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Witch of Edgehill #4

Pawsitively Swindled

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Appearances can be deceiving.

Amber Blackwood, Edgehill’s secret resident witch, recently found her parents’ grimoires and the powerful time spells within. The malevolent Penhallow clan has been ruthlessly seeking the grimoires so they can travel back in time to undo their clan’s cursed magic. Because the Penhallows will stop at nothing, Amber must find an impregnable hiding place for the grimoires, though she has no clue where to start looking. When her cousin Edgar suggests the game of Magic Cache, a magic-infused version of geocaching played by witches all over the world, Amber agrees to learn how to play. After all, a weird plan is better than no plan.

When the magical search leads her to the neighboring town of Marbleglen—“the safest town in Oregon”—Amber assumes her only problem will be dealing with its snooty residents. Instead, she gets caught up in a murder investigation where one man is dead and a second one framed for the crime. To complicate matters, the framed man’s condescending daughter, Bianca, wants Amber’s help—and Bianca just happens to chair Marbleglen’s Floral Frenzy Flower Festival Committee, the rival to Edgehill’s own Here and Meow Festival Committee. The two women are thrown into an uneasy alliance.

Joined by her new frenemy, her growing inner circle, and Edgehill’s Chief Brown, Amber works to unravel the mystery to ensure the right culprit ends up behind bars and Marbleglen’s safety is restored. But Amber knows that even if Marbleglen’s mystery is resolved, a bigger danger lurks in the shadows. If the Penhallows claim the grimoires of Amber’s late parents, they’ll use the books’ time-reversal spells to try to stop the curse from ever having poisoned their clan—and, in the process, possibly rewriting history.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2020

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About the author

Melissa Erin Jackson

19 books378 followers
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 book in her urban fantasy series, The Charm Collector, is out now: Diabolical Sword. Wicked Treasure is 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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
2,460 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2022
This is a paranormal cozy mystery, and this book is the 4th book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I have read and review books other books in this series. This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries series. I loved being in Edgehill again. I love the characters so much, and I love that more non-witches is learning and understanding Amber's Witch powers. Amber is so meeting more witches in this book. I loved the witch game in this book as well. This book was a very fun read. I cannot wait from the book 5 in this series. Melissa please keep writing The Witch of Edgehill series because this series is so great. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
4,564 reviews2,312 followers
October 28, 2021
Pawsitively Swindled
(Witch of Edgehill #4)
by Melissa Erin Jackson
His continues where book 3 leaves off. More thrills and excitement await! I love this series! This is a must read for those who love paranormal mysteries.
Profile Image for Linden.
1,476 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2020
Amber Blackwood is a witch who lives in Edgehill, Oregon, a town known for its love of cats. The residents are joining forces with the snooty people of Marbleglen, for a festival. Amber's surprised to learn that there is another witch in the area, Simon, who is arrested not long after her visit. Did Simon murder the police chief? Why can't he remember what happened? Who is responsible for all of the local vandalism? And will cousin Edgar and Kim get together? I like this cute paranormal series, but this installment had a plot that I found confusing, and too many characters. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this Advance Review Copy.
Profile Image for Narilka.
584 reviews40 followers
May 8, 2021
A lot of story threads are coming together in Pawsitively Swindled, the fourth book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. Amber's story has become so much more than your typical cozy mystery. Sure there's a mystery to solve - an innocent man has been set up to take the blame for a murder in the neighboring town of Marbleglen - but the bigger story here is around how Amber learns more about using her magic and her family's heritage, the growing friendships and trust with her new inner circle and a full realization of the threat the Penhallows actually represent to the entire magical community. There's a lot going on in such a short book!

I found the witchy side of the story more intriguing than the mystery this time. Especially fun was the game of magical cache and how it was worked in to the overall plot. I wonder if the author enjoys geocaching. It's nice that we get resolution to the bombshell at the end of book 3 and that things seem like they're going in the right direction. Assuming that the fifth book is the final in the series I'm looking forward to seeing how Amber deals with the Penhallows once and for all.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
670 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2020
There's no place like home.
So many books are so short these days. It makes the reader start to feel like what happened to all the really good authors? I know they are out there, but not nearly as many as there used to be.
This book is incredibly written and so insightful. The reader can easily envision this world and the characters. You feel so fully pulled into it that it feels very real. As a member of the "older adult" crowd, I find myself feeling drawn to this genre of magic and the way it mixes with the "normies". I especially love that this book happens to focus on geocaching as well as magic. Two of my faves in one book, you can't get any better than that! Or can you? I look forward to reading more from this wonderfully gifted author. What an excellent story teller!
Profile Image for Aineenmarie.
378 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2020
This was another great story by such a great author. The plot and storyline were very well done. Such a wonderful story. I would definitely try another book by This author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,362 reviews14 followers
October 27, 2020
This paranormal cozy mystery series is so very well-written. Amber Blackwood is the main character but Melissa has developed all the secondary characters so well that they all seem as important to the story as Amber is. This is the 4th book. As this series develops all of the characters develop and grow. Their experiences within each book affect them and how they grow. They and this world feel real. The mystery is captivating and well resolved.
Marbleglen is Edgehill's neighbouring town. While Edgehill is know, for its cats, Marbleglen is known for its marbled Rhododendrons. Both towns have festivals at the same time. The Mayors have decided to put down their rivalries and work together this year. But, the committees for each festival are not thrilled with the idea. When a death occurs, Amber is engaged to help figure out what happened and she must do so before an innocent man (witch) is framed.
I highly recommend this book and series to all those who enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for  Sophie.
1,411 reviews
November 18, 2020
I liked Amber and her world. It was really interesting. The characters kept me busy. I liked the dialogue and the way the author wrote the scenes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
82 reviews
June 8, 2020
#PawsitivelySwindled #NetGalley. I loved the synopsis of the previous books offered at the start of this novel. I almost did not read it. I am so glad I did. This is a stand alone story and can be enjoyed without having read the previous stories. I have not yet read them I had no problem keeping up with this installment or the characters. The back history in the opening pages did help explain a few of the issues Amber and her family are dealing with. The characters are so well developed I felt as if I had known them for years. The ongoing story throughout the series of Amber and Willow not only dealing with the death of their parents but the fact that they themselves are powerful witches. The task of protecting their grimoires from the cursed Penhallows clan.

The mystery side of the novel comes into play when Amber meets a fellow witch in the rival town of Marbleglen, Simon. He is shortly accused of murdering the police chief. He reaches out to Amber for help recovering his memory after his magic is interrupted due to being drugged. The fact that his daughter is none other then the thorn I her side Bianca. As they and the other inhabitants of Edgehill join forces to prove not only Simons innocents but salvage the first joint venture by these two less then cordial towns.

We can resist a book with a town full of cats and witches? I know I couldn't I enjoyed this novel and flew thru it. I can not wait to revisit again soon.
Profile Image for Lauren.
20 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2020
The Witch of Edgehill series is perfect for those who like a little magic with their mystery. Set in a small town that’s riddled with cat puns, Amber is learning to lead a host of recurring characters in amateur sleuthing with spells—and some romance—on the side.

Mystery: There is a murder to be solved and the pressure is on. Amber is enlisted to seek justice not just for the man who lost his life, but also the man accused of being the murderer.

Magic: For those wanting to learn more about Amber’s magic, and witches in general, Book 4 opens the door into this world. We meet at *least* one more witch outside the Blackwood and Penhallow families, and hear more about what exactly happened when the Penhallows were cursed.

Romance: Amber finally gets some proper canoodling in this book (you’ll have to read to find out with who).

Friends and Frenemies: The circle is growing bigger, with more development of the returning cast of characters, and even romance for a few, as well.

Be assured that you will not be “Swindled” by Book 4 in this series! Was that terrible? Well, Melissa Jackson’s use of puns throughout these books is far more adept than mine, and keeps me smiling!
Profile Image for Anna Szabó.
469 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2020
If you’ve read the first three books in the series you probably know what to expect. A funny and smart witchy cozy mystery with lots of cats and cakes and a murder or two. In one word: adorable.

All the characters are well-developed and lovable. The story flows nicely and it is exciting and interesting. I love everything about this book and I honestly couldn’t say one thing I didn’t like.

Oh and I absolutely love the this happened so far” start of the book. I find that I need a little reminder if I start the next book in a series. Thank you for it.
So I raced through this book and can hardly wait for the next one.
Amber’s adventures became one of my favourite series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ringtail Press for my copy.
Profile Image for Cindy.
332 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2020
I LOVE the witch of edgehill series and was so excited to read the newest installment. In Pawsitively Swindled Amber becomes acquainted with a witch in nearby Marbleglen after a magical geocaching lesson with her cousin Edgar. Shortly after she's drawn into a mystery when he is arrested for murder of the Marbleglen police chief. Amber must use her magic to track down the killer or killers, along with Chief Brown and her friends and family.
To make things more complicated Amber and her family are still under threat from the Penhallows who desperate for her parents spellbooks. She must find a secure hiding place for the grimoires before they come for them.
A fast paced, exciting series that is rich in history/backstory. So much more that the typical cozy mystery. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Garrett Lemons.
Author 5 books2 followers
May 4, 2020
Amber is back and better than ever! Melissa keeps expanding this world one chapter at a time. As the cast of characters keeps growing, so does its heart. On the face it may be about solving a murder, but deep down it’s more about the relationships that truly matter that help you in all aspects along the way.

Can’t wait for the finale later this year.
Profile Image for Minxy Melissa.
1,735 reviews66 followers
August 5, 2020
After everything Amber has survived and dealt with, you would think that she could get a break in Pawsitively Swindled and be able take some “time off” to recuperate but, alas, this poor witch has a conundrum. After managing to keep her family’s grimoires out of the hands of the blasted Penhallows she is now tasked with finding a location where the books will be safe. Given that Amber is still learning how to use her witchy powers, that will prove to be quite the challenge. Which made this story very fun to read because it required a lot from Amber all while she was still fulfilling her duties to the Here and Meow Festival Committee.

I liked the addition of the characters from Marbleglen to this story. Although, I can’t say that I liked the characters themselves at the start but as the story progressed, and everyone came to certain understandings, I liked the partnership that was formed between the rivals. I am interested to see if, after everything that took place in this story, the nearly caustic rivalry between Edgehill and Marbleglen residents will simmer down some and become much friendlier? I am hopeful on that because I think that Amber and friends will need all the allies they can get for when there is a final Penhallow clan confrontation.

There was much to enjoy in Pawsitively Swindled! Amber was growing her witchy knowledge, there was plenty of drama between the Marbleglen and Edgehill committees, there was the pressure of the upcoming town festivals, and there were also some delightful changes in Amber’s personal life. A wonderful story from beginning to end! I will say that because there was a ton going on there were certain aspects that seemed to drag a little bit but by and large it was a fun story! I especially loved that it included geocaching, with a magical twist, because that is actually something that my family and I love to do. Overall, Pawsitively Swindled was a great companion to a fun and quirky series and I am looking forward to what happens next!


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.
Profile Image for Lucy Anne Holland.
Author 3 books48 followers
June 10, 2020
Here we are again with another fabulous story from the cat-loving town Edgehill. This one brought together more witches and delivered a mystery that was a tricky one for Amber and her friends to solve. And get this: Today is the release day! So make sure you head on over to Amazon and purchase this wonderful book. While you’re there, you may as well get the rest of the series too! Book #1 has less than 200 ratings! It deserves more, so please take time to check it out.

Anyway, about the book. Amber is back and I feel like she’s so much more confident about her magic. Yes, she still has her insecurities, but she is stronger than she was at the beginning. I also found that the slight trauma she has from Kieran Penhallow’s attack was really realistic. He almost killed her! Yes, of course she would have nightmares. The relationships in this book were fabulous. I loved Kim! And Jackson did a great job making her come alive. As I read, I could see her reactions. Edgar and Amber’s relationship was really sweet, but I feel so bad for Edgar! Hopefully he gets the Kieran thing figured out soon. As always Chief Brown and Amber were fun to read about and I liked that their relationship was so clearly defined. And of course Jack… I’ll be honest, I haven’t really been crazy about him, but things were better in this book. I think the thing with him is that he doesn’t really do much in terms of the action. Maybe it’s just me, but I would like it better if he was a little more involved.

The plot was interesting and I did not find myself getting bored. As always, I loved the setting. We spent some time in Edgehill but also branched out to different places. It felt like this, along with the whole magic veins thing, gave the book a wider scope. I also, really liked that there was a “Previously” section at the beginning of the book. It was a nice refresher and allows readers to jump into the series without being totally lost.
Lastly, the ending! What’s going to happen?!?!
Altogether, I absolutely recommend this book (and the rest of the series for that matter) and I can’t wait till the grand finale in a couple of months!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
798 reviews91 followers
June 10, 2020
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

It has been exactly one year since I discovered and finished the first book in the Witch of Edgehill series by @writermsjackson . I have been hooked ever since. This is a paranormal cozy at its best. We have a quaint town, a cast of quirky characters and magic. So much magic and fantasy goodness! Add in a intriguing storyline with a mystery to solve and I loved every single part of this book.

Amber Blackwood, our favorite enchanted toy maker, makes her way to the neighboring village of Marbleglen - known for its low crime rate. That is until the chief of police is found murdered. To her surprise, the man accused of his demise happens to be a local witch! With the help of family and friends, Amber soon discovers that this prestige, floral frenzied town is quite corrupt.

I loved how all of our favorite characters have come together to rally around Amber. It’s neat to have the non-magical pals get excited and equally freaked out by her special abilities. Kim is the most perfect side kick. Her energy is infectious. The way Amber helps the Chief (of Edgehill) is still my favorite. Their interactions always make me laugh. I’m so glad that Jack is back. Their chemistry is slow burning and oh so sweet. Edgar was probably my fav in this story. He’s neurotic, anxious and painfully blunt and I love every moment of it. We even get to meet a few new characters who I hope will be series regulars.

The mystery was very well written and paced. It left me guessing and pointing fingers for quite some time. As with all of the previous books, you also have a wonderful story of Amber dealing with the dreadful Penhallows as they try time and time again to hunt down her mother’s grimoire. Let’s just say their was some fascinating and intense time traveling involved.

Being a former geocacher, I loved the idea of Magic Cache that was woven throughout this story. Magic can definitely enhance a good hiding place to level 5 quite quickly. I also got quite a good chuckle over Amber’s secret new Irish identity.

Fans of paranormal fantasy can’t go wrong with this series. I will anxiously await the announcement of book 5, Pawsitively Betrayed.
Profile Image for Marion Over.
265 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews47 followers
June 26, 2020
Pawsitively Swindled by Melissa Erin Jackson is an amazing story to read. This is book number four in this amazing series that I have been hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and cozy mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,196 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2020
I have read all the books in this series and none of them have disappointed, if anything, it seems to get better and better. I love how the characters have grown and developed and also how, even though there is a back story, each book works well as a standalone. Jackson has brought in and expanded Marbleglen, the neighbouring town and in doing so, introduced a whole host of new characters, and now some new friends and contacts into Amber's circle, which is brilliant, especially when Amber used to be more reclusive due to the fact that she was afraid that non magicals would find out that she was a witch.

My favourite however, has to be Owen, the chief of Police in Edgehill. He is such a straight shooter and no nonsense type of guy that when he has to accept and admit that magic is real, it seems like such a hard pill for him to swallow, it makes me laugh. It is also lovely to see his overcome his prejudices about magic and to start to give himself and Amber a chance to become friends - very heart warming. Keep up the good work, Jackson - more please!!
Profile Image for Carol.
1,058 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2020
This series gets better with every book I read. This is the 4th book in the series and its delightful. The mystery is well written and the characters are engaging and quirky. Definitely one of the better paranormal cozy mysteries out there today. This can be read as a standalone but for pure enjoyment you should start at the beginning. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
Profile Image for Kaili (Owl Book World).
266 reviews17 followers
December 12, 2020
I swear Melissa has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I’m at the point where I’m constantly checking when a new book is coming out.

*No rush Melissa! I just don’t want to miss out 🤣*

I actually really found myself liking Edgar a lot more in this book. There’s a few parts where I laughed at what happened to him. I’m also glad that that he’s being integrated more into Amber’s life. No one deserves to be alone all of their lives. Considering this one ended on more of a happy note I’m looking forward to reading what kind of mischief Amber gets herself into next.
Profile Image for wonderfullyweird88.
688 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2020
This book is the 4th book in the Witch of Edgehill series. The series needs to be read in order. This is one of my favourite cosy mysteries series. Set in a quaint town obsessed with cats with a cast of quirky characters and magic; this is a perfect combination.  Each book has its own mystery, this edition features geo-tagging and murder, with an overarching plot winding its way throughout. As more and more ordinary people discover Amber’s secret, her life will never be the same.  

This series is fun and enjoyable. If your looking for a new series to get hooked on then give this a go. 

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
16.6k reviews208 followers
June 10, 2020
Here we have a situation that could end up with more far-reaching dreadful consequences than just a cursed family’s reputation. Amber Blackwood lives in Edgehill. She is a witch who recently found her parents’ grimoires and the powerful time spells they contained. The evil Penhallow clan’s magic has been cursed, so they have been relentlessly looking for those grimoires so they can travel back in time and prevent their clan’s cursed magic. If they succeed, their interference could change history!

Going to the neighboring town of Marbleglen looking for a safe hiding place for the books, Amber gets caught up in a murder investigation. She had met another witch there, Simon, who is arrested for murdering Chief Jameson. Simon’s daughter, Bianca, a “frenemy” rival on the opposing Festival Committee, asks for Amber’s help. Simon had called Bianca the night of the Chief’s party and murder to tell her he thought he had been drugged. They wanted Amber’s help because her dad knew she had “memory magic” and there is a black hole in his mind from about 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., when he woke up in the back of a cop car. Amber has to find the real murderer to exonerate Simon who is obviously being framed. Who could have murdered the Chief? And why?

The book is well-written with engaging characters and a great mystery with lots of suspects! Join Amber in tracking down the guilty party and finding justice for the victim! And will she find a good place to safely hide her grimoires?
1,156 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2020
Amber and the Here and Meow committee need to work with Marbleglen committee, it doesn't go over very well. Amber is also working on her magic with Edgar, he is training her to hide the grimoires. Things are awkward with Jack, since he remembers everything that happened. Edgar has Amber looking for a magic cache, turns out she finds a witch in Marbleglen. She goes to the his house, they have a lovely conversation. He brings up his daughter, she is no other than the woman that gave her committee a hard time, Bianca. She shows up at her father's house, Amber takes that as her time to leave.
Amber gets a call from Bianca, saying her father was arrested for killing the sheiff of their town. She tells him that he was drunk and doesn't remember that time. He requests her help in trying to remember. At first Amber declines to get involved, than everything changes. She also has to worry about what Connor is really up to. And what is going on with the PenHallows as well

Things are really ramping for Amber, with her helping solving crimes, learning her magic, opening herself up. She is even meeting more witches. The only thing I am not to keen on is Edgar/ Kim, just seems to be a standard in books anymore. Would to see a new character for him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
251 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2020
This new installment in the Witch of Edgehill series is a fun to read paranormal mystery. Full of wonderful characters. Lots of funny moments. When Amber needs to find a place to hide the family book of spells she finds new friends, sort of, and mysteries to solve. You will find yourself turning the pages to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristin Whitehouse.
1,415 reviews27 followers
June 21, 2020
This is a cute series. I think I got the first one as an ARC. I was hooked from the beginning. Cozy paranormal with witches, the same characters and charming small town. Everything I love.
1,081 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2020
Amber is a witch and she needs to learn to control her magic better. Something is brewing in the town and amber wants to know what it is . Murder and magic with an air of mystery makes for a pleasant afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,946 reviews14 followers
June 14, 2020
Marbleglen and Edgehill are two neighboring, competing towns in general, but especially when it comes to their town festivals: Marbleglen the Flower Frenzy and Edgehill's Here and Miow. A combined opening to smooth the strained relationship was not ideal - and let to Amber and her crew trying to solve a murder. Amber herself is a witch, and her personal story brings even more drama into the story, with a magic battle about some grimoires.
A funny and entertaining story, with a touch of magic added to the mundane cozy in a small town setting.
Definitely a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
230 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2020
I have switched from romance to paranormal cozies in the last few years, and I have to say when I read books like this, it makes me happy for the change. Each author is different, so each series is different. I love the idea that Melissa Erin Jackson has come up with in this series. A young witch who makes magical toys. She was raised by magical parents, who lived a non magical life to protect their children from another family set out to steal their grimoires, which resulted in the death of her parents. Each book deals with this family in some way. Amber must learn her magic to hide the books again, and she keeps getting involved in different situations. This book is no different, there is murder, games, romance, and more. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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