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A Magical Misfits Mystery #1
In My Attic
Aunt Eve is dead - murdered - and Myrtle has inherited the Witch’s Retreat, a Bed and Breakfast in the idyllic British village of Avebury. As Myrtle bumbles along in search of a murderer, she uncovers secrets more shocking than death: a hidden magical relic, a coven of amateur witches, and modern witch hunters on the prowl.
In My Attic is a new take on the cozy mystery. Think trainee Miss Marple channelling the twenty-first century - with a paranormal twist.
In My Attic is a new take on the cozy mystery. Think trainee Miss Marple channelling the twenty-first century - with a paranormal twist.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2020
46 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Lina Hansen
7 books68 followersLINA HANSEN has been a freelance travel journalist, teacher, bellydancer, postal clerk and science communication specialist stranded in the space sector. Numbed by factoid technical texts, she set out to write the stories she loves to read— cozy and romantic mysteries with a dollop of humour and a magical twist. After living and working in the UK, Lina, her husband, and their feline companion now share a home in the foothills of Castle Frankenstein.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 6, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book is 1 July 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy little mystery. It has such great characters and it took me a while to guess who the murderer was. I also liked that it mixed in a little bit of the paranormal to give it a bit of a zing. My favorite character perhaps is the geriatric cat named Tiddles who seems to have a flatulence problem. I hope the author continues to write more in the series for I will definitely be reading them
July 13, 2020
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This was a fun story to read. What starts off as a murder mystery soon becomes a witch-hunt for characters with supernatural powers. Moreover, even with its supernatural theme, the author still makes it a cozy mystery because of its idyllic bed and breakfast setting.
The characters are the highlight. Myrtle is charming as the main character. Even though strange things start happening, and danger surrounds her, she still has a sense of humor about it. Also, I loved Tiddles, the farting cat. The cat was the highlight and made me laugh out loud every time. Moreover, I loved Alma and Cecily. The Simpkins sisters were quirky and a hoot. The supporting characters like Alan, Sarah, Chris add an element of mystery.
Moreover, the author did a great job in the narration. What I really liked was how she balanced mystery with humor to make this book feel charming yet scary. The plot also gets intriguing as Myrtle discovers clue as to what her aunt was really up to. There are some scenes where you really do not expect what willh happen.
However, the only reason I didn’t give this book a 5 star rating was because of the unanswered questions. I know this is the first book in the series so some questions will be unanswered. But even after the reveal, it felt strange as to why some of the characters (who turned out to be innocent) behaved the way they did (looking back).
Apart from that, this was a very nice story and good start to the series. Overall, reading “In My Attic” has tempted me to wish for the Witch’s Retreat to be real so that I can also experience it. I look forward to how the story continues in the following books.
May 8, 2020
This is just a fun read. It’s light and humorous and a little quirky. So how can a murder mystery have me giggling? It’s very cozy like. It has an inn called Witches Retreat. It has a couple of handsome men involved. It has a grammar schoolteacher involved feeling very guilty that she ignored what turned out to be her aunt’s last call...ever. And of course it has a dead body.
The paranormal genre is not my favorite. I’m a very black and white thinker so it doesn’t fit. However, I started this and didn’t put it down. The paranormal never interfered with what turned out to be a quick, humorous read. Sort of a feel-good murder mystery. Is that possible?
In My Attic is Book 1 of a series titled “A Magical Misfits Mystery”. I don’t see other books published by Lina Hansen. If this is a debut, she is off to a good start and hopefully writing Book 2.
The paranormal genre is not my favorite. I’m a very black and white thinker so it doesn’t fit. However, I started this and didn’t put it down. The paranormal never interfered with what turned out to be a quick, humorous read. Sort of a feel-good murder mystery. Is that possible?
In My Attic is Book 1 of a series titled “A Magical Misfits Mystery”. I don’t see other books published by Lina Hansen. If this is a debut, she is off to a good start and hopefully writing Book 2.
October 10, 2020
This clever mystery kept me guessing from beginning to end. I loved the characters and some of the magical elements were truly unique and delightful. Myrtle is a funny and relatable character and I'm looking forward to reading more of her adventures!
June 27, 2020
Such a great read. The author writes with such inspiring words, that the plot kept the reader intrigued of what was next. Would definitely read another book by This author.
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.
June 23, 2020
Myrtle Coldron is a very practical and no-nonsense schoolteacher. Until her Aunt Eve dies in a suspicious accident at the Witch’s Retreat, her bed and breakfast in the sleepy British town Avebury. Called back to where she grew up to handle her aunt’s affairs, she learns she’s to inherit the B&B, along with all the…unusual bits and pieces of her family history she had been unaware of. But someone seems to be after her now, because her family hides a secret that someone very powerful wants.
There’s something magical about this book. Literally. I mean, the book description mentions a zombie plant, and I have to say that plant was probably one of my favorite characters. I enjoy cozy mysteries and I adore magic, so, when asked to review a book that has both, and a cat, I couldn’t say no. I’m so happy this book delivered, and even happier that it’s the first book in the Magical Misfits Mystery series.
The Characters: Witchy and Enchanting
I loved the characters. Since many of them are guests of the B&B or part of the odd assortment who have taken up residence in Avebury, they initial feel a bit one dimensional. They were given a role, almost as though they were cut using a cookie cutter, a different one for each character. But, as I read on and got to know them better, they became much more interesting in so many ways. It got to a point where I wasn’t quite sure who to believe or who to trust, which is always great in a mystery.
The story is told from Myrtle’s perspective, so the reader gets to know her really well. She’s very practical with both feet in reality. There are witchy bits and pieces that get tossed around, but she’s adamant about not believing any of it. She’s also dealing with the grief of losing her aunt/mother who had raised her from the time she was a young teen after her parents passed, as well as a flighty cousin who is more interested in herself, but knows more than she lets on. I adored her character because she’s so grounded, but a part of her mind is still open, and she always tries to do what’s best. She’s curious and practical, which mixed delightfully well.
