Potions and Playing Cards

Spooky Games Club #3

by Amy McNulty

Fixated on researching ways to break her curse once and for all, jinxed witch and do-gooder Dahlia Poplar doesn’t know how well she’ll do in the upcoming Euchre Tournament, the Luna Lane Spooky Games Club’s first sponsored event. With visiting professor Cable Woodward due to depart to spend more of his sabbatical on the road, Dahlia can’t admit that he may be the reason she’s so determined to finally leave behind the cozy comforts of home.

Unfortunately, her efforts stir up unwanted attention from the one who cursed Dahlia to begin with, the evil witch whose shadow has loomed over all of the dreadful events in Luna Lane. When the tournament ends prematurely, there’s a body charred to ashes, and Dahlia takes it upon herself to figure out if the wicked witch is behind the disaster. Somehow, she needs to brew the right potion to break her curse while solving the paranormal message encoded in the club’s playing cards, all while keeping her loved ones safe.

Her very life may be the ante she risks to get to the bottom of everything that’s been plaguing her since birth—and if she can’t bluff her way to winning, Dahlia Poplar may prove to be the dead card that’s no longer in play.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, Fantasy

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2020

About the author

Amy McNulty is an editor and author of books that run the gamut from YA speculative fiction to contemporary romance. A lifelong fiction fanatic, she fangirls over books, anime, manga, comics, movies, games, and TV shows from her home state of Wisconsin. When not editing her clients’ novels, she’s busy fulfilling her dream by crafting fantastical worlds of her own.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could move to Luna Lane. Everyone knows everyone. And there is nothing they won't do for one another. And doesn't matter if they are witch, werewolf, vampire or another paranormal creature. Dahlia learns more of her past and what it means to be Dahlia. The ending will bring you to tears. Totally unexpected for me, but so fitting and leaving the door open for many more stories. The characters are one of a kind and their interactions are what I wish I could have with the people in my life. I beg Ms. McNulty to write more of the Spooky Games Club series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potions and Playing Cards by Amy McNulty is the third book in her A Spooky Games Club Mystery series. This story is full of surprises. Dahlia discovers some family truths which shocked me. The planned Euchre tournament sponsored by the Spooky Games Club ended up being nothing like the group planned. The pace of this story was perfect. I couldn't put this book down. I am glad that the author answered so many questions about Dahlia's mother's death and the family's background and past. I am also very glad that there are more adventures ahead for Dahlia Poplar.

[Agna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Spooky Games Club series, and Dahlia finally discovers who her father is and what it means to be a Poplar witch. The truth is shocking, scary and twisted. And now Dahlia has to face the evil witch whose curse has loomed over her since birth. This page-turner ends with a wonderful, action-packed scene that makes you want to start reading Dahlia’s next adventure right away.
I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in this series is by far my favorite so far. We have gotten to know the community of Luna Lane and we all have our favorites but then a twist comes out of nowhere and then another and another to keep you page turning through to the end.

I laughed, gasped, was happy, scared, and laughing all throughout this book. I can not wait to read the next installment of the Spooky Games Club series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters of Luna Lane and especially Dahlia feel like close friends and every book I read, I get to know them a bit better. Mischief is afoot during a Euchre tournament and Dahlia is set on finding out the truth of what happened. Throughout this story, we get a closer look at Cinnamon's life before coming to Luna Lane. I cannot wait to hear back to Luna Lane for more mysteries! Thank you Amy McNulty for the copy!

[Katherine Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this third book in the series. I can’t wait until another is written. I really could not put this one down. Dahlia really wants to break her curse and Luna Lane’s Spooky Games clued is hosting its first big event. Trouble quickly brews up and soon Dahila discovers things about her past that will shock her and others. I really like how the 3 book arc wraps up and yet leaves room for the story to continue. So a delight to read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so lucky to read this series and this book is definitely the best yet. With quirky characters and a fascinating storyline this paranormal cozy has it all. Witches, vampires, werewolves and gargoyles? all inhabit Luna Lane. Spells go wonky as Dahlia tries to save herself and her friends from danger. I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia has agreed to play in the local euchre tournament, in spite of not knowing how to play. As we know from the past, the group games lead to lots of trouble and this is no exception.

I enjoy this spooky games club series and the wonderful characters. Dahlia learns a lot about herself in this book

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just just chalked full of mysteries and secrets! I couldn’t put it down. And the ending was just perfect! Loved it!

[Myra Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of amazing twist

This is one of the most unique series in the cozy paranormal genre. Dahlia is a heroine that is easy to root for. The previous two books have built up to Dahlia finally breaking her curse but there's unexpected twist and revelations. There's tons of creative imagination in the series. I can't wait to see what happens with Dahlia in the next books.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I think you need to have read or listened to the previous books to get the full experience, understanding and enjoyment of this book. Mainly because the story is focused more on the understanding and possible breaking of the main characters curse. I was a little bit worried this meant the end of the series, so was pleased to find out there was more to come, even with the changes in the wind. The characters are fun and quirky, I especially like the playful and cheeky magic Broom. Although there is a lot of great supernatural creatures and characters to keep it entertaining and magical. The mystery wasn't what it seemed but played out we!l and I can't wait for the next book.

Despite not knowing how to play, Dahlia the local witch agrees to take part in the Euchre tournament the Games club has arranged. With a visitor attending, things are off to a rocky start and an explosion has her scrabbling. When everything settles down a body is found in the ashes and Dahlia's friend is missing. Dahlia was cursed to do a good deed every day or turn to stone and she thinks the witch involved is back and behind everything. Can Dahlia find her friend before it's to late? The only clue is the playing cards from the tournament and an old man's memory.

[Amanda Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so good this author really stepped up her writing game in this one I have no notes. The mystery though light was perfection. The depth of the characters was much better the story was fabulous. The twist phenomenal. Her chapter lay out was perfection I've had real trouble with her chapter layouts with the previous two books. But it read easier the story flowed so much better. The characters are cute sweet and lovable. The ending flowed with the rest of the story. It also felt very satisfying and really made your heart feel it. The first two are readable adorable and I recommend but this book she really found her stride and truly renewed my excitement for the rest of this precious series.

I say 5 stars and 10 out of 10 this book was awesome and I read it in 7 or 8 days it breezed by and kept me fully involved the whole read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this 3rd book of the Spooky Games Club series!

In this story we learn more about Dahlia's family history and the reasons for the curse that she has to live with daily. But of course not without all the fun along the way with her potential new love interest, her best friend the werewolf, her ex boyfriend the vampire and the many other town residents in Luna Lane. The Spooky Games Club set up a tournament with an Euchre card game but Dahlia barely started to learn the rules of the game when disaster struck and they had another dead body on their hands!

This was a great story with lots of wonderful characters. 😊

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dahlia is frustrated trying to break her curse

What I enjoyed:
* A lot of backstory is learned Dahlia is witch royalty and her father was a gargoyle. Ethine is her aunt and was trying to make her tough for the battle with witches to come
* the "curse" is finally and completely broken, she is no longer growing scales and can leave town

What could have been better:
* Dahlia was acting like a toddler, refusing to delay anything and do her good deeds and was properly punished
* I still don't understand why Eithne had to die

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia Poplar is a witch who is cursed. As she searches for a way to break the curse, she is enrolled to compete in Luna Lane’s first Euchre tournament. When the tournament ends early due to an explosion, Dahlia suspects foul play. Is the witch who cursed her behind it? Lots of twists and turns kept me interested and a lot of backstory info is revealed. Very enjoyable read.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this engaging series. Overall I enjoy the characters. It took me longer to complete this book as I really did not like a new character that was introduced. When I finally finished the book, everything made sense.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to this story!

I did not see the story ending this way! It was fantastic! I couldn’t stop reading it until I knew what was going on. I’m so glad the series continues.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia is back and discovers more about her family in this book. It is just as good as the previous ones.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle unlimited

Liked it even flawed but with only 3 to series so far doubtful will remember to check back to see if anymore out

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how the town folks all care so much about each other. Good backstory on Dahlia's mother's family.

[Maureen McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will keep your attention until the end.

An easy read that will keep your attention to the end. Interesting characters that you will want to read about if there are future books.

[Nanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting read with Dahlia and the crew. This series is entertaining.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and although it wraps things up the author left room for future books in the series. This had some twists that I wasn’t expecting.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna Lane's jinxed witch and do-gooder Dahlia Poplar has been so fixated on researching ways to finally break her curse that she's not sure how well she'll do in the upcoming Euchre tournament. It doesn't help that she's never played the game. And she's so distracted that she's having trouble keeping up with her daily good deeds. The stone scales are getting larger, which makes it even more vital that she find a way to break the curse. There's also the fact that visiting professor, Cable Woodward, is due to leave Luna Lane so he can spend part of his sabbatical on the road and if she doesn't break the curse, there's no way she'll be able to accompany him, as she still can't go past the town boundaries. But, her efforts to break the curse seem to be attracting the attention of the witch who cursed her in the first place. When the Luna Lane Spooky Games Club's Euchre ends unexpectedly with a body that's been charred to ashes, Dahlia is determined to find out if he wicked witch is behind the disaster. She needs to figure out how to brew the right potion to break her curse while also solving the paranormal message encoded in the club's playing cards and keeping her friends safe.

I am enjoying this series so much and book three is no exception. It's an easy, enjoyable read. I think the characters are so sweet and fun. I love Luna Lane and would move there if I could. I love how accepting everyone is of each other and their individual quirks. From the vampires to the werewolves, to the "normal" human residents, everyone who lives in Luna Lane works together to keep each other's secrets and keep everyone safe. I'm so looking forward to reading more of Dahlia's adventures.

I'd like to thank Amy McNulty for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The content of this review has not been affected by this.