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Potion Problem
Can a non-magical witch and her witch-in-training niece solve a murder at a coven? It’s October 1st, Vinnie Daggerwood’s first day on the job as a Halloween Helper. Along with her twin sister Lavender and niece Diggy, their job is to help the paranormal world with problems, big and small. But their first case isn’t small. The leader of a coven has been murdered and it is up to them to solve it. Just as they are easing into the case, Lavender is kidnapped and Vinnie and Diggy are left to solve the case on their own. The only problem is that Vinnie is a non-magical witch and Diggy is only part way through witch training. Will they be able to solve the case and look for Lavender at the same time?
Read Potion Problem, the first book in the four book Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery series as Vinnie and Diggy work to get Lavender back while helping the paranormal world.
Read Potion Problem, the first book in the four book Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery series as Vinnie and Diggy work to get Lavender back while helping the paranormal world.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
206 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 17, 2020
I found this series to be a fun start to a new series. The characters are quirky and fun. The Halloween Helpers are the main characters and they are kinda like magical detectives and problem solvers. I was disappointed that I didn't really get to know the one Magical Helper as much as the other two. I do hope Lavendar gets more time in the next book. I am looking forward to how this series progresses because I think it has real potential to be a great series.
September 20, 2019
Potion Problem by Linnea West is a magical mystery with witches and spells. It will keep you entertained and guessing along with Vinnie and Diggy to find out who killed the coven leader witch. Diggy is the daughter of Lavender. Vinnie is Lavender's twin sister. Lavender is a true witch, Diggy is also a witch in training and Vinnie is the unmagical twin. Can Vinnie and Diggy solve the murder mystery by themselves now that Lavender has been taken away and they do not know when she will be given back.
The story has a lot of funny scenes and the mystery will keep you guessing along with Vinnie and Diggy. I enjoyed reading this book. It is a different type of cozy mystery than others that I have read. I highly recommend it.
The story has a lot of funny scenes and the mystery will keep you guessing along with Vinnie and Diggy. I enjoyed reading this book. It is a different type of cozy mystery than others that I have read. I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2019
This is an awesome cozy mystery with fabulous characters. I love Vinnie, Lavendar, and Diggy (crazy names). This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series 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.
November 2, 2023
Lavinia "Vinnie" Daggerwood, a non-magical witch, and her twin sister, Lavender, are the newly-appointed Halloween Helpers. The job means they must assist others in the paranormal world with problems, big or small. As luck would have it, their first job is a doozy. A coven leader has been murdered, and not only must the Halloween Helpers solve the crime, but they are also tasked with naming the next coven leader. As if that wasn't difficult enough, Lavender is kidnapped, allegedly as a test to see if the Daggerwoods are up to the task of being Halloween Helpers. Now it's up to Vinnie, who has no magic of her own, and her teenage witch-in-training niece, Diggy, to solve the murder, name a new coven leader, and get Lavender back.
I'm undecided about this story. It was entertaining enough. Vinnie is a likable character--stalwart and dignified. However, so much of the plot made little sense. For instance, the Halloween Helper is typically one witch. If Lavender was snatched to test Vinnie and Diggy, who gets kidnapped when there's only one Halloween Helper? I am leaning towards thinking the person who took Lavender was making all that up as he went, because he seems to have an unrequited crush on Lavender. Even more confusing, Lavender had a premonition she'd be "going away" for some time, yet she made no effort to save herself.
This doesn't deserve any more than an average rating of three.
I'm undecided about this story. It was entertaining enough. Vinnie is a likable character--stalwart and dignified. However, so much of the plot made little sense. For instance, the Halloween Helper is typically one witch. If Lavender was snatched to test Vinnie and Diggy, who gets kidnapped when there's only one Halloween Helper? I am leaning towards thinking the person who took Lavender was making all that up as he went, because he seems to have an unrequited crush on Lavender. Even more confusing, Lavender had a premonition she'd be "going away" for some time, yet she made no effort to save herself.
