Long Forgotten Stories

Book Magic Novels #2

by Melissa Bourbon

A gripping saga of mystery, magic, and resilience.

Join Pippin Lane Hawthorne as she unravels the dark history of her lineage, where every page turned and every long-forgotten story brings her closer to the truth. Will she be able to save her brother and end the curse, or will the dark forces that have plagued her family for generations continue their reign of terror?


A Curse

For centuries, the Lane family has been tormented by a relentless curse: generation after generation, the women perish in childbirth, while the men are claimed by the unforgiving sea. Pippin Lane Hawthorne, determined to break free from this dark legacy, opens the Sea Captain’s Inn on the windswept shores of the Outer Banks. But as the grand opening approaches, a sinister shadow looms over her new beginning.

A Murder

The celebration is shattered when a renowned scholar, investigating the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, is found brutally murdered at the inn. This grisly event and the ominous presence of a black crow haunting the property signals a foreboding future. Is this death merely a coincidence, or a harbinger of the curse tightening its grip on the Lane family once more?

A Brother's Reckless Defiance

As if the murder wasn’t enough, Pippin’s twin brother, Grey, defies their cursed fate by daring the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. Pippin is paralyzed with fear that Grey will become the next Lane male to be swallowed by the sea's merciless depths. Desperation and love drive her to confront the supernatural forces at play.

Harnessing an Ancient Power

To save her brother, solve the murder, and finally end the two-thousand-year-old pact that dooms her family, Pippin must embrace her gift of bibliomancy, uncovering hidden truths through the pages of books. With each revelation, she draws closer to the heart of the curse and the secrets that bind their fate.

*Formerly published as Murder at Sea Captain's Inn

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Paranormal, Family, Mystery Thriller, Magical Realism

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

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Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.

Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.

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Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a creative and fresh cozy mystery. It’s the second in the series and while cozy series can typically be read out of order I did feel I was missing a little something in not having read the first book, so I’d advise anyone considering to start there! I liked that there is a hint of supernatural in these as that’s not an element I see often unless it takes over the whole book/world. Pippin’s family is cursed - the women die in child birth and the men die at sea. The women also have some book magic, when they look in a book sometimes certain passages pop out allowing them to interpret the prophecy. Pippin’s inn is up and running in this book, but it is not going to be a smooth grand opening. I will say there was a lot of story before the murder which is also kind of a nice change. Sailor is by far my favorite character followed closely by Heidi.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Melissa Bourbon will capture your reader's imagination and keep your attention with "Murder at Sea Captain's Inn: A cozy mystery with a twist"--Book Two in the "Book Magic Mystery Series". Rich with history and mysticism, and the compelling lore of Irish mythology, this contemporary story is a delight for lovers of both history and mystery. After surviving much change and personal loss, twin siblings Pippin and Grey Hawthorne are moving forward with their lives. Having inherited a house on the famed Outer Banks of North Carolina from their late parents, brother and sister each have separate plans for the future. With Grey's help, Pippin will make over the house into a B&B called "Sea Captain's Inn", and Grey will open his own woodworking shop. The family curse still weighs heavily upon them both: The women in the family die in childbirth, and the men's lives are lost at sea. When one of Pippin's guests, who is connected to a search for ancient treasure and an archeological dig is murdered, Pippin works to solve the case and break the curse following her own family. Will her generational legacy of bibliomancy--the ability to foresee the future and unravel the past with the help of beloved books--give her the extra help she needs? Readers will be sure to enjoy the prequel book and the first book, as well as the upcoming third book in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Books, Brews & Booze · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Love:

Bibliomancy: What an intriguing idea, to be able to ask a book a question and have it reveal a pertinent passage!

A close sibling relationship! I often feel like books tend to focus on romantic relationships, but there are so many other kinds of relationships that are deep and defining in our lives.

Speaking of romance… I love how this book did not have a romance storyline in it. So many cozies do and that’s fine, of course, but it’s a refreshing change of pace to have a main character focusing on other aspects in her life.