So many of the minor characters were so much fun. I liked getting to know Chris, a mysterious black-clad man Aunt Eve trusted, and Alan, a local constable who is a bit overeager. Myrtle seemed to trust and distrust them to equal degrees, and it was fun to try to figure out if they had any part in Aunt Eve’s death as well as what they knew. I also adored Sergeant Sarah, Alan’s boss. In many ways, she was a typical cop. In other ways, I could totally see her becoming Myrtle’s new best friend. There was a fun duality to her where she seemed hard as nails and soft and into shopping. The other minor characters were either guests or residents of the town, but they all seemed to have a connection to each other. It was fun to see them popping up all over the place, casually dropping hints as though Myrtle knew what was actually going on.
And then there are the non-human characters: the cat and the plant. As much as I enjoyed the humans, I think these two really stole my heart. I’m a cat lover, so I absolutely fell in love with Tiddles. That cat was so cat-like and very much a joy to read. I just wish there had been more of her. As for the plant, well, it had two big scenes that were delightful. The reader gets to know the plant throughout the novel, but, when it really came into play, it was very surprising, but equally fun.
The Setting: A Cozy Little Town with Surprises
I adore cozy mysteries in little, quiet towns. The small town just makes it feel even cozier with everyone knowing everyone else and secrets festering at every turn. As the small town is also set in the UK, there’s quite a bit of rain that just added to the atmosphere.
Avebury felt like it was exceptionally well thought out. It was well-described and the local landmarks fit the story perfectly. It was the kind of place I could clearly see in my mind, and I really felt all that rain alongside Myrtle. The residents also made it feel like a small, cozy town. They all knew each other and knew something about each other. It had a delightful sense of community, though it’s also a very peculiar kind of community!
I really liked that the witchy parts built up from the setting. It felt like it was simply both a part of the story and the world building. It fit extremely well, and even I started to believe there could really be magic!
The Plot: Perfectly Cozy
Magic aside, this is absolutely a cozy mystery. We have Myrtle, a schoolteacher, trying to solve the mystery of her aunt’s mysterious death. She isn’t willing to believe it might be an accident like Sarah’s boss, especially when literally everything else seemed to point to something unnatural. I loved that Myrtle so doggedly pursued the mystery and didn’t get sidetracked to derail the story into something like fantasy or romance. I absolutely adored the witch pieces that just slotted in perfectly and really loved learning about the witch trials that occurred in the UK as I had no idea that had happened there.
This may be a cozy mystery, but it’s still complex with a lot of turns and false leads. I loved following along with Myrtle as she just tried to figure out how to run a B&B and figure out what on Earth was going on in the small town. There were so many paths that led to locked doors and so many dropped hints that it was sometimes hard to keep them all straight, but it all led to the same place.
If there’s one thing that bothered me about the story, it was that I felt I had to be British to understand some of the phrases and words. I suppose it would be some British slang that might have been thrown in? I’ve read several books set in the UK and have managed to figure out some of it, but, being American, some of it just sounded too foreign for me, so I think I may have missed out on a layer of depth, but the story was still extremely enjoyable.
This book moved at a lovely pace, neither too quickly nor too slowly. I don’t like mysteries that leap from one thing to the next and that leave the reader to make the connection in the span of a few pages. I also don’t like mysteries that linger on something as though obsessed with it just to draw out the story and try to up the tension and suspension. I didn’t feel this book did either. It was a perfect balance of moving forward while spending just enough time on the important parts. One thing I hate about mysteries is that I get confused during the second half with so many clues wandering around and then the solution to the mystery getting wrapped up in it all to make a somewhat confusing conclusion. I was afraid that was going to happen here because there was so much going on at one point, but it all resolved itself and everything fell perfectly into place.
Overall: Scary Fun Book!
There are two words I have for this mystery: fun and delightful. Couldn’t you tell by how often I used those words? As a mystery, it does not disappoint. I have a long track record of figuring it just before the sleuth does, so I found this book to be immensely enjoyable. I felt like I was constantly teetering on the edge of whether to trust someone or not. The story was so much fun, but also scary at times. The characters were also a lot of fun and many of them were absolutely charming. This book takes place in a perfect location, has a wonderful cast, and tells a delightfully cozy mystery with magic wrapped up in it as though it completely, absolutely belongs. I also loved the sensation that, since it all made so much sense, Myrtle could very well be out there running the Witch’s Retreat and dealing with her magical neighbors.
Thank you to the author, Lina Hansen, for a free e-copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
There’s something magical about this book. Literally. I mean, the book description mentions a zombie plant, and I have to say that plant was probably one of my favorite characters. I enjoy cozy mysteries and I adore magic, so, when asked to review a book that has both, and a cat, I couldn’t say no. I’m so happy this book delivered, and even happier that it’s the first book in the Magical Misfits Mystery series.
The Characters: Witchy and Enchanting
I loved the characters. Since many of them are guests of the B&B or part of the odd assortment who have taken up residence in Avebury, they initial feel a bit one dimensional. They were given a role, almost as though they were cut using a cookie cutter, a different one for each character. But, as I read on and got to know them better, they became much more interesting in so many ways. It got to a point where I wasn’t quite sure who to believe or who to trust, which is always great in a mystery.
The story is told from Myrtle’s perspective, so the reader gets to know her really well. She’s very practical with both feet in reality. There are witchy bits and pieces that get tossed around, but she’s adamant about not believing any of it. She’s also dealing with the grief of losing her aunt/mother who had raised her from the time she was a young teen after her parents passed, as well as a flighty cousin who is more interested in herself, but knows more than she lets on. I adored her character because she’s so grounded, but a part of her mind is still open, and she always tries to do what’s best. She’s curious and practical, which mixed delightfully well.
So many of the minor characters were so much fun. I liked getting to know Chris, a mysterious black-clad man Aunt Eve trusted, and Alan, a local constable who is a bit overeager. Myrtle seemed to trust and distrust them to equal degrees, and it was fun to try to figure out if they had any part in Aunt Eve’s death as well as what they knew. I also adored Sergeant Sarah, Alan’s boss. In many ways, she was a typical cop. In other ways, I could totally see her becoming Myrtle’s new best friend. There was a fun duality to her where she seemed hard as nails and soft and into shopping. The other minor characters were either guests or residents of the town, but they all seemed to have a connection to each other. It was fun to see them popping up all over the place, casually dropping hints as though Myrtle knew what was actually going on.
And then there are the non-human characters: the cat and the plant. As much as I enjoyed the humans, I think these two really stole my heart. I’m a cat lover, so I absolutely fell in love with Tiddles. That cat was so cat-like and very much a joy to read. I just wish there had been more of her. As for the plant, well, it had two big scenes that were delightful. The reader gets to know the plant throughout the novel, but, when it really came into play, it was very surprising, but equally fun.
The Setting: A Cozy Little Town with Surprises
I adore cozy mysteries in little, quiet towns. The small town just makes it feel even cozier with everyone knowing everyone else and secrets festering at every turn. As the small town is also set in the UK, there’s quite a bit of rain that just added to the atmosphere.
Avebury felt like it was exceptionally well thought out. It was well-described and the local landmarks fit the story perfectly. It was the kind of place I could clearly see in my mind, and I really felt all that rain alongside Myrtle. The residents also made it feel like a small, cozy town. They all knew each other and knew something about each other. It had a delightful sense of community, though it’s also a very peculiar kind of community!
I really liked that the witchy parts built up from the setting. It felt like it was simply both a part of the story and the world building. It fit extremely well, and even I started to believe there could really be magic!
The Plot: Perfectly Cozy
Magic aside, this is absolutely a cozy mystery. We have Myrtle, a schoolteacher, trying to solve the mystery of her aunt’s mysterious death. She isn’t willing to believe it might be an accident like Sarah’s boss, especially when literally everything else seemed to point to something unnatural. I loved that Myrtle so doggedly pursued the mystery and didn’t get sidetracked to derail the story into something like fantasy or romance. I absolutely adored the witch pieces that just slotted in perfectly and really loved learning about the witch trials that occurred in the UK as I had no idea that had happened there.
This may be a cozy mystery, but it’s still complex with a lot of turns and false leads. I loved following along with Myrtle as she just tried to figure out how to run a B&B and figure out what on Earth was going on in the small town. There were so many paths that led to locked doors and so many dropped hints that it was sometimes hard to keep them all straight, but it all led to the same place.
If there’s one thing that bothered me about the story, it was that I felt I had to be British to understand some of the phrases and words. I suppose it would be some British slang that might have been thrown in? I’ve read several books set in the UK and have managed to figure out some of it, but, being American, some of it just sounded too foreign for me, so I think I may have missed out on a layer of depth, but the story was still extremely enjoyable.
This book moved at a lovely pace, neither too quickly nor too slowly. I don’t like mysteries that leap from one thing to the next and that leave the reader to make the connection in the span of a few pages. I also don’t like mysteries that linger on something as though obsessed with it just to draw out the story and try to up the tension and suspension. I didn’t feel this book did either. It was a perfect balance of moving forward while spending just enough time on the important parts. One thing I hate about mysteries is that I get confused during the second half with so many clues wandering around and then the solution to the mystery getting wrapped up in it all to make a somewhat confusing conclusion. I was afraid that was going to happen here because there was so much going on at one point, but it all resolved itself and everything fell perfectly into place.
Overall: Scary Fun Book!
There are two words I have for this mystery: fun and delightful. Couldn’t you tell by how often I used those words? As a mystery, it does not disappoint. I have a long track record of figuring it just before the sleuth does, so I found this book to be immensely enjoyable. I felt like I was constantly teetering on the edge of whether to trust someone or not. The story was so much fun, but also scary at times. The characters were also a lot of fun and many of them were absolutely charming. This book takes place in a perfect location, has a wonderful cast, and tells a delightfully cozy mystery with magic wrapped up in it as though it completely, absolutely belongs. I also loved the sensation that, since it all made so much sense, Myrtle could very well be out there running the Witch’s Retreat and dealing with her magical neighbors.
Thank you to the author, Lina Hansen, for a free e-copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 16, 2023
Entertaining paranormal listening 🎶🔰
Myrtle is a teacher when she learns that her aunt Eve has past away. She goes to the British 🏰 town where the Witches Resort a B&B that her aunt ran. The story line is interesting well developed with lots of action and misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. Myrtle finds out that her aunt Eve was a witch and she has inherited the witch magic. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of paranormal mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Myrtle is a teacher when she learns that her aunt Eve has past away. She goes to the British 🏰 town where the Witches Resort a B&B that her aunt ran. The story line is interesting well developed with lots of action and misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. Myrtle finds out that her aunt Eve was a witch and she has inherited the witch magic. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of paranormal mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
May 31, 2020
In My Attic is a cosy mystery set in Avebury, near the ancient standing stones.
Upon the sudden death of her Aunt Eve, Myrtle heads to Avebury and her aunt’s Bed and Breakfast establishment. Although the police quickly close the case surrounding Eve’s death, Myrtle is unconvinced that is was a simple accident, especially when it seems that someone is secretly searching the house.
Added to this, Eve’s interest in witchcraft, some odd behaviour from local residents, curious house guests and strange notes, mean that Myrtle has a mystery on her hands.
I enjoyed the Avebury setting of the story; it is a place that I hope to visit one day. The witchcraft element was an added bonus. This was a slow-paced book and at times I did want to urge it to hurry up, which encouraged me to skip some of the less relevant sections. Not a bad story, it just didn’t hold my interest as much as I hoped.
Upon the sudden death of her Aunt Eve, Myrtle heads to Avebury and her aunt’s Bed and Breakfast establishment. Although the police quickly close the case surrounding Eve’s death, Myrtle is unconvinced that is was a simple accident, especially when it seems that someone is secretly searching the house.
Added to this, Eve’s interest in witchcraft, some odd behaviour from local residents, curious house guests and strange notes, mean that Myrtle has a mystery on her hands.
I enjoyed the Avebury setting of the story; it is a place that I hope to visit one day. The witchcraft element was an added bonus. This was a slow-paced book and at times I did want to urge it to hurry up, which encouraged me to skip some of the less relevant sections. Not a bad story, it just didn’t hold my interest as much as I hoped.
September 2, 2020
3.8 Stars
Myrtle’s Aunt Eve dies soon after calling her for help. Myrtle feels guilty for not listening to her aunt and helping her when she needed it. She visits the Witch’s Retreat, a B&B in Avebury, owned and run by her aunt. She knows for sure that her aunt’s death wasn’t an accident (or was it?).
All her life, she refused to believe in anything paranormal, often telling her aunt to not talk about witches. But Myrtle’s visit to the village results in a series of events that seem both manmade and mystical. Do witches exist? Why are people around her talking in circles? Who killed her aunt? Will Myrtle accept her aunt’s last wishes?
The story starts with Aunt Eve’s call and continues o take us through the next few days until the mystery is solved. Myrtle, the narrator, lost her parents when young and was adopted by Aunt Eve. She works as a teacher and definitely doesn’t believe in witches as her aunt does.
Avebury is lovely. The B&B is a tangible part of the story. The unpredictable weather also is wonderful to read about, even if Myrtle is not a fan of it. We have a good number of characters, some of whom are better developed than others, even our heroine. We have the usual suspects and two good looking men, one of whom might not be who he claims to be.
The guessed the culprit right before I reached half the book. Still, I enjoyed reading the book on the last page. The narrative style is descriptive but not overly so. I like to get a feel of the place, the atmosphere, and the author gives me that.
The pace was decent, though I wished it was better. While there isn’t much rambling, Myrtle was hell-bent on not believing in anything paranormal, dragging the story with her when she could have solved it faster. It fits the trope to the T but makes the reader want to shake some sense into her head.
Since it’s the first book in the series, I’m willing to let it go. The writer needs to set the stage, after all. The writing is light with bits of humor and sarcasm. Grief shows, but not enough to overwhelm the readers, just as it should be in a cozy mystery.
My only complaint is that I liked the side characters more than Myrtle. Still, it would be interesting to see her character development in the next books. Tiddles, the stinky cat, was a delight, despite the smell.
There isn’t much magic. We get to see it only towards the end. But it’s different and intriguing. I like the concept the author created here.
Overall, it’s an engaging book for cozy mystery lovers, especially if they also love descriptions of the settings.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Literary Wanderlust.
#InMyAttic #NetGalley
Myrtle’s Aunt Eve dies soon after calling her for help. Myrtle feels guilty for not listening to her aunt and helping her when she needed it. She visits the Witch’s Retreat, a B&B in Avebury, owned and run by her aunt. She knows for sure that her aunt’s death wasn’t an accident (or was it?).
All her life, she refused to believe in anything paranormal, often telling her aunt to not talk about witches. But Myrtle’s visit to the village results in a series of events that seem both manmade and mystical. Do witches exist? Why are people around her talking in circles? Who killed her aunt? Will Myrtle accept her aunt’s last wishes?
The story starts with Aunt Eve’s call and continues o take us through the next few days until the mystery is solved. Myrtle, the narrator, lost her parents when young and was adopted by Aunt Eve. She works as a teacher and definitely doesn’t believe in witches as her aunt does.
Avebury is lovely. The B&B is a tangible part of the story. The unpredictable weather also is wonderful to read about, even if Myrtle is not a fan of it. We have a good number of characters, some of whom are better developed than others, even our heroine. We have the usual suspects and two good looking men, one of whom might not be who he claims to be.
The guessed the culprit right before I reached half the book. Still, I enjoyed reading the book on the last page. The narrative style is descriptive but not overly so. I like to get a feel of the place, the atmosphere, and the author gives me that.
The pace was decent, though I wished it was better. While there isn’t much rambling, Myrtle was hell-bent on not believing in anything paranormal, dragging the story with her when she could have solved it faster. It fits the trope to the T but makes the reader want to shake some sense into her head.
Since it’s the first book in the series, I’m willing to let it go. The writer needs to set the stage, after all. The writing is light with bits of humor and sarcasm. Grief shows, but not enough to overwhelm the readers, just as it should be in a cozy mystery.
My only complaint is that I liked the side characters more than Myrtle. Still, it would be interesting to see her character development in the next books. Tiddles, the stinky cat, was a delight, despite the smell.
There isn’t much magic. We get to see it only towards the end. But it’s different and intriguing. I like the concept the author created here.
Overall, it’s an engaging book for cozy mystery lovers, especially if they also love descriptions of the settings.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Literary Wanderlust.
#InMyAttic #NetGalley
July 4, 2020
This is book one of the Magical Misfits Mystery series and the main character, Myrtle Coldron, ignores her Aunt Eve’s desperate call for help one day, too busy with school meetings to take the time to speak with her. Now she is dead and Myrtle is feeling somewhat guilty. Her aunt ran a B&B called the Witch’s Retreat and now Myrtle is going to be stuck in the very village that killed her parents and now her aunt as well! The village of Avebury is famous for its gigantic ring of Neolithic standing stones, something Myrtle wished to avoid. Her cousin Daisy left the B&B after Eve’s suspicious death and is staying at the village pub right in the middle of these stones. Most of the guests have left temporarily after Eve’s death, apart from the man who found her, Chris, and the police constable Alan Hunter. The B&B has two middle aged housekeepers who work on site, who are sisters, Alma and Cecily. Luckily for Myrtle, as she can’t cook and would just burn everything. Although why there are so many eggs in the fridge is a puzzle for another day!
Eve practised Wiccan rituals and told Myrtle when she was eighteen, that she had the gift, a gift that ran in the family, but that she couldn’t force her to want it. What she was doing up in the attic is anyone’s guess, but her last words to her niece were, ‘I can’t let him win’. Eve had taken her in when her parents died, when she was just fourteen and she looked upon her as a mother figure. Daisy, Eve’s biological daughter who is now twenty five, seems to be having money issues again, never managing to really work her own finances. To that end, Eve’s solicitor informs Myrtle that she has inherited the B&B and is to run it, giving a monthly stipend to Daisy, rather than it being sold and the money going to Daisy, as Eve knew she would waste it and be left struggling to make ends meet, in short shrift.
It seems Eve only made her will some three weeks before her death and while original plans were for the two women to share her assets equally, something had happened to make her put this new arrangement into place and not inform her own daughter. Apparently, as a sort of protection for Daisy, from something or someone! There is more behind Eve’s death than first believed and people in the village are up to something. There have been extra nightly visitors in the attic, rose petal left on her bed, loads of suspects and even threatening notes. Add in the Wicca witch connection and odd things keep happening. A hidden magical relic, a guest who may also be a witch hunter and a coven of amateur witches, who believe she would be taking the place of her aunt.
This is a fun, cozy read, with a murdered relative bringing Myrtle back to the village where she has lost so much. A wide variety of suspects and small town B&B business with weird customers. The police who change their mind, saying there is now no evidence of another person involved in Eve’s death, but then all the odd sounds in the attic and someone desperately searching for something. Eccentric English village populous and witchy past. Great for all who love a bit of a mystery, especially with some witchcraft mixed in. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Eve practised Wiccan rituals and told Myrtle when she was eighteen, that she had the gift, a gift that ran in the family, but that she couldn’t force her to want it. What she was doing up in the attic is anyone’s guess, but her last words to her niece were, ‘I can’t let him win’. Eve had taken her in when her parents died, when she was just fourteen and she looked upon her as a mother figure. Daisy, Eve’s biological daughter who is now twenty five, seems to be having money issues again, never managing to really work her own finances. To that end, Eve’s solicitor informs Myrtle that she has inherited the B&B and is to run it, giving a monthly stipend to Daisy, rather than it being sold and the money going to Daisy, as Eve knew she would waste it and be left struggling to make ends meet, in short shrift.
It seems Eve only made her will some three weeks before her death and while original plans were for the two women to share her assets equally, something had happened to make her put this new arrangement into place and not inform her own daughter. Apparently, as a sort of protection for Daisy, from something or someone! There is more behind Eve’s death than first believed and people in the village are up to something. There have been extra nightly visitors in the attic, rose petal left on her bed, loads of suspects and even threatening notes. Add in the Wicca witch connection and odd things keep happening. A hidden magical relic, a guest who may also be a witch hunter and a coven of amateur witches, who believe she would be taking the place of her aunt.
This is a fun, cozy read, with a murdered relative bringing Myrtle back to the village where she has lost so much. A wide variety of suspects and small town B&B business with weird customers. The police who change their mind, saying there is now no evidence of another person involved in Eve’s death, but then all the odd sounds in the attic and someone desperately searching for something. Eccentric English village populous and witchy past. Great for all who love a bit of a mystery, especially with some witchcraft mixed in. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 26, 2020
What were your ancestors doing generations ago? Are you sure that answer is the correct one?
Myrtle was a well rounded and likeable main character. I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t always confident in her decisions, whether they were small ones like what to eat while trying to trim up or big ones like which clues to follow in the case of her aunt’s mysterious death. Seeing her struggle in this area made her feel relatable to me. She seemed like a perfectly ordinary person in the very best sense of that phrase.
One of the most interesting parts of the storyline had to do with Myrtle’s family tree. She was adopted by Aunt Eve as a young child. Luckily, her aunt had a great deal of information about where their ancestors came from and what sort of folks they were. It was fascinating to get to know their family better. While I sure did wonder why Myrtle wasn’t taught many of these things early in life due to her aunt’s obvious attraction to the subject, I’m hoping that any sequels will dive into this topic on a deeper level. There was definitely a lot of space left to explore here.
This book had a large cast of characters that Ms. Hansen did a fantastic job of keeping organized for the audience. While I did take notes of who everyone was and how they were connected to each other, the storyline itself provided prompts about this when necessary as well. I always knew who everyone was, and that’s important when there are a lot of characters running around whose relationships with one another are crucial in order to understand what’s going on.
Anyone who enjoys genealogy or history should check out In My Attic.
Myrtle was a well rounded and likeable main character. I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t always confident in her decisions, whether they were small ones like what to eat while trying to trim up or big ones like which clues to follow in the case of her aunt’s mysterious death. Seeing her struggle in this area made her feel relatable to me. She seemed like a perfectly ordinary person in the very best sense of that phrase.
One of the most interesting parts of the storyline had to do with Myrtle’s family tree. She was adopted by Aunt Eve as a young child. Luckily, her aunt had a great deal of information about where their ancestors came from and what sort of folks they were. It was fascinating to get to know their family better. While I sure did wonder why Myrtle wasn’t taught many of these things early in life due to her aunt’s obvious attraction to the subject, I’m hoping that any sequels will dive into this topic on a deeper level. There was definitely a lot of space left to explore here.
This book had a large cast of characters that Ms. Hansen did a fantastic job of keeping organized for the audience. While I did take notes of who everyone was and how they were connected to each other, the storyline itself provided prompts about this when necessary as well. I always knew who everyone was, and that’s important when there are a lot of characters running around whose relationships with one another are crucial in order to understand what’s going on.
Anyone who enjoys genealogy or history should check out In My Attic.
August 17, 2020
Myrtle Coldron was too busy to talk when her aunt called. Now she is dead & Myrtle feels so guilty. She had moved away in an attempt to get away from her aunt's Wiccan tendencies & the mystical 'stuff' that surround the place. Her aunt ran a B & B near the stone circle at Avebury. When Myrtle goes back to The Witches Retreat she finds things aren't as simple as they seem. Her aunt's death doesn't look to be an accident. She is concerned that someone is sneaking around searching for something. Her aunt has also left her with responsibility for the B & B as well as holding the purse strings for her cousin as well as the care of a flatulent cat! Myrtle is soon wondering what she has landed into & fearing that whoever killed her aunt has her in their sights.
This was a fun read from start to finish. The characters were fabulous, the cosy mystery with a splash of the supernatural was a great format. I'm really hoping there is more to come. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I loved it!
This was a fun read from start to finish. The characters were fabulous, the cosy mystery with a splash of the supernatural was a great format. I'm really hoping there is more to come. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I loved it!
September 3, 2020
I was given the chance to read this book by Net Galley, thank you.
Myrtle's aunt has died in a mysterious accident, and her bed and breakfast left to Myrtle. As Myrtle tries to figure out what happened, strange things occur and even stranger people show up in town. Things develope as it becomes obvious that her Aunt believes that she is a witch, and she is trying to restart a coven that used to be in the town. She also believed that Myrtle was the strongest witch of all of them, trouble is in getting Myrtle to believe in herself and accept it. This is apparently the start of a new series. What I liked the most was the farting cat...is Tiddles really a familiar? And I loved the zombie plant that was given a new chance at life and was a great help in times of need.
Myrtle's aunt has died in a mysterious accident, and her bed and breakfast left to Myrtle. As Myrtle tries to figure out what happened, strange things occur and even stranger people show up in town. Things develope as it becomes obvious that her Aunt believes that she is a witch, and she is trying to restart a coven that used to be in the town. She also believed that Myrtle was the strongest witch of all of them, trouble is in getting Myrtle to believe in herself and accept it. This is apparently the start of a new series. What I liked the most was the farting cat...is Tiddles really a familiar? And I loved the zombie plant that was given a new chance at life and was a great help in times of need.
June 30, 2020
This is a fun and entertaining murder mystery with a cast of colorful characters. It's a well written witchy paranormal read with vividly painted scenes. The story moves quickly and smoothly and I enjoyed reading , trying to figure out who the murderer was.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 27, 2020
I read an advanced copy of this story, and I can honestly say it is as heartwarming as a murder mystery can get! The characters are rich and realistic, sometimes snarky and always sharp-witted in a classic English way, and the vibrant setting leaps off the page and forms an essential part of the plot. The magical elements of the story are not overwhelming, and reflect the folklore and mythology of the British countryside--think a hidden family history of witchcraft rather than Buffy with her vampires and demons! I am looking forward to more in this series!
August 10, 2020
Rounding up to four stars as parts of the story were totally charming...a little madcap and fun. Still other parts were just a little too madcap, in need of more focus and tighter editing. The author has definite potential and, I expect, her future books in this series will bear this out. Myrtle Coldrun's aunt died after calling Myrtle for help. She not only has the guilt to bear, she also has a B & B, The Witch's Retreat, to run...And a death to solve. How much does her aunt's Wiccan beliefs have to do with her demise? And who is this mysterious evil, "he?" Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Lina Hansen; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*full review on my YouTube channel
What I liked: 1. The author provides a great sense of place. I really felt in the scene, in the country while reading.
2. The characters are well crafted and quirky (my favorite), including Myrtle’s aunt’s old cat. I really would like to see that cat in future books.
3. The dialogue was natural and believable
4. Magical elements of the book were woven in to the story very smoothly and contributed to the story
What I didn’t like:
1. The author overuses British slang. I read quite alot of British authors and some of the slang in this book still tripped me up. Not a deal breaker but it interrupted flow of reading
2. A few sections of the story moved slowly. There were a couple of sections that felt like a bit of a slog.
Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future installments in this series.
*full review on my YouTube channel
What I liked: 1. The author provides a great sense of place. I really felt in the scene, in the country while reading.
2. The characters are well crafted and quirky (my favorite), including Myrtle’s aunt’s old cat. I really would like to see that cat in future books.
3. The dialogue was natural and believable
4. Magical elements of the book were woven in to the story very smoothly and contributed to the story
What I didn’t like:
1. The author overuses British slang. I read quite alot of British authors and some of the slang in this book still tripped me up. Not a deal breaker but it interrupted flow of reading
2. A few sections of the story moved slowly. There were a couple of sections that felt like a bit of a slog.
Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future installments in this series.
July 1, 2020
In My Attic is bewitching (pun a little intended). You know those books that you hate to put down even for a second because they're so good? This is one of those. It just kind of grabs hold of you before you even know its happening. A cozy mystery with flair, if you're a fan of shows like Rosemary & Thyme or Father Brown then you'll love losing yourself within the pages of this story.
June 3, 2020
Myrtle Coldron has returned to Avebury and her aunt's B&B after she is notified of the former Wiccan's passing. The local police close the case marking it an accidental death but now appears suspicious.
Her aunt's B&B called the Witch's Retreat has only a few guests at the moment along with Eve Coldron's housekeepers and her daughter, Daisy. The aunt had taken Myrtle in after the tragic death of her parents. Her cousin, Daisy, Eve's heir apparent, is not the most reliable and Myrtle will stay to help make arrangements and coordinate with the attorney. Strange things begin to happen, however, and then escalate.
The subject of witches, druids, and the mystery of the stones have enjoyed quite a bit of research and lends entertaining threads. The staff (sisters), local residents, and a coordinating officer introduce the reader to several support characters. Myrtle is not fully developed though she undertakes a search to discover her aunt's artifacts and in the process begins to discover much more about her aunt--and herself--than she ever imagined.
Although well-plotted, the pacing, particularly at the beginning, is rather slow as it establishes the scene, B&B descriptions, and characters. I enjoyed the writing style infused with self-talk and some humorous observations. The author allows the tension to build as additional quirky happenings send Myrtle scrambling to protect herself and reveal the who and why. The climax comes unexpectedly revealing the one you might not have suspected. While there remain a couple of unexplained threads, the conclusion leaves a door open for a storyline to explore in Book 2.
I was offered the digital download in the hope of a review and feel it's a good start to a promising series. If you enjoy a magical aspect in your reads or witchy stories, you'll appreciate this narrative of the discovery of powers. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
Her aunt's B&B called the Witch's Retreat has only a few guests at the moment along with Eve Coldron's housekeepers and her daughter, Daisy. The aunt had taken Myrtle in after the tragic death of her parents. Her cousin, Daisy, Eve's heir apparent, is not the most reliable and Myrtle will stay to help make arrangements and coordinate with the attorney. Strange things begin to happen, however, and then escalate.
The subject of witches, druids, and the mystery of the stones have enjoyed quite a bit of research and lends entertaining threads. The staff (sisters), local residents, and a coordinating officer introduce the reader to several support characters. Myrtle is not fully developed though she undertakes a search to discover her aunt's artifacts and in the process begins to discover much more about her aunt--and herself--than she ever imagined.
Although well-plotted, the pacing, particularly at the beginning, is rather slow as it establishes the scene, B&B descriptions, and characters. I enjoyed the writing style infused with self-talk and some humorous observations. The author allows the tension to build as additional quirky happenings send Myrtle scrambling to protect herself and reveal the who and why. The climax comes unexpectedly revealing the one you might not have suspected. While there remain a couple of unexplained threads, the conclusion leaves a door open for a storyline to explore in Book 2.
I was offered the digital download in the hope of a review and feel it's a good start to a promising series. If you enjoy a magical aspect in your reads or witchy stories, you'll appreciate this narrative of the discovery of powers. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
dnf
June 8, 2020Not often I decided to not finish a book that's actually pretty decent, but this story just refuses to grab me. The dialogue's all right; I just finished a chapter that ended with some dialogue and I was about to continue reading. It's the narrative that makes this book too hard to read for me: too verbose. So, I'm going to quit and curl up with something simpler instead.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
May 30, 2020
What a fun and clever mystery story! Eve Coldren dies under suspicious circumstances. Her niece Myrtle is notified and goes to Avebury. Turns out she inherits Witch's Retreat, the Bed & Breakfast her aunt owned. As Myrtle tries to solve the mystery of who killed her aunt strange things start happening. I liked the steady pace,productive pace of this story and the likable characters. I anticipate more fun and interesting mysteries to come in Lina Hansen's future Magical Misfits books.
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
Myrtle Coldron is informed that her aunt Eve has died in mysterious circumstances and she must hasten to the wonderfully named, Witch’s Retreat, in order to pick up the reigns of her aunt’s B&B business which is close to the atmospheric village of Avebury. Once there, Myrtle gets involved in a complicated hunt for her aunt’s killer, which will see, not just Myrtle, but also those close to her get caught up in a deadly plot.
In My Attic is a wonderfully quirky cosy crime mystery which is both fun and serious in equal measure. Plenty of times I found myself laughing out loud at some of Myrtle’s more adventurous antics only to be then plunged into the waywardness of a crime investigation which, as it progresses, seems to take on a life of its own,
The author has a brilliant sense of time and place and brings the whole concept of witches and magic to life in a very believable way. I loved Myrtle and really rooted for her throughout the whole of this crazy time, she is a wonderfully incompetent amateur sleuth but that really doesn’t matter as her wholesome personality carries her through some pretty tough situations. Of course, every amateur witch needs a cat, and the rather flatulent, Tiddles really made me smile, along with Petunia the Primula, who each have a starring role in this cosy crime mystery.
The author writes well and shares her love for storytelling and quirky sense of humour in this first book in the Magical Misfits series. I do hope that we get to meet Myrtle and Tiddles in future stories as there’s still so much to discover about her and the goings -on at the Witch’s Retreat.
In My Attic is a wonderfully quirky cosy crime mystery which is both fun and serious in equal measure. Plenty of times I found myself laughing out loud at some of Myrtle’s more adventurous antics only to be then plunged into the waywardness of a crime investigation which, as it progresses, seems to take on a life of its own,
The author has a brilliant sense of time and place and brings the whole concept of witches and magic to life in a very believable way. I loved Myrtle and really rooted for her throughout the whole of this crazy time, she is a wonderfully incompetent amateur sleuth but that really doesn’t matter as her wholesome personality carries her through some pretty tough situations. Of course, every amateur witch needs a cat, and the rather flatulent, Tiddles really made me smile, along with Petunia the Primula, who each have a starring role in this cosy crime mystery.
The author writes well and shares her love for storytelling and quirky sense of humour in this first book in the Magical Misfits series. I do hope that we get to meet Myrtle and Tiddles in future stories as there’s still so much to discover about her and the goings -on at the Witch’s Retreat.
March 29, 2020
Myrtle's aunt is dead, and she's the only one who can not only keep the family business going, but also solve the mystery surrounding the old woman's passing. Between dealing with the guests at the charming, witch-inspired bed and breakfast, "The Witches's Retreat", her troubled cousin, and two handsome men, Myrtle discovers not only her aunt's greatest secrets, but also her own magical powers.
I love a good witch story, and "In My Attic" does a great job linking well known Wiccan practices with ancient legends and modern day plots against the magical. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Hansen develops the antagonist's motives and his financial rather than religious needs to destroy the coven Myrtle has suddenly inherited. Myrtle herself is a believable academic-turned-witch, both wanting to discredit the things happening to her, while also being swept up in the joy of learning that she is much more than she ever thought she could be. It's enchanting when she finally accepts her talents and uses them to save the day.
Myrtle Coldron and her new set of magical misfits are truly entertaining and anyone who loves the cozy mystery genre will enjoy this novel. In addition, anyone interested in Wiccan and British magical lore will find In My Attic well researched as well as entertaining.
I love a good witch story, and "In My Attic" does a great job linking well known Wiccan practices with ancient legends and modern day plots against the magical. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Hansen develops the antagonist's motives and his financial rather than religious needs to destroy the coven Myrtle has suddenly inherited. Myrtle herself is a believable academic-turned-witch, both wanting to discredit the things happening to her, while also being swept up in the joy of learning that she is much more than she ever thought she could be. It's enchanting when she finally accepts her talents and uses them to save the day.
Myrtle Coldron and her new set of magical misfits are truly entertaining and anyone who loves the cozy mystery genre will enjoy this novel. In addition, anyone interested in Wiccan and British magical lore will find In My Attic well researched as well as entertaining.
October 2, 2020
The paranormal elements are subtly introduced in Lina Hansen's novel as obviously our heroine, Myrtle, is a non-believer. I loved the humor throughout the novel from the analogies, Harry Potter references, play on names to the farting cat. Myrtle is such a great narrator, and I enjoyed every minute of this mystery. The whodunit was easy to guess, but the how was a lot more difficult to figure out. There is a cast of quirky characters, who really help make this novel what it is. And while not what I would call a fast-paced novel, I did enjoy my time in Avebury at the Witch's Retreat. I found the world building to be extremely interesting as Myrtle uncovered the history of witches in the area and look forward to exploring it further with her in future books (which I hope there will be many of!).
July 8, 2020
Mysteriously clever and fun!
No spoilers! This book had a host of intriguing characters that kept me turning the pages. The story kept me guessing who the culprit really was, and in the end, with several nice twists, I was surprised how it all came to a satisfying conclusion. A clever and fun read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. You’ll be glad you added this story to your bookshelf or kindle app!
No spoilers! This book had a host of intriguing characters that kept me turning the pages. The story kept me guessing who the culprit really was, and in the end, with several nice twists, I was surprised how it all came to a satisfying conclusion. A clever and fun read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. You’ll be glad you added this story to your bookshelf or kindle app!
July 1, 2020
In My Attic is the first book in a brand new cozy paranormal series set in Avebury near the ancient standing stones. Once I discovered the setting, plus knowing this was going to be paranormal in nature, I was hooked; I mean you can't go wrong when you have amateur witches, secrets, a treasure, witch hunters, and a main character who has no idea what is really going on. Oh, and don't forget a magical plant, and a cat!!
First of all, you can't go wrong with an inn named the Witch's Retreat. The whole town has this cozy atmosphere that lends itself well to a cozy paranormal mystery and when you combine the setting with a bunch of quirky characters, well, it was a lot of fun. Myrtle finds herself out of her depth when she returns for her aunt's funeral and discovers that not is all as it seems; while the police were quick to call is a misadventure, things begin happening around Myrtle and in the inn that make her wonder if her aunt's death was possibly something more sinister. Unfortunately, her cousin Daisy is not a lot of help as she has problems of her own so Myrtle needs to rely on people she doesn't know very well to discover the truth. Throw in a couple of housekeepers, some quirky guests, police officers, townspeople, a cat, and a plant, and now you have a situation just waiting to escalate as well as some interesting plot points. I developed a huge fondness for the cat, Tiddles, as well as the plant.
Myrtle develops quite nicely as a character, and I like that her mind is more 'scientific' rather than 'romantic' as she questions the paranormal activity around her and doesn't necessarily take everything at face value. It's only when Myrtle decides to really learn more about her aunt that she discovers this other side to her and in the process, learns more about herself and her family. Secrets, gotta love those family secrets. The paranormal wasn't in your face, but was really subtle and I liked that about the book.
The plot, especially in the beginning, was rather slow, but never plodding. The author does make use of self-reflection and self-talk, mainly from the main character with regards to her behaviour, but it was funny and meant to be humorous, which it was. It also gave the author a chance to give the reader some extra insight into her character and things that were happening around her. The first book in a series can be a bit slower simply because the author is introducing the characters and the setting, and I appreciate that. I was never bored and I read the entire book in one sitting. Even though I figured out the murderer fairly early on, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
In My Attic was a fun introduction to a new paranormal series. I enjoyed the characters and thought the plot was enjoyable. Yes, the characters don't feel as developed as they could be, except for maybe Myrtle, but that doesn't bother me as I am hoping to learn a lot more about them in future books. I enjoyed how they seemed to pop up at random times in the book which made me think there was actually a purpose behind it. The actual mystery was entertaining and definitely led one on a merry chase, full of secrets and mysteries, wrapped up in a cloak of magic that didn't detract from the story. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
http://curlingupbythefire.blogspot.co...
First of all, you can't go wrong with an inn named the Witch's Retreat. The whole town has this cozy atmosphere that lends itself well to a cozy paranormal mystery and when you combine the setting with a bunch of quirky characters, well, it was a lot of fun. Myrtle finds herself out of her depth when she returns for her aunt's funeral and discovers that not is all as it seems; while the police were quick to call is a misadventure, things begin happening around Myrtle and in the inn that make her wonder if her aunt's death was possibly something more sinister. Unfortunately, her cousin Daisy is not a lot of help as she has problems of her own so Myrtle needs to rely on people she doesn't know very well to discover the truth. Throw in a couple of housekeepers, some quirky guests, police officers, townspeople, a cat, and a plant, and now you have a situation just waiting to escalate as well as some interesting plot points. I developed a huge fondness for the cat, Tiddles, as well as the plant.
Myrtle develops quite nicely as a character, and I like that her mind is more 'scientific' rather than 'romantic' as she questions the paranormal activity around her and doesn't necessarily take everything at face value. It's only when Myrtle decides to really learn more about her aunt that she discovers this other side to her and in the process, learns more about herself and her family. Secrets, gotta love those family secrets. The paranormal wasn't in your face, but was really subtle and I liked that about the book.
The plot, especially in the beginning, was rather slow, but never plodding. The author does make use of self-reflection and self-talk, mainly from the main character with regards to her behaviour, but it was funny and meant to be humorous, which it was. It also gave the author a chance to give the reader some extra insight into her character and things that were happening around her. The first book in a series can be a bit slower simply because the author is introducing the characters and the setting, and I appreciate that. I was never bored and I read the entire book in one sitting. Even though I figured out the murderer fairly early on, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
In My Attic was a fun introduction to a new paranormal series. I enjoyed the characters and thought the plot was enjoyable. Yes, the characters don't feel as developed as they could be, except for maybe Myrtle, but that doesn't bother me as I am hoping to learn a lot more about them in future books. I enjoyed how they seemed to pop up at random times in the book which made me think there was actually a purpose behind it. The actual mystery was entertaining and definitely led one on a merry chase, full of secrets and mysteries, wrapped up in a cloak of magic that didn't detract from the story. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
http://curlingupbythefire.blogspot.co...
July 1, 2020
Myrtle is a practical girl with a practical job (grammar school teacher). That is until her Aunt Eve dies - could it be murder? She has to return to the small village that holds the terrible memory of her parents deaths, to deal with the practical side of her aunt's passing which was to include selling the Bed and Breakfast and getting back to Southampton as quick as she can. But the best laid plans...
The village of Avebury holds many secrets, as do many of the people resident there. But the greatest secret, the secret that is Myrtle, must be discovered and acknowledged by her - otherwise it will disappear.
The first book in a series! I will be looking for more...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The village of Avebury holds many secrets, as do many of the people resident there. But the greatest secret, the secret that is Myrtle, must be discovered and acknowledged by her - otherwise it will disappear.
The first book in a series! I will be looking for more...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
I was given a review copy of this book and I enjoyed it.
Myrtle's aunt has died and so she travels to the bed & breakfast for her funeral and to find out what happened. The plot was nicely done, the characters were quirky /unique and there was a great sense of place.
I enjoyed the thread of humour and the first-person narrative. The writing style was fast-paced, although there were a number of grammatical issues and I was surprised at the American spelling and other uses (in the UK it's a handbag, not a purse, for example) because it was supposed to be a UK story.
However, I liked the story and the paranormal aspects and its overall feel of fun despite the villains.
Recommended.
Myrtle's aunt has died and so she travels to the bed & breakfast for her funeral and to find out what happened. The plot was nicely done, the characters were quirky /unique and there was a great sense of place.
I enjoyed the thread of humour and the first-person narrative. The writing style was fast-paced, although there were a number of grammatical issues and I was surprised at the American spelling and other uses (in the UK it's a handbag, not a purse, for example) because it was supposed to be a UK story.
However, I liked the story and the paranormal aspects and its overall feel of fun despite the villains.
Recommended.
July 1, 2020
What a great start for a new cozy series. I was hooked since the first pages and couldn't put down this gripping and entertaining story.
I loved the setting which is vivid and well described, the fleshed out cast of characters (the geriatric cat was a favourite) and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
The paranormal aspect is present but the author did a great job in introducing it a bit at a time.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the setting which is vivid and well described, the fleshed out cast of characters (the geriatric cat was a favourite) and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
The paranormal aspect is present but the author did a great job in introducing it a bit at a time.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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