This doesn't deserve any more than an average rating of three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
Potion Problem is the first book in a fun, four book series about a nonmagical witch and her niece as they solve mysteries and try to find her kidnapped twin witch sister. Lavinia and Lavender are twins but only Lavender received the family magic. Along with Lavender's teenage daughter, a witch in training, they have been designated as Halloween Helpers. They are responsible for solving any problems in the paranormal world when their Aunt Jemima was mortally wounded in the line of duty. How do you solve a mystery with no training? Oh now tell me how is a non-magical person supposed to solve problems in a paranormal world? Join them to find out. Linnea is able to crete delightfully fleshed out protagonists, enticing and interactive concepts with engaging plot follow-through, and delightful arrays of inclusive side characters and visionary worldbuilding. An absolutely charming read! I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
January 4, 2021
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
January 11, 2021
Vinnie and Lavender are twins who are witches. Lavender is a magical witch, Vinnie is non-magical, and Lavender’s daughter Diggy is a witch in training. They are brand new to their positions as Halloween Helpers. Some elaboration about this position is needed, but basically they solve problems in the witch world. Lavender is spirited away and held captive early on while Vinnie and Diggy are left to get her back and solve a murder. Some high points in an otherwise less than stellar plot are Lavender’s inventions that are used in the course of the detective work by Vinnie and Diggy, who are very poor detectives. They basically stumble along and rely on their main suspect for help. The book gets points for being imaginative.
January 11, 2023
Lavendar and Vinnie are twins and in the magical world one twin is born with powers and the other has none. Vinnie has none but her sister makes sure she magics items so Vinnie can use them. Into this mix is Lavendar's daughter, Diggie. After their aunt leave this realm they take over the business of magical investigation. Their first case is investigating the death of a local coven. Then their little trio is handicapped when Lavendar is taken. She will be returned if the other two solve a puzzle. Now their job is made harder...one non magical person and one who is still in training. Let the games begin! Who will win?
This story will enthrall the reader as to the magic and non magic characters!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story will enthrall the reader as to the magic and non magic characters!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2020
It was a little too confusing in the beginning and I almost gave up on this book but it is worth sticking it out because the characters and the plot become very good and all come together for a great mystery! It's the story of 2 sister witches- one magical the other not and the daughter of the magical sister. They live together until some magical witch/being takes the magical sister and tells the non-magical sister and her untrained niece that not only have they been given jurisdiction over magical beings but they must solve a murder and solve 3 riddles to get the magical sister back. Confusing-- Yes! But an interesting tale! Looking forward to reading more!
October 6, 2020
Good freaky fun
I thought this was a good bit of writing, ok a couple of mistakes crept in thru the process but didn’t deter from the story at all. It made me want to read more. The characters were all well thought out and given solid personality’s. I loved the descriptions of the different places and though the crime and story is solved it’s left me looking forward to the next book. All in all, very well done.
I thought this was a good bit of writing, ok a couple of mistakes crept in thru the process but didn’t deter from the story at all. It made me want to read more. The characters were all well thought out and given solid personality’s. I loved the descriptions of the different places and though the crime and story is solved it’s left me looking forward to the next book. All in all, very well done.
October 20, 2021
This was a fun witchy story which had me laughing out loud at some parts. Vinnie a non magical witch and Diggy a teenage witch jn training are to find out who poisoned the leader of a coven. Having had Lavender, the full witch on their team taken away these 2 try hard to solve their first case. Not giving any more away but it is a good story, a good story line and likeable protagonists. Recommend this book. And I liked the cover art very much too.
November 4, 2022
This was an interesting witch cozy due to twin adult sisters. The eldest twin had powers, the youngest had none. So when the twins were being tested, with the eldest kidnapped. The younger twin and her niece had to prove themselves with only the magic the 15 year old had learned. The mystery was solved. I suspect the eldest, magical twin won't return until a fourth book. Not interested in pursuing anymore of this series.
October 12, 2020
No instructions included!
How can you solve a crime when you’re the non magical twin and the crime scene is a coven’s gathering place. How do you free your magical twin? Join Vinnie and her niece Diggy (a novice witch) as they struggle to do both. A fun read just follow the clues.
How can you solve a crime when you’re the non magical twin and the crime scene is a coven’s gathering place. How do you free your magical twin? Join Vinnie and her niece Diggy (a novice witch) as they struggle to do both. A fun read just follow the clues.
July 26, 2021
Twins Lavinia and Lavender along with Lavender's teenage daughter have become the Halloween Helper's when their Aunt Jemima was mortally wounded doing that job. They are charged with solving any problems in the paranormal world that may come up. Join them and see how they handle the job with only hints but no training.
