The only thing more twisted than a cursed witch is her family tree.
For the past fourteen years, Edgehill’s resident secret witch, Amber Blackwood, has been haunted by her parents’ deaths. The whole town knows about the tragedy, but the details remain a mystery even to Amber. From her tiny studio apartment above her shop, The Quirky Whisker, Amber can see her partially rebuilt old house out on the edge of town. Although she now has a good life—delighting children with her magically infused toys, concocting healing tinctures for Edgehill’s residents, doting on her cats, Tom and Alley, and sitting on the committee for the town’s annual Here and Meow Festival—she feels stuck in the past.
Amber suspects the fire that killed her parents was set deliberately by a witch from the cursed Penhallow clan, from whom no one has heard even a whisper since the night her parents died. The clan’s sudden disappearance is no coincidence to Amber, but her aunt Gretchen refuses to believe there’s a connection and urges Amber to stop looking for someone to blame. So Amber is shocked when Aunt Gretchen shows up unexpectedly, claiming the Penhallows have resurfaced and that one of them is heading for Edgehill with Amber in his sights.
Aunt Gretchen knows more about the fabled clan than she’s letting on. Amber is determined to find out what her aunt is hiding, and what the Penhallow seeks, before the same treacherous force that took Amber’s parents’ lives claims her own.
Melissa is a professional pet sitter and an author of paranormal mysteries. There are two books out in her Riley Thomas mystery series--The Forgotten Child and Shuttered Secrets. Her Witch of Edgehill cozy paranormal mystery series is complete at five books. The first two books in her urban fantasy series, The Charm Collector, are out now. Unholy Magic and A Mythical Case of Arson are up next! She owns too many pets and lives in Northern California with her equally pet-obsessed boyfriend. For information about her books, you can join her newsletter at melissajacksonbooks.com
PAWSITIVELY CURSED by Melissa Erin Jackson is a well-written supernatural cozy mystery. While this is the second book in the Witch of Edgehill series, it worked well as a standalone novel.
The story takes place in the fictional town of Edgehill, Oregon where witch Amber Blackwood has resided all of her life. She is considered reclusive and a bit odd by the townspeople and runs a shop called the Quirky Whisker that has her small studio apartment above it. She makes and sells magically infused toys that people believe are mechanical.
Fourteen years ago her parents were killed in a fire and Amber believes they were killed by a witch from the cursed Penhallow clan. Amber’s aunt Gretchen and sister Willow show up unexpectedly early for a town event. With this scenario the story is off and running.
The book had a protagonist that was appealing, supporting characters that were delightful or antagonistic and scenes that were bittersweet, suspenseful, engaging and/or heartbreaking. While this novel has some quirky characters and a murder that you might expect to read in a cozy mystery, it also has some underlying themes that are explored. They include secrets, family dynamics, isolation due to being different and the inability of so many to accept those that are not quite like them. These extra themes are what pushed the rating to a 5 star rating for me.
While this is the first book I have read by Melissa Erin Jackson, I look forward to reading more of her suspenseful, thought-provoking and enjoyable novels. Overall, I was immediately drawn into the story and highly entertained.
Many thanks to Ringtail Press / Xpresso Book Tours, Melissa Erin Jackson and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
This is a supernatural cozy mystery, and It is the 2nd book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I have read the first book in this series two times, and I really enjoyed it. This one has Amber's Aunt that raise her, her sister, and her Uncle. It also has flashbacks for her parents that has died. I am happy to see more into Amber's family in this book. Also it show her learning more about her powers. I have to say I love this book way more then the first book, and I did love the first book.
Amber is a witch. She owns a shop in Edgehill which sells clever moving toys which customers think are engineered, but which are really enchanted. Some power hungry witches want a grimoire which they are convinced Amber is hiding, and ostensibly will go to any length to obtain. I liked this well-crafted paranormal adventure, especially the way the author introduced the novel by telling us the backstory of Amber, her sister, and the death of their parents. Recommended for anyone who enjoys an exciting paranormal.
Amber has always known there was more to her parents' deaths than a random accident. When her Aunt Gretchen shows up unexpectedly with a story about how a member of a cursed witch clan is heading to Edgehill specifically seeking Amber, Amber begins to suspect that this is no coincidence and Aunt Gretchen knows a lot more than she's claimed in the past.
Pawsitively Poisonous is the second in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I am quite enjoying these paranormal mysteries! It was great meeting more of Amber's family and seeing the differences in their magic. Even though there is a murder this book is much more about the various witch clans and their flavors of magic than the actual murder itself. The story was a lot of fun though I did feel bad for Amber at the end and the fact that events have reaffirmed she can never have a normal life. Here's hoping we continue to see more of her family in the future so Amber isn't so isolated.
Why are the Penhallows after Amber? What really happened to her parents? The plot thickens. The characters developed more in this second book of the series. And you have an enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery read laced with witches and cats.
I loved, loved, loved, how Amber was taunted in this book by the villain. So creepy! The uncovering of what really took place fourteen years ago was incredibly sad and there is still much to learn from that night! There was some character growth for Amber as well as a little romance angle that may or may not come to fruition. It was just nice to see Amber peeking out from the shell that she keeps to distance herself from relationships. Overall, Pawsitively Cursed was a fun cozy mystery fantasy that has me excited about what is to come in the next book in this series!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Author, Melissa Erin Jackson. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
I started wishing for this book the minute I finished Pawsitively Poisonous. That story was interesting. I loved the characters, and the mystery kept me guessing. But I really wanted to know more about Amber's past. I couldn't' wait to meet her sister. And I was dying to know what happened to her parents. Ms Jackson did such a good job building anticipation for Cursed I could hardly wait to get my hands on it.
And it did not disappoint. Pawsitively Cursed drew me right in, and did not let me go till I had finished. Poisonous was a fun read. But this one felt like a quantum step forward. More intense, edgier with a lot more suspense. I loved every minute of it and look forward to a lot more Edgehill. 12 or 15? books aught to do.
I liked this book more than the first of the series. There are some points where I felt frustrated, the story line didn't seem to be moving but it finally got to the point of the resolution. It was good to see Amber mixing it up with her family and making friends and boyfriends. I really liked the ending, it was perfect. #PawsitivelyCursed #NetGalley
Pawsitively Cursed by Melissa Erin Jackson Book #2: Witch of Edgehill Series Source: Purchase Rating: 4½/5 stars
At the end of my review for the first book in this series, I noted that if it were to survive and be successful there needed to be evolution. I got exactly what I asked for and I got it in spades!
Amber Blackwood has always suspected her parents weren’t victims of an accidental fire, but something far more nefarious. Though she has asked her beloved aunt Gretchen many, many times about the night her parents died, she has never gotten any satisfactory answers. Though Amber has never really given up on her quest for answers, it doesn’t consume her. Until now . . . when Amber’s aunt and her sister both show up in her shop unexpectedly, Amber knows it can’t be good.
Though Amber is thrilled to see both her aunt and her sister, they come with bad tidings. If Amber’s aunt is correct, Amber is in grave danger and the threat is coming from an old and very dangerous source. According to the legends, the Penhallow family began stealing magic from other witches and when they were caught and punished, their magic became twisted and evil. In the decades since their punishment, the Penhallows have become the boogeymen of the witch world and to have one after you is the ultimate danger, a danger that is beyond difficult to fight.
To make matters far, far worse Amber has no idea what the Penhallow’s may want from her and that is in large part because she doesn’t know the full story of her family’s demise. With no choice but to open up and tell the truth, Amber’s aunt begins to tell her all she knows. With each new revelation, Amber begins to understand what it is the Penhallows want from her, but she has no idea how to satisfy their desires and keep herself alive. What is certain, if Amber is going to stay alive, she’s going to need help and a lot of it. As if the universe knows exactly how desperate she is and the danger she is facing, Amber’s magic begins to respond and expand. The only problem, she isn’t used to the new power is trying to learn to control it while trying to protect herself.
Along with her aunt and her sister, Amber also has her reluctant and reclusive cousin, and, of late, the sheriff who now knows her secret. As the danger becomes ever more real, Amber and her crew come together with all they’ve got to fight off an evil so dangerous it is a threat to the entire town.
The Bottom Line: I hoped this series would evolve and it certainly did in the installment! One of my favorite things in series reading is the book that contains all the backstory, and this is exactly what I got in this book. There is so much back story here and it all contributes to the plot which makes everything all the more exciting, interesting, and entertaining. Not only does Amber and her magic evolve, but her surly cousin becomes a real player in the game, and the sheriff is now an ally. I am quite excited by the jump in complexity in this series and glad to see that the characters, the plot, and the community is growing.
The second book in this series and I loved it. I bought this the moment I finished the first book and it was worth every penny. Amber, the MC is a witch living in a small town that loves everything cat. Amber, her sister and her Aunt need to understand the past in order to have a future. The plot is a little dark but still includes the humor and fun that I found in the first book. The author evokes emotion throughout the story. The characters are well developed and the relationships are realistic. The descriptions in this book are also great, putting me right into the town or store or home. I recommend this series and book. I already bought bought the third book.
I could not put this book down! It was so good! Book #1 was amazing, but this one brought everything up to the next level.
Amber went from fearing and hiding her powers at all costs, to embracing them. She still had insecurities, but throughout this story, she became stronger and more confident. I loved the addition of Willow and Aunt Gretchen! It was really fun to see how Amber interacted with her family and other witches, and also to see what other witches are capable of. We didn't get to see as much of Chief Brown as we did in the last book which was a little disappointing - I did end up liking that guy. But the tension with him that showed up at the end of book #1 was resolved. That was a huge relief! Ugh and Jack. At first, I thought he was sweet, but by the end, he was such a wimp. Poor Amber. I really hope she gets her happy ending. The plot was thrilling and the villain's ability to change faces was so intriguing and nerve-wracking. For a while, I had this theory that Jack was a Penhollow and that Amber and him would fall in love and break the curse. Honestly, though, I'm glad it didn't end up that way. Which brings us to…You guessed it! The ending. It was epic and left enough room for development. There are so many directions book #3 could go! Lastly, this was mostly a clean read, but there was some language. Altogether, I am super excited for book #3! I loved #1 and #2 and I can’t wait to see where Jackson will lead Amber next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's the second book I read in this series that is becoming one of my favorite. It's a great paranormal cozy with a darker twist and some sadness. This mix makes it really enjoyable and makes you crave for more. The world building is interesting, I love the description of the town full of references to the feline world. The cast of characters is likeable, realistic and well written. The plot is full of twists and turns and fast paced. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. Highly recommended! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
This whole series is just kinda fun. It's a great feel good witchy mystery. Cat lovers must read these books. This town is all about celebrating everything feline. Amber is a witch. She has a little shop where she sells her magical toys and tinctures. But trouble seems to be right around every corner. Amber has always been quiet, a loner and in this gossipy little town they think she's a little odd. With everything going bad and her under suspicion for her best friend's death. She will find friends in the most unexpected places. I flew through this hilarious series and enjoyed every moment of it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I love Amber! This witchy cozy mystery was so good. The story was interesting. It pulled me in immediately. I was sad for Amber in this one. We got to see a lot of the past which was hard for her. I love this series. The narrator was awesome too!
Thank you @netgalley for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is book 2 in the Witch of Edgehill series.
I really enjoyed the first book in this fun paranormal cozy. This sequel was fantastic from start to finish. It captured my attention immediately and had me quickly flipping the pages for more. Amber thought enchanted toys and the local police chief would be the worst of her problems, but boy was she wrong. Her aunt, Gretchen, and sister, Willow, show up in town along with some shocking news about their family’s past. Fourteen years ago, Amber and Willow’s parents were killed in a bizarre house fire. Little did they know it wasn’t an accident, but the cruel vengeance of a cursed witch seeking a certain spell in a hidden grimoire.
This book was action packed and full of intrigue. I loved slowly learning a bit more about the past through Amber’s flashbacks of her parents. It reminded me of how Dumbledore used the pensieve to view certain important memories to help the people in the presence work through a problem. The addition of Amber and Willow were perfect. It was fun seeing them use magic both in a fun way and against the villain. Love the dynamic with the police chief and how he reacted to the actions he witnessed at the end of book one.
The light romance was an added bonus. I adore the interaction between Amber and her love interest. Their chemistry and nervousness around one another was so darn sweet. I was crushed with the ending, but will be curious to see how they react around one another as the story progresses. I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3, Pawsitively Secretive. It was set up perfectly with another town member realizing that strange things seem to occur around the Blackwood family.
From the opening where our protagonist Amber is chasing a bewitched toy lion who in turn is chasing Amber's orange and white cat (aptly named Tom) to the naming of town shops (Purrfectly Scrumptions, The Catty Melt), streets (Russian Blue Avenue, Catnip and Scritch Boulevards), and the yearly festival (Here and Meow) it is just utterly adorable. If someone had tried to describe all of that to me I'd probably have rolled my eyes and said 'pass' but it all somehow works here.
While Pawsitively Cursed has a cute side it also has a well developed supernatural side. The story knows what it wants to be and doesn't try to be what it's not.
It is also very well written with good pacing and a well developed and interesting plot. The characters and their interactions feel well lived in and are likeable.
This is the second book in a series but thanks to a short prologue that outlines the events of the first book a new reader can dive right in without missing a meow. There will be more books in the series but all the important plot points of this book are wrapped up by the end. No having to wait for the next and the next...and the next to answer your questions. I appreciate that so so much.
This is a fun concept and a fun book that is handled very well by the author and is definitely worth reading.
I was sent this book by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review .
Great paranormal mystery Pawsitively Cursed is the second book in this series and is well worth the read. The author pulls you in right from the beginning. Aunt Gretchen, Amber and Willow are all together again and for a reason. They need to protect Amber and each other. I won't give the story away, but I will say the book was really good and I will continue with this series to see where things go. You have murder, a case of mistaken identity, (or was it) and so much more. The past has come back to haunt them all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series keeps getting better! This time Amber, her sister, Willow, and Aunt Gretchen have to fight an evil, cursed, Penhallow. Amber learns more about her magic and her family’s past. It dredges up a lot of heartache, but she has to know to be able to fight the evil. I’m in love with these characters. The author makes them so real! The suspense of finding out what was going to happen kept me on the edge. How things were occurring and playing out...fantastic! Bring on the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first book in this series is fun, but this one ramps it up a notch. The fun nuance of Charmed meets Gilmore Girls gets a smidge darker and romantic and I was all in. This story breathes and yet packs a very concise punch. The ending left me distraught in the most understandable ways. Can’t wait for #3!
Ooooooo to finally being able to find out what actually happens to her parents!! Aunt Gretchen keeping secrets!! Love her stories and how a witch can live among plain ole humans in a small town yet spill a little magic into her shop is wonderful!! Such a pleasure reading book after book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and how Amber made new discoveries on this journey. I liked the fact that you got to know some of the characters from the first book a bit better as well as some puzzle pieces from her past falling into place.
This is the second book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I loved jumping back into the world of Amber Blackwood, her magically infused toys, and a town filled with cats.
Amber's Aunt Gretchen and sister Willow are in town working on the mystery that surrounds the death of Amber's parents fourteen years ago in a fire. A cousin, Edgar, may know more than he has revealed but lives a recluse and does not want contact with the Blackwoods.
A rogue witch from the past is in town wreaking havoc on the quaint little village. Amber, Gretchen, Willow , and Edgar must stop him before the people of Edgehill are destroyed.
There is so much to love about this book. Witches, cats, intrigue, cats, mystery, a little romance, and cats. I love all the cat themed businesses and street names. I really love that each business seems to have a cat companion that fits in with their wares. I would definitely attend the Here and Meow festival.
The police chief is more accepting of Amber in this book as he has seen her abilities and she discussed her lineage with him. I think she still frightens him a bit but he is more open minded.
Amber has a love interest who is not a practicing witch. The last couple of chapters have me concerned as to whether this relationship will progress. That makes me sad because they seem like a good match.
The villain was a force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed seeing Amber team up with her family to fight against the evil.
This is an excellent addition to the series and i look forward to reading the next book.
Amber Blackwood is a witch living in Edgewood, a town who knows nothing about witches. Her mother and father were killed in a housefire fourteen years before. She and her sister Willow were raised by their Aunt Gretchen who is also a witch. The sisters were never taught how to use their magic and had very little idea of their powers. Willow is a little better than Amber but neither know their full potential. Their Aunt Gretchen arrives several months early telling Amber she isn't feeling well and wants to spend time with her family. Willow arrives the next day and Gretchen finally tells them about the Penhallow family of cursed witches who are looking for Amber. She doesn't know why or what they want. They band together to try and find the witch. After the death of a maid who was in Aunt Gretchen's hotel, they all return to Ambers to stay together and hunt the witch. Unfortunately, they don't know who it is or what they look like. They soon find out that the witch can assume the appearance and mannerisms of anyone they wish. They find out that he is looking for the Henbane Gramoire that belonged to their mother Belle. The Penhallow witches were cursed generations ago for stealing powers from other witches and the curse is passed down with each generation. Can they find the Penhallow witch, stop the killing and defeat the witch without the town finding out about them?
I received this book free from HiddenGems for my review of same.
This is a book you’ll find hard to put down! I enjoyed all the references to cats in the town of Edgehill and found the book to be pawsitively delightful! That’s saying something as there is a cursed witch in town who is after something that the person has no idea what or where it could be!
Amber and her sister Willow as well as their Aunt Gretchen need to put their heads together to try and figure out just who and what this stranger is who is making demands on Amber.
If you like this genre you will absolutely love this fast-paced book which will have you reading into the wee hours of the morning because you just don’t want to stop reading the story because it is so cativating!!
I recommend this book for both the young adult and adult reading groups because the writing is top-notched and the suspense just builds to the final catfrontation!
You are going to meow with delight that you have found such a splendid author who will bewitch and cativate you page after page that you will find yourself hissing at the unfortunate soul who dares interrupt you while you are so engrossed in this book!
Truly you need to get the whole series because you will be under Melissa Erin’s spell from the get go and you are going to want to devour every word in this series because it truly is THAT good!
This is the second book in the Witch of Edgehill series. This story takes place in Edgehill, OR. It is a well-written supernatural cozy mystery. Amber Blackwood’s shop, The Quirky Whisker, sells clever moving toys which customers think are engineered. The toys are enchanted.
This story takes place 2 to 3 months after the first book. It was ambiguous as the opening states 3 months, then later on we are only 2 months from Melanie’s death.
The Here and Meow Festival has not happened, yet. We learn more of the back story of the death of Amber’s parents.
Amber Blackwood has always suspected her parents weren’t victims of an accidental fire. She really never understood what happened. Her aunt Gretchen has been keeping something from her and her sister, Willow. Amber became withdrawn while Willow became more outgoing as a result of their parent’s death fourteen years ago.
I liked the mystery, the characters and potential of them as the story progresses. The reveal of who the Penhallow(s) are and the major battle were awesome.
The ending left me a little sad for Amber. Will she ever have true friends she can confide in?
I listened to this book and found that the narrator enhanced the story. Looking forward tot he next one.
Pawsitively Cursed — A Witch of Edgehill Mystery Book 2 — Melissa Erin Jackson [Audiobook voiced by Victoria Villarreal] Sept. 6, 2021
The audio portion was listened to as part of a three book box set; but each was read as individual books.
This second book has completely hooked me onto this series.
Amber’s Aunt Gretchen and (younger) sister Willow show up unexpectedly. Gretchen says she tired all the time and Willow was summoned by Gretchen to come. Also, their cousin Edgar makes an appearance. It seems as though the evil Penhallow witches are tracking down the grimone and it leads right through Amber.
Meanwhile, Jack, Amber’s crushing wanna-be boyfriend finally gets her interested in going out…but is it going to end the same as the often mentioned, never seen Max who could not handle her witchiness?
Then, Willow and Amber learn a lot more about their parent’s deaths and they also learn they have more talents than they realized.
This was a very entertaining book that completely sucked me in. I have been listening to the audiobooks as well and Ms. Jackson is out of this world as a writer. I am reading this series until the end. Awesome writer; excellent plot; expertly dispatched.