That being said, I’m not opposed to romance making its way into future books! I have a suggestion for Pippin, lol. ;)


What I struggle with:

So many names of characters! This is not exclusive to this book or author -- this is something I struggle with in every cozy mystery. Sometimes I have to make lists of names and relationships, so I don’t get lost. So if you’re like me, I highly recommend making a list!

Murder at Sea Captain's Inn can be read as a standalone, but is the second in the Book Magic Mysteries series. I have not read the first book yet but am definitely going to do so. I didn’t need to have read the first one to understand what happens, but it definitely would have added a richness and background to the second book in the series.


Thank you, Melissa Bourbon, for the opportunity to read Murder at Sea Captain's Inn! I really enjoyed the setting, the main character and her relationships, and the twists and turns.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sea Captain’s Inn is ready for the grand opening. Pippin has worked hard getting the inn ready to open even with dealing with the aftermath for find her father’s remain 20 years after he went missing and finding out her family is cursed. Just went Pippin thinks all she had to deal with is a grumpy guest, convincing her brother the curse is real, and her new special gift, she finds another dead body. Now she must learn to use her bibliomancy gift to solve the murder, save her brother, and end the curse.

Wow! This is a really good series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but to learn more about the curse and the characters back story I would suggest reading at least book one. There is a prequel as well but I haven’t read it yet. The characters are interesting and well-developed. The chemistry between Pippin and the other characters has the ability to draw you into the story even without the mystery elements. The mystery is well-plotted and moves at a smooth steady pace. The twists and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to solve the mystery. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in (book) magic?
When Pippin Hawthorne learned that she is descended from a long line of bibliomancers, as well as having a curse follow her family from Ireland, she doesn't know what to believe. After using this gift to solve some mysteries, one being who murdered her father 20 years ago, she is now ready to find out if she can stop this curse that has plagued the Lane clan for 2000 years.
Not only does this book contain a well-planned mystery but the characters are engaging and the mix of history and magic lead the reader on a twisty-turny ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Although the book ended with a satisfying conclusion to the mystery of the murder that took place at the inn, I am eager to learn more about Pippin's family and what will happen to others if this curse isn't stopped.
This is the 2nd book in the Book Magic series and I highly suggest that readers start with the prequel, The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane, a Book Magic Mini Mystery #.5 to get every morsel of intriguing information about the characters' history. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mix history, myth, curse of a sea god, puzzling
mystery, a secret room, bibliomancy and murder
for an intriguing, interesting and enjoyable read.
Pippin Lane Hawthorne and her twin brother, Grey
have finished the renovations on the Sea Captain’s
Inn. It is located in Devil’s Cove, North Carolina.
Pippin will run the B&B while Grey is opening his
custom woodworking shop.
Both are living under the family curse put on
them generations ago. The curse: that the women
in the family will die in childbirth, and the men’s
lives are lost at sea.
One of the first guest at the Inn is a scholar who is
interested in the present archeological dig, ancient
treasures and the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Then
this scholar is murdered. Pippin starts to investigate.
I enjoyed the pace, the uniqueness of the book and
the history woven throughout the story.
One of my favorite parts of the story was that Pippin
has a disabled rescue dog. The dog added to flavor
to the book.
This is book #2 in the Book Magic Mystery series. It is
the first book that I read in the series. I look forward to
reading the other ones. The author provides enough
backstories along with the present for the reader to
feel as if they are right there along with the characters
I volunteered to read Murder at Sea Captains Inn. Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

ThIs is the second book in this series, but there is a prequel which tells the story of Pippen's and Grey's parents, how they met, and who they were as people. Very enjoyable it gives information about the town and Mrs. Pickle. Highly recommended stand-alone quick read.

Grey and Pippin have completed the rehabilitation of the old family home into a spectacular Inn/B&B and they are open for business. Grey has packed up his tools and moved them into his new wood working business across town and Pippin is ready for her first four guests to check in. She is also ready for the open house she is holding for the people in town.

Everything goes as planned until the next morning when she finds a dead body on the off limits widow's walk. With the help of her wonderfully written friends and her power (gift) of bibliomancy Pippin sets out to look for clues to solve the murder and release the curses on members of the Lane family.

I like this author's work and have read and enjoyed several of her series. The small town atmosphere makes the reader want to hop on their bicycle and take in all the sites. The people are friendly and are exactly how you expect small town to be in Devil's Cove (or Star's Hollow).

I hope you will enjoy this book and series as much as I did.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn Earns 5/5 Caws of a Crow…“Couldn’t Put Down” Gem!

Twin siblings Pippin and Grey Hawthorne were shocked, yet relieved, to finally learn after twenty years ago their father’s fate. However, another mystery, also one that greatly impacts their lives, has taken its place. The two knew a deadly curse plagued their family’s history, and after discovering a secret room in the old beach house they had inherited and were renovating, they find their father’s research, an ancient text, and their mother’s necklace. Their father had been trying to find the origin of the curse and break it, but he wasn’t successful…can they take up the mission and secure a better result? Can Pippin use her special talent of bibliomancy and use books to learn more about the curse and gain some direction?

Turning the old place into a B&B, appropriately named Sea Captain’s Inn, has been exciting and scary as Pippin has been fine tuning her hospitality over the past two months, and now, the official grand opening is set with all four available rooms occupied and several friends and a young employee eager to help make it a success. Her first arrival, academic Dr. Monique Baxter, seems quite knowledgeable (opinionated) on the subject of truth, history, evolving perspectives, and details surrounding the new archeological dig on the island, but none of that seems relevant when she ends up dead. A stranger with translucent eyes. A break in with nothing obviously taken. Twins so close, yet parting ways. A bereaved son eager to retrieve her belongings. An ancient artifact with interesting provenance.

Mellissa Bourbon has penned another outstanding adventure for this full-length book three in her Book Magic Mystery series, but it is important to note that to fully enjoy the series one needs to read the books in chronological order. It is a brilliant series, but the books build on the evidence, discoveries, and visitors’ connections along with floating words from various classic novels to uncover more about Pippin’s ancestors and the curse that makes it impossible for her to enjoy a fulfilling romance and her brother to enjoy anything related to the sea. There are often “spoilers” since characters in the previous books are still linked to the central mystery. None of this was a concern to me…I’m totally enjoying the books! In this book, the bibliomancy skill Pippin has been perfecting has become a key element in finding direction, “What do you have to tell me?” Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” reveals interesting ideas of secrets and sacrifice, Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” reveals how opposites intertwine like truth and lies, enemies and allies, right and wrong, and Nostradamus’ “My Prophecies” is a key that might be the life or death of the twins. The murder investigation does have a final surprise, yet satisfying, conclusion, but the discovery of more about the Lane family history, search for additional artifacts, and efforts to thwart the deadly curse continue. I love it and mark it as a big contender for “Top Favorites in 2022.” A treat is included, too: How to create a charcuterie board gives you the perfect way to treat your own houseguests.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Sea Captain's Inn is the 2nd book in the Book Magic Mystery series. The quality of the writing and the creativity of the story is outstanding. It is apparent that the author spent significant time researching the subject matter in order to write a very detail-oriented, authentic story. This fact impressed me about the first in the series and made me impatient to read the second.

Pippin and her twin brother Grey lost both parents at a young age and were raised by their grandparents. Their parents lives were somewhat of a mystery to them until they returned to Devil's Cove in the Outer Banks to claim the house their father left to them in his will. Pippin and Grey renovate the house, converting it to an inn which Pippin runs while Grey manages his own furniture business. In the first book they learn of the Lane family curse and Pippin is determined to reverse the curse before she and Grey become its next victims. Pippin uses her gift of bibliomancy to obtain clues into the curse and has enlisted a few of her new-found friends in the quest.

Pippin takes a break from her curse research to focus on the grand opening of the inn. Unfortunately one of the guests is murdered and Pippin quickly realizes that the curse, treasure-hunters that descend upon Devil's Cove, a local archaeological dig for the Lost Colony of Roanoke, and the murder are linked. Pippin uses all the resources available to determine who committed the murder and manages to put together a few more clues in the family curse.

Murder at Sea Captain's Inn is a book that "sticks with you" - you keep thinking about it long after you've read the last page and anxiously await the release of the next in the series (which cannot come soon enough!). The book is well-written, the characters ever-developing and maturing, the relationships are complex - brother and sister, Pippin and people who knew her parents, Pippin and her contemporaries. This is a mystery within a mystery and one can get so lost in the story line around the curse that you forget about the murder. Excellent writing!

Sea Captain's Inn is an ideal book with something for everyone - a cozy mystery, interesting and unique story lines, characters with whom you'd like to be friends, history, information that teaches you something and anticipation for the next in the series. The ending is very much unexpected and surprising. This is a book that you do not want to end, are surprised when it does and are relieved when you see there is another in the series.

I highly recommend Murder at Sea Captain's Inn as well as the first in the series. Book 3 is definitely going on the pre-order list!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a trilogy, listed as a cozy mystery with a twist. The main character, Pippin is putting finishing touches to her newly renovated bed and breakfast inn, while her brother, Gray, is working at his new woodworking workshop/design showroom. As with most cozy mysteries, Pippin becomes involved when a murder occurs on her premises, and she "helps" with the investigation to clear herself/her business. The twist occurs because of two supernatural touches to the trilogy. First, for generations, her family has been plagued by a curse, where the women are destined to die in childbirth, and the men drown at sea. Her father attempted to research this curse to break it before his beloved wife died, but failed. Pippin has now taken up this challenge for herself, finding a way to get around the curse so she can have children, and her brother can resume his love of sailing. Second, Pippin has a unique magical talent...that of bibliomancy, defined as the use of books in divination. She is convinced that this magic can help lead her to a solution for the curse. The story provides historical context, interesting characters, and of course, as always, a delightful animal companion with his own unique characteristics. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I think the reader would gain more depth keeping it in proper sequence. I am looking forward to following this story in Book 3. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.

[Moondance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippin and Grey are back for another adventure in Devil’s Cove NC. The renovations are complete on the family home and Pippin has opened Sea Captain’s Inn. Pippin seeks answers when a visiting historian is found dead on the widow’s walk.

This has quickly become a favorite series. I love the magic behind bibliomancy. I was a bit concerned when Grey was throwing caution to the wind regarding the family curse. I ached for Pippin as she watched his careless behavior.

The stories behind the Lost Colony of Roanoke were very well presented. The legends are well known to me as a native of North Carolina. Any mention of history triggers me to dig a bit deeper in the information provided.

I love Sailor! I appreciate the time it has taken Pippin to train this sweet dog with hand signals in regards to his deafness.

The mystery is very well done. I was taken by surprise when the culprit was revealed. I went back and re-read several sections where clues were presented. I’m always delighted when I discover the murderer with the characters.

The descriptions of Devil’s Cove make me a bit ashamed that I have never visited the Outer Banks. I need to remedy that.

This is an excellent addition to the series and I highly recommend it.

[SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn is the third book in Melissa Bourbon’s Book Magic series. Pippin Lane Hawthorne is running the home she inherited from her parents as an inn. Her brother, Grey, has his own custom woodworking business. They both live with the knowledge of a terrible curse that haunts their family. Pippin has the gift of bibliomancy, which she is using to try to stop the curse, but she finds it necessary to solve a murder as well. The murder seems random, but is it really?

I am in love with this series. It is so different than the cozy mystery series that I normally read. There are wonderful quotes at the beginning of every chapter, some I liked so much that I wrote them down. Then there are the thought provoking passages from the books that Pippin uses for bibliomancy, I can’t imagine the amount of research the author had to do to find the prefect passages. But there is so much more. Pippin’s interaction with the police is minimal and not antagonistic like in so many other mysteries. An idyllic setting. Surprising plot twists. Characters you will love, and some you will love to hate. I didn’t want the story to end. I can’t wait to read the next installment, and I hope this series continues for a long time.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Everything is looking up for Pippin and Grey. The Sea Captain's Inn renovation as a B&B is complete and the first guests are expected any minute. Grey has ventured out on his own and is starting up a wood working business. Pippin has found a great employee in Zoe, to help with the day to day running of the Inn. And the best is Pippin's rescue of Sailor the dog. The opening coincides with an archaeological dig in the area for things associated with Sir Walter Raleigh's quest to colonize. One of her guests is in town for the dig. Dr. Baxter is quite odd with several "demands" for her stay. A married couple also at the Inn, is interesting and quite busy site seeing. One other single man rounds out the first guests. He keeps to himself. The story progresses with someone being murdered at the Inn. A significant archaeological item find in Pippin's safe, and a strange man with clear eyes showing up and disappearing. He is quite unnerving. Someone has broken into Pippin's private room and she seems to be in danger. An ongoing thread from book one is Pippin using her gift of bibliomancy to try to find out how to stop the curse of the Lane family. (Wouldn't that be a fun thing to have. Bibliomancy.) We learn more about the locals in Devils's Cove. Jamie the bookstore owner and his family. Ruby the owner of the local winery. We also learn more about the very interesting family history of the Lane family. Sneak peek at book three looks to be very interesting...I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Emily C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While recuperating from her father’s death, Pippin Lane Hawthrone often wraps her head around her family’s ancestral curse which has proved true generation after generation.
While Pippin and her friends are busy celebrating her Sea Captain’s Inn official grand opening, one of her first guests is found dead – murdered actually!
MURDER AT SEA CAPTAIN’S INN is an intriguing mystery that is entwined within a web of secret and spellwork!
Melissa Bourbon has deftly waved her magic wand and spun this original entertaining Book Magic Mystery series which will take you on a fascinating and magical ride!
I enjoyed this story with its loveable characters, especially Sailor; and its enchanting Devil’s Cove with its precious The Book Shop!

I would like to thank Melissa Bourbon for giving me the opportunity to read and review the ARC of MURDER AT SEA CAPTAIN’S INN.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything historical, so when I saw this book I didn’t know it was a cozy mystery and once I started reading it it didn’t matter. This book was so good and if this is what a cozy mystery is I am in. It was so good I thoroughly enjoyed it I especially loved Pippen. It seems like the author has a great knack for good characters because with the exception of one or two they all seemed very likable and the plot was so good and if you are used to reading cozy mysteries that you can figure out I can promise you that won’t happen here. It was so good I know I said that but I want to keep saying it lol!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story with a lot of twists and turns. Pippen is a very likable character, and I admire how loyal she is to the people she loves. This book was very well written, and had me engrossed from beginning to end.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the grand opening of Pippin Lane Hawthorn's Sea Captain's Inn and she's up to her elbows with preparations and...murder of a guest! While she tries to pin down the murderer, she is also working to defy the family curse: The men die at sea and the women in childbirth.

I was very excited to review Melissa Bourbon's latest book in her Book Magic Mystery series. Not only is this series set in my beloved Northeastern NC (specifically, the Outer Banks) but this particular story involves the centuries old mystery of the Lost Colony. I love this author's characters - they are interesting and fun without being silly. Ms. Bourbon's attention to detail brought about by historical research is evident in her writing. I am looking forward to going back to read the other books in this series (and her other series) as well as what is to come for the Hawthorn twins.

Thank you to the author and Cozy Mystery Review Crew for my review copy.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Irish family secrets from long ago. Breaking a curse, mystery, suspense, and murder. I read this book in a day and a half after receiving it at no cost to me from the author. It's even signed. The book is "on the edge of your seat" gripping. The characters are likable, and there is an intense charm of the old sea captain's home with a hidden room and library. An excellent book that is worth the read.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for the grand opening of the Sea Captain's Inn. Pippin, along with her twin brother Grey, has worked hard to get the place in tip top shape. Finally her first guests arrive. Unfortunately it is not long before one of her guests is found murdered. Pippin starts to suspect that it may have something to do with the family curse. Much of the book is Pippin trying to find a way to break the thousand year old curse. She also continues her experimentations with bibliomancy, telling the future through books. Sounds like a cool power to have, but often the clues she received made little sense to me.

I like the characters, especially Pippin.They make small town life very appealing. The story telling was well paced and interesting. I wasn't exactly sure why the artifact they discovered was so important but that didn't stop me from enjoying the rest. I am looking forward to book 3 in the series.

I received a free review copy from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the author.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book Magic Mystery series is such a splendid way to spend a couple of hours. It starts with a curse; the women in the family are doomed to die in childbirth and their men doomed to be taken by the sea. Add in the special power the women sometimes have as bibliomancers, that in itself makes this series intriguing. What avid reader wouldn’t want to be able to do that?

In Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn, Pippin and her brother Grey are the latest descendents of the Lane family. Pippin is desperate to find a way to break the family curse if only to save her brother from his seemingly preordained fate. She has turned the house they inherited from their parents into a bed and breakfast and she has her hands full with the grand opening. It is bad enough that one of her guests has turned up dead, but as Pippin gets pulled into investigating, it turns out that the woman may have known something about the curse that has been following the Lanes for the past two millennia.

Melissa Bourbon knows how to tell a story. Honestly, that is all that needs to be said.

There is so much going on in the 250+ pages of this book. Pippin has picked up her father’s investigation into her lineage and is learning to have confidence in her role as a biblimancer. That narrative alone is fascinating. I could read a 500 page book on that aspect of the story alone. The Lane women are so genuinely interesting, I keep coming back for more.

I truly enjoyed the tidbits of archeology and history laced into the plot. With a budding archaeologist in the house, I admit to being just a little too excited to read about optically stimulated luminescence in the course of a mystery novel. I mean that doesn’t just pop up in a typical conversation. I also love that I didn’t see whodunnit until it was explained. When Pippin figured it out, I was hoping she was wrong because I just didn’t want to believe it, but of course it was there in the clues the whole time. How did I miss it? Simply put, the clues are so subtly woven into the story that it is easy to forget that we, as readers, are here to help Pippen solve a mystery.

I do think this reads well as a stand alone if this is your first experience with the series. Still, book 1 and its prequel are so worth the effort. The story isn’t all told yet, so I will be back for more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Cozy Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing.

Fast-paced, upbeat tale of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. Friendships and family both old and new enrich this story and set a smile on your face. I especially liked the deaf dog named Sailer.

I heartily recommend this book and series to lovers of cozy mysteries with a little paranormal on the side.

[Christine Denicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit … I was intrigued from the first sentence … really, from the type of “cozy” mystery described as “book magic.” And the book did not disappoint. Really … the author, Melissa Bourbon, had me at the combination of magic and bookstore. An added bonus is that I’ve always wanted to stay in (on?) the Outer Banks … and now I feel like I know what a barrier island has to offer. And now I want to visit more than ever.

The story itself centers on Pippin Lane Hawthorne, who is in the midst of opening the Sea Captain’s Inn … a rather small inn by some standards but one filled with enough misdeeds, not to mention, murder, to equal The Stanley Hotel (featured in “The Shining”).

One of the premises for the book is that Pippin … and her twin brother Grey … live under a curse that has existed for at least two centuries. For Pippin …. it means she will die delivering a child. For Grey … it means a watery death. Pippin thinks she can live without children but for Grey … the sea is a siren that continually beckons him. Pippin is also a bibliomancer … and I won’t spoil that for you if you, like me, had to research just what that meant!

The murder at the Sea Captain’s Inn takes place relatively early in the story … but I prefer my mysteries to unravel the search for the killer rather than the search for whom will be murdered. But the “unraveling” also leads the reader into a search for lost treasure … and the answer to breaking the curse. It’s rare that I don’t have some clue as to “whodunit.” But not with this book … this book will keep you on your toes … and eyes alert … from page one through the end.

Another “add-on” to this book is that it delves into the Lost Colony and even references Sir Francis Drake and his exploration of America (albeit, the other coastline). One visit to England found us in Devon … where we could visit one of the original houses where Sir Frances Drake lived … now I want to return and see if I can pick up any other tidbits!

Two postscripts … one … I love a book that introduces every chapter with a quotation. Sometimes famous. Sometimes from a famous author. The second postscript is that I was not reimbursed in any way for this review but I did receive a free copy of the book. And that’s fine because I’ll be pleased to buy all the rest of Bourbon’s work!
Murder at Sea Captain's Inn: A cozy mystery with a twist

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can They Break the Family Curse?

"Long Forgotten Stories" is Book 2 of A Book Magic series, written by Melissa Bourbon. This book was previously published as "Murder at Sea Captain's Inn". This episode is about Pippin’s Grand Opening of The Sea Captain's Inn. Even though the renovation work is not completed, Pippin opens the inn, renting out the available rooms: two singles and one two-room suite. She hires a housekeeper/cook who offers her services to Pippin. The guests are a man, a married couple, and a Dr. who is a university professor of archaeology. Other characters enter the inn, but not as guests: Hugh is a mysterious man with spooky crystalline eyes; Ron is supposed to be the son to a murdered victim; Gin White is a woman who claims to have the original Dare Stone from the Lost Roanoke Colony; and Bryan, a man who stops by the inn, as well as the bookstore. We also have our regulars: Cyrus McAdams, Jamie McAdams, Mathilda and Heidi McAdams, Daisy Santiago, Ruby Monroe,Pippin's neighbor Hattie Juniper Pickle, and Pippin’s brother Grey Hawthorne. We also meet Jamie' mother, Erin McAdams. I honestly love ALL of the members in the McAdams family, except for Jamie's ex-wife, Miranda. This episode has more than one mystery. First of all, there is the mystery of Pippin’s Lane Family curse, where all the Lane women die in childbirth and all the Lane men die in the sea. There might be a chance to break this curse in this volume, but will Pippin and Grey be able to accomplish that feat? Secondly, one of the Sea Captain's Inn's first guests is murdered, and Pippin and another guest find the body. Why would somebody murder this guest, and what was the killer looking for in the guest's room? Thirdly, who is the mysterious crystallined-eyed man and what connection does he have to Salty Gallagher, the man who murdered Pippin and Grey's father twenty years ago. I really love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, especially Chapter 37's quote from A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh . . . "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you." This statement is so personal to me because I have outlived nearly every person I've loved: my mom, dad, grandparents, husband, and daughter. I only have my brother left to love, and he is so very good to me. I am physically disabled and he helps me in almost every way possible. I hope I leave this world before he does. I gave this book 5 stars.

[Brittani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Bourbon brings us back to the mysteries of Devil's Cove in her second installment of the Book Magic Mysteries!

Pippin is finally opening up her renovated family home as an inn. After months of tireless preparation, she has her first guests and everything is going well... until one of the guests is found murdered. Family secrets and lore intertwine with her guest's untimely demise, which makes Pippin ponder exactly what she's gotten herself into.

I enjoyed this second full story of the Book Magic mysteries. I do suggest that the reader reads book one, Murder in Devil's Cove: A traditional mystery with a cozy twist, and the prequel novella, The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane, a Book Magic Mini Mystery #.5, prior to reading this one. The three stories intersect quite a bit, and I feel the reader may be mystified by certain plot points if they haven't already read the previous stories.

I love the characters Bourbon writes, in particular the side characters. They're so colorful and seem to pop right off the page. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the Lane family history in the third book releasing in September, Death at Cape Misery: A traditional mystery with a cozy twist.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pippin Lane Hawthorne and her brother Grey inherited their parents’ house in Devil’s Cove, North Carolina. After renovations, they turned it into a small lodging establishment and named it Sea Captain’s Inn. As Grey decided to start his own woodworking business, Pippin is the innkeeper at the Inn.

Pippin, who is new at practicing bibliomancy, is already dealing with the Lane family curse and trying to figure out how to end it when a guest at the Inn discovers a dead body. The police deem it a homicide. The victim was staying in Devil’s Cove for an archaeological dig. However, all is not as it seems. Why was the deceased really at the Inn? Pippin takes it upon herself to find out the reason and identify the killer. Things become more complicated as Pippin discovers an ancestral secret and continues her dead father’s research into family history and how to stop the curse from taking the lives of her and Grey. Is the homicide somehow linked to her family?

Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn is the second book and a captivating read in A Book Magic Mystery series. The figurative language used by Melissa Bourbon is creative and makes the story come alive and gives readers a way to visualize scenes in their minds while reading. Pippin is a likable character with real-life struggles as she attempts to find answers about her heritage and the mystery behind the murder. Supportive friendships, disagreements in beliefs, ancestral lore, secrets, lies, and deception are woven into the story. Furthermore, readers are given a look into the art of cheese tasting.

Readers can refer to a map of Devil’s Cove to identify where the story takes place. The author also includes a family tree depicting ancestors in the Lane family, which is in very small print. The use of curse words is in a scant amount. Even though the book could use better editing, it does not detract from an enjoyable reading experience. At the conclusion, the author includes directions for ideas on putting together a charcuterie board and an excerpt from the third book in the series, Death at Cape Misery.

[Cynthia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at Sea Captain's Inn, the third (if you count the mini-prequel) in the Book Magic mysteries, by Melissa Bourbon is an intriguing addition to the series. In this installment, Pippin has opened her B&B and is experiencing the challenges facing any small business owner. When she discovers her twin brother Grey out on the water, challenging the family curse, she is more than distressed but Grey just won’t listen to her. During her grand opening celebration she discovers a mysterious man with strange crystalline eyes wandering around her B&B then if that wasn’t bad enough, one of her guests is murdered on the widow’s walk. Pippin has to put her bibliomancy skills to work to save her business and her family.

This was an spellbinding mystery with a tightly woven plot that kept me reading long into the night. I was completely captivated by the well-developed, relatable multi-generational characters and couldn’t help cheering Pippin on while admiring her tenacity and strength. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) I am definitely looking forward to future books in this series.

[Julie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between the lead character in this book, Pippin Lane Hawthorne, and the other characters makes you feel like you have known them in a previous life. There is a perfect mix of magic and history in the story as Pippin attempts to stop a curse that has plagued her ancestors for 2000 years. Pippen and her twin brother have inherited their parent’s home, and is hosting the grand opening of that home as a small inn, when adventure and the murder of one of her initial guests occurs. All the elements of the multiple mysteries revealed in the story are well-plotted and move along at a steady clip, while maintaining your interest along the way.
The author utilized perfect passages and quotes as introductions to each chapter, and they were so thought-provoking that I copied many of them to re-read and use in some form at a future date. It is obvious that the author completed extensive research prior to starting this series, and I am eagerly waiting to read the next installment in the series.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance digital reader copy from the author, Melissa Bourbon, and all opinions stated here are my own.)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series, and I thought it worked fine as a stand-alone. As I always say when I start a series in the middle and enjoy it....I'll definitely go back and read the first one!

This was actually two mysteries in one. The main story was about Pippen trying to solve the murder of a guest at her inn. But there was also a secondary mystery in which Pippen is trying to learn more about her family's curse and how to stop it. I liked both storylines, and enjoyed the way Pippen goes about trying to figure things out.

Pippen is a great main character. I found her likable and clever, as well as genuinely kind. Other characters were also interesting, and well-developed as individuals. It was easy to keep everyone straight, as each person was unique.

There were plenty of clues to the main mystery, and when all was revealed, everything made sense. I didn't figure it out until about the same time Pippen did.

I look forward to reading more in this series. I would love to see more of Pippen's twin bother Gray in the next book!

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grand opening of Sea Captain's Inn is tainted for Pippin when a guest is found murdered. The woman was a historian studying the Lost Colony of Roanoke so why would someone kill her? And, as if that wasn't enough to worry about, Pippin's twin brother, Grey, decides to thwart the family curse by going out in the waters around the island. Pippin is pulled into the murder mystery using her bibliomancy skills.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review. This is the second full length book in the series although there's also a novella that is basically a prequel (which I haven't read yet). I really enjoyed both books in this series. This book was well-written with wonderful characters and it drew me in from the beginning keeping me hooked throughout. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Sea Captain's Inn is the second book in the Book Magic Mystery series by Melissa Bourbon.

Pippin has converted her parents home into the Sea Captain’s Inn and is having her grand opening. She’s also trying to break the family curse to save herself and her twin brother, Grey.

I was able to read this as a standalone book, but there is also the story about the family curse that is a bigger story. Before I read the third book, up I will read the prequel and book 1 for more information about that.

I love the setting of this book. It’s always fun to read about an area you are familiar with. Pippin is very likable. I can’t imagine having difficulty reading. The relationship with her brother is relatable. There are some quirky characters and a sweet, deaf dog. I was surprised at the ending.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.