July 27, 2021
Coven witches turned stone cold
Lavender and Vinnie get their first job as the Halloween Helpers who solve mysteries for the magical community. Their very first case involves a coven leader turned to stone. Vinnie not having magic makes it more challenging, but she is smart and resourceful. A very fun read with strange characters and a murder to solve.
Lavender and Vinnie get their first job as the Halloween Helpers who solve mysteries for the magical community. Their very first case involves a coven leader turned to stone. Vinnie not having magic makes it more challenging, but she is smart and resourceful. A very fun read with strange characters and a murder to solve.
October 30, 2021
Cliff Hanger
I don't care for cliff hangers. Write a great story that is all wrapped up at the end and I will buy more in the series. That said this book is well written and with fun characters. A bunch of witches in a story at Halloween is definitely a fun read so.it gets stars for that.
I don't care for cliff hangers. Write a great story that is all wrapped up at the end and I will buy more in the series. That said this book is well written and with fun characters. A bunch of witches in a story at Halloween is definitely a fun read so.it gets stars for that.
January 13, 2021
Oh My!
This was a terrific read. I truly enjoyed it and the way they managed to work out the clues with the help of Lavenders magical gadgets and level headed investigations. I was sad when that part ended and look forward to reading book 2 to continue the story.
This was a terrific read. I truly enjoyed it and the way they managed to work out the clues with the help of Lavenders magical gadgets and level headed investigations. I was sad when that part ended and look forward to reading book 2 to continue the story.
February 25, 2021
Love
Vinnie and Lavender run the Halloween Helpers. But it’s not all glitz and glamour. It’s fun and when Lavender gets kidnapped until Vinnie and her niece solve the murder, but the need lavenders skills and smarts to get it done. Can vinnie solve the murder before time runs out?
Vinnie and Lavender run the Halloween Helpers. But it’s not all glitz and glamour. It’s fun and when Lavender gets kidnapped until Vinnie and her niece solve the murder, but the need lavenders skills and smarts to get it done. Can vinnie solve the murder before time runs out?
October 25, 2021
Very enjoyable and unusual witchy mystery with solid characterization. The main mystery is resolved, but there is a series arc about a missing witch. Highlights for me: magical technology, conjured cookies, a Snape-alike maybe-villain, and thankfully no romance!
October 11, 2020
Good read
Good read and fun read. I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to anyone that loved light!mystery. The characters were interesting and unpredictable.
Good read and fun read. I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to anyone that loved light!mystery. The characters were interesting and unpredictable.
November 16, 2020
Warning! Cliff hanger!
This book was interesting, if you could get past the stilted language and awkward situations.
This book was interesting, if you could get past the stilted language and awkward situations.
January 20, 2021
Witches be crazy!
First time reading about a nonmagical witch, but not my first time reading about a crazy witch! I couldn't imagine having a leader like they had, but dang!!!
First time reading about a nonmagical witch, but not my first time reading about a crazy witch! I couldn't imagine having a leader like they had, but dang!!!
February 10, 2021
Fun, quick read. Moves along relatively quickly with quirky characters and a good plot.
Can recommend
Can recommend
March 25, 2021
A good first story in the series.
Magic, humor and a murder mystery. I enjoyed this story. I like the characters and the plot. I wish there were more dialogue.
Magic, humor and a murder mystery. I enjoyed this story. I like the characters and the plot. I wish there were more dialogue.
April 19, 2021
A pleasant light read with sinister undertones.
I enjoyed the plot but like the characters could not understand the sub-plot.
I'm sure the following books will be equally pleasant and light to read.
I enjoyed the plot but like the characters could not understand the sub-plot.
I'm sure the following books will be equally pleasant and light to read.
July 31, 2021
Not a stand alone book. You have to buy the next book in the series to find out what happens. Bah humbug!
June 13, 2022
It's a nice book, but predictable and superficial. Only the people needed for the story are named. This makes the plot visible from afar.
It's a nice pastime, but no more than that.
It's a nice pastime, but no more than that.
November 10, 2022
The unbelievably poor grammar grated on my nerves so much that this book became a DNF...gave two stars because story was ok until I gave up
March 31, 2025
Magic, humor and a murder mystery in a short story. Well-written with likeable characters.
October 8, 2025
potion problems
This book was different but interesting. Good characters and storyline. Yes I knew who did it but I was glad when the truth came out
This book was different but interesting. Good characters and storyline. Yes I knew who did it but I was glad when the truth came out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews