in the previous book, which made for a more enjoyable reading experience for me. My biggest issue with the book was the need for more thorough editing. I found these editing errors so distracting that I was pulled out of the story. My rating would have been higher if it wasn’t for the editing issues.
February 9, 2020
For a change of pace, Birdie and friends are off on a cruise that sounds like 10 days of fun! Tickets are a gift from Francine, and the five ladies are off for a vacation of a lifetime. Only Birdie catches a slight but critical error...and what happens next changes everything. The luxurious ship, the tropical location, great friends, and murder make it a story totally different from the first two books in the series! Great characters and attention to details make this a nice addition to the stories of Birdie Devaine!
February 18, 2020
.0 out of 5 stars
Who wants to take a Cruise?
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
Francine gives the Birdie and the assorted friends suitcases for Christmas, with cruise tickets inside. What a gift. So the ladies go on an adventure. 10 days at sea, what could happen, right? Well a lot, that's what.
The story line is wonderful, the characters each have strong personalities, and are well crafted. I love this series.
I don't do spoilers, I may have already said too much, so get this latest in the Witch Hazel Lane Mysteries books today.
Who wants to take a Cruise?
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
Francine gives the Birdie and the assorted friends suitcases for Christmas, with cruise tickets inside. What a gift. So the ladies go on an adventure. 10 days at sea, what could happen, right? Well a lot, that's what.
The story line is wonderful, the characters each have strong personalities, and are well crafted. I love this series.
I don't do spoilers, I may have already said too much, so get this latest in the Witch Hazel Lane Mysteries books today.
May 3, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and then extraordinary storyline. A witch who has been hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas for many years. After magic has been exposed to the world decides to go back and hide in plain sight in her original hometown where she was born over a century ago. Follow along and she meets new friends that are human and they together stumble upon murders mysteries and trouble and then find out who is responsible. Very entertaining check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and then extraordinary storyline. A witch who has been hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas for many years. After magic has been exposed to the world decides to go back and hide in plain sight in her original hometown where she was born over a century ago. Follow along and she meets new friends that are human and they together stumble upon murders mysteries and trouble and then find out who is responsible. Very entertaining check it out
February 9, 2020
Kindle Copy for Review
Birdie once again finds that you can never run from your past as it will always catch up to you and nothing is ever normal. The only thing seems normal is the continuous fighting between magical and non-magical forces.
When her manager goes off looking for his favorite client and instead ends up dead, she will have to figure out who killed him with the aid of her new friends.
Nice addition in this relative new witch cozy series.
Birdie once again finds that you can never run from your past as it will always catch up to you and nothing is ever normal. The only thing seems normal is the continuous fighting between magical and non-magical forces.
When her manager goes off looking for his favorite client and instead ends up dead, she will have to figure out who killed him with the aid of her new friends.
Nice addition in this relative new witch cozy series.
February 13, 2020
Birdie and her group of Witch Hazel Lane friends are off on their cruise. Surprisingly the group is upgraded to an expensive suite at the top of the ship. Only Birdie notices that things are odd. When a guest on the ship ends up overboard, everyone realizes something is different.
Birdie and her crew have a new murder to solve while still trying to enjoy the crew. I really enjoy this group of women and look forward to more in the series.
Birdie and her crew have a new murder to solve while still trying to enjoy the crew. I really enjoy this group of women and look forward to more in the series.
February 13, 2020
The fabulous group from Witch Hazel Lane are headed out to Sea. Birdie and her friends are ready for a much needed vacation on a cruise ship. Little did they know, this cruise ship is "special". While on board, Birdie and her friends find themselves with a mystery to solve. I love this series, it a bit different than others and I really like that. The characters are fresh, fun, and very entertaining. I can't wait to read about their next adventures.
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February 16, 2020Great cozy series
This is the third book in this series and the characters have really grown on me. Birdie is the type that doesn't let others in to protect herself emotionally and she is written exceptionally accurate. The book is unique in that the main character, Birdie, isn't a typical cozy heroine. I'm a fan of J.L. Collins after reading her Spell Maven series and first three of the Witch Hazel Lane series.
This is the third book in this series and the characters have really grown on me. Birdie is the type that doesn't let others in to protect herself emotionally and she is written exceptionally accurate. The book is unique in that the main character, Birdie, isn't a typical cozy heroine. I'm a fan of J.L. Collins after reading her Spell Maven series and first three of the Witch Hazel Lane series.
March 29, 2020
Great concept, but it has some issues... needs another trip to the proofreading team. But also, just as an aside... the main character is seriously vintage in age, though claiming 50ish, and her cronies are 50 through 90, but behave (physically and mentally) like they're all about 30.
I have read the previous books in the series, and mostly enjoyed them, but by this one suspension of disbelief requires too much effort.
I have read the previous books in the series, and mostly enjoyed them, but by this one suspension of disbelief requires too much effort.
March 26, 2022
A delightful series
Birdie finally has the opportunity to live a more authentic life - if she can survive her vacation! I like this character, who's imaginatively different than most cozy witches and evolving nicely. The mystery is engaging, and although the "who" is fairly obvious the "why" is a psychotic surprise. I love this author; my only complaint is that the editing is not given as much attention as the storyline.
Birdie finally has the opportunity to live a more authentic life - if she can survive her vacation! I like this character, who's imaginatively different than most cozy witches and evolving nicely. The mystery is engaging, and although the "who" is fairly obvious the "why" is a psychotic surprise. I love this author; my only complaint is that the editing is not given as much attention as the storyline.
February 12, 2020
Birdie and her friends go on a cruise and get more than they bargained for. It's no ordinary cruise and soon there's a murder that is related for a long ago friend of Birdie's. More murder and kidnappings follow and the ladies all learn of Birdie's secret. Good mystery and I never saw that killer coming.
February 14, 2020
Vacation, upgrades and murder. Birdie and her friends go on a cruise. Her manager goes off looking for his favorite client and ends up dead. Who did it? What secret of Birdie’s is revealed?
I found this entertaining.
I was given an advanced copy of the story and am not required to leave a positive review.
I found this entertaining.
I was given an advanced copy of the story and am not required to leave a positive review.
March 11, 2020
Birdie Devaine and her friends have tickets fora week of fun and relaxation on a cruise ship. From the very beginning this wonderful cruise quickly becomes the cruise from hell. With not one but two murders on board ship before they reach their first port, Birdie can’t help but get involved. A little slow moving at the beginning but it picks up as you read on. I enjoyed reading this book.
April 3, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun witch cozy!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
4-1/2 stars! I love Birdie and her friends and this time they take a cruise for some rest and relaxation. Well, we know how that’ll end! I found the extras to be charming characters and the story was highly entertaining. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
4-1/2 stars! I love Birdie and her friends and this time they take a cruise for some rest and relaxation. Well, we know how that’ll end! I found the extras to be charming characters and the story was highly entertaining. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice follow up from the previous book. I really enjoy these characters and the simple life lessons incorporated within. Now that all the ladies of Witch Hazel Lane know Birdie is a witch it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book(s).
February 14, 2020
I love Birdie. Her and that gang of hers just can't stay out of trouble. Magical Cruise, murder and mysteries and especially Old friends. This Book was hilarious and deadly, so grab a coors light and enjoy.
March 1, 2020
Delightful mystery
I loved reading this delightful murder mystery aboard a cruise ship filled with magical beings who unfortunately have their magic suppressed after a woman is murdered.
I loved reading this delightful murder mystery aboard a cruise ship filled with magical beings who unfortunately have their magic suppressed after a woman is murdered.
April 20, 2020
I enjoyed this so much! It was wonderful to read. I'm really liking this series and the characters, I love how every chapter has a title. So Birdie and her friends go on a cruise what could possibly go wrong. I received a review copy of this book and voluntarily choose to reveiw.
August 29, 2020
Oops!
A magical cruise lets the cat out of the bag in a huge way. Two murders and a kidnapping interfere with the fun but solving mysteries is what they do. Fun read and now all the ladies are aware.
A magical cruise lets the cat out of the bag in a huge way. Two murders and a kidnapping interfere with the fun but solving mysteries is what they do. Fun read and now all the ladies are aware.
August 30, 2021
An emthralling cozy paramormal cruise mystery
Jerri Collins is a great storyteller! Ladies on a cruise are not my idea of a compelling story but I could not put the damn book down! I think you will find this story a fine way to spend a weekend.
Jerri Collins is a great storyteller! Ladies on a cruise are not my idea of a compelling story but I could not put the damn book down! I think you will find this story a fine way to spend a weekend.
February 11, 2020
Another fun book from JL Collins. I read this in one sitting. Good book.
February 19, 2020
Good read. I enjoyed it.
February 25, 2020
Very entertaining
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews