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Hedgewitch for Hire #1
Grave Mistake
When you pull up stakes, make sure you don’t get stabbed in the back.
Self-taught in the arcane arts, hedgewitch Selena Marx is comfortable doing divination for West Los Angeles’ anxiety-ridden housewives, lawyers, and aspiring actresses. Her biggest challenge? Avoiding Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild, who views her as fresh meat to add to his harem of slavishly devoted groupies.
Selena’s not interested in the slimy, celebrity-schmoozing sorcerer, but nobody turns Lucien down without consequences. When he threatens to fit her with magical cement shoes and drop her off the Santa Monica Pier, Selena’s Tarot cards point her to Globe, Arizona, for a new home, a new shop, and a cursed pet cat.
Just as she’s settling in and meeting the locals — including Calvin Standingbear, hunky chief of the San Ramon Apache tribal police — Lucien tracks her down…and promptly disappears. When his body turns up on tribal lands, it’s up to Calvin to investigate. Starting with Selena.
And when one of Lucien’s acolytes is killed, traces of dark magic and cryptic warnings from the spirits send Selena and Calvin in a race against time — before a too-close-for-comfort evil cuts her own life short.
The Hedgewitch for Hire series will continue with book 2, Social Medium, releasing on March 31, 2021. The romance subplot will stretch over the entire series, while each novel will be a self-contained mystery without a cliffhanger.
Self-taught in the arcane arts, hedgewitch Selena Marx is comfortable doing divination for West Los Angeles’ anxiety-ridden housewives, lawyers, and aspiring actresses. Her biggest challenge? Avoiding Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild, who views her as fresh meat to add to his harem of slavishly devoted groupies.
Selena’s not interested in the slimy, celebrity-schmoozing sorcerer, but nobody turns Lucien down without consequences. When he threatens to fit her with magical cement shoes and drop her off the Santa Monica Pier, Selena’s Tarot cards point her to Globe, Arizona, for a new home, a new shop, and a cursed pet cat.
Just as she’s settling in and meeting the locals — including Calvin Standingbear, hunky chief of the San Ramon Apache tribal police — Lucien tracks her down…and promptly disappears. When his body turns up on tribal lands, it’s up to Calvin to investigate. Starting with Selena.
And when one of Lucien’s acolytes is killed, traces of dark magic and cryptic warnings from the spirits send Selena and Calvin in a race against time — before a too-close-for-comfort evil cuts her own life short.
The Hedgewitch for Hire series will continue with book 2, Social Medium, releasing on March 31, 2021. The romance subplot will stretch over the entire series, while each novel will be a self-contained mystery without a cliffhanger.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2020
490 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
218 books1,096 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 29, 2021
It wasn't that it was terrible, it is just that Selene is really, really, really stupid. I mean, yeesh.
She deserved to end up in jail by the end, at minimum. And honestly, she probably should have ended up dead. This lady is dumber than a box of hair.
I like cozy mysteries, paranormal or not. I like the occasional low-stress read, which these are. But I like for the leads to exhibit common sense and survival skills. If you are going to go meandering through a murder-mystery, let's please do it with a good eye on your health and well-being, please.
Selene just ambles through this whole book like an affable toddler, curious and positive no harm can come to her even though people are dying all over the place. She knows they are murdered by magic, yet Total dumbass.
Probably will not read onward.
She deserved to end up in jail by the end, at minimum. And honestly, she probably should have ended up dead. This lady is dumber than a box of hair.
I like cozy mysteries, paranormal or not. I like the occasional low-stress read, which these are. But I like for the leads to exhibit common sense and survival skills. If you are going to go meandering through a murder-mystery, let's please do it with a good eye on your health and well-being, please.
Selene just ambles through this whole book like an affable toddler, curious and positive no harm can come to her even though people are dying all over the place. She knows they are murdered by magic, yet Total dumbass.
Probably will not read onward.
not-going-there
June 17, 2021I only read a few pages, so I don't really feel a DNF is fair here, but I do not like the narrative voice here. It feels like the MC is trying to buddy-buddy schmooze me into not judging her.
August 2, 2022
It was an okay read and then towards the end, seriously, she became way to stupid. You literally invite a murder suspect to spend the night at your house?? Actually, you’re wondering, is it safe BEFORE you invite this person but do so anyway because they appear so young 🙄🙄😒😒 dumb dumb dumb. I keep asking , why do these authors insist on making their female main characters so darn dumb, while proclaiming how “intelligent” independent” “smart” blah blah blah they are, write them that way then, others have, so can you, just because it’s a cozy doesn’t mean MC has to be to stupid to live 🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
March 22, 2022
Update: I just reread this book and it holds up well. I enjoyed it even more the second time and have updated from 4 to 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book about Selena, a self-taught witch. She leaves LA to get away from a wizard and his gang. Her magic leads her to a small town named Globe. There she starts to settle into the small town life, making new friends and opening her own business. But trouble follows her to her new life.
This story gave me everything I love about paranormal cozy mysteries. A smart heroine, a handsome potential love interest, good friends and all the quirky characters that come with small town life. I did guess the culprit in the murder mystery but it was still an interesting mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in these series.
I enjoyed this book about Selena, a self-taught witch. She leaves LA to get away from a wizard and his gang. Her magic leads her to a small town named Globe. There she starts to settle into the small town life, making new friends and opening her own business. But trouble follows her to her new life.
This story gave me everything I love about paranormal cozy mysteries. A smart heroine, a handsome potential love interest, good friends and all the quirky characters that come with small town life. I did guess the culprit in the murder mystery but it was still an interesting mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in these series.
March 19, 2021
Enjoyable, but not outstanding, short paranormal novel from an author that I've followed for years. This is first in a new series. I haven't decided if I will continue with the series.
November 21, 2021
Writing was meh but the protagonist being annoying and dumb is what sealed the deal for me. Stopped reading after a few chapters.
January 20, 2022
After being in a reading slump it’s great to finally read something interesting. That is the case with “Grave Mistake.” The characters and the plot both sparked my interest.
Hedge witch, Selena is happy living in her duplex in L. A. practicing her craft as long as Lucien Dumond, the leader of GLANG, necromancy society leaves her alone but that isn’t going to happen because he not only wants her to work for him he wants her in his bed. When rumors begin flying that he is coming after her, she picks up and moves to Globe, Arizona. While moving into her new shop/ house she meets her new familiar, a talking cat named Archie.
Selena is quite happy the night of her grand opening especially when she meets the handsome Chief Calvin Standingbear. Of course her happiness is cut short when none other than Lucien shows up. After a heated argument it is not a surprise that she is the number one suspect when he is found murdered the next day.
As Selena attempts to discover who killed Lucien she works her way into Cal’s investigation. Try as he might, Selena is an unmistakable force he can’t shake. The question is whether or not they can work together to solve this murder before someone else falls victim, namely Selena?
I really enjoyed this read. There was just the right amount of snarkiness, action and intrigue. Of course the sexual chemistry between Selena and Cal was also a plus. I cannot wait to read book two.
Sel
Hedge witch, Selena is happy living in her duplex in L. A. practicing her craft as long as Lucien Dumond, the leader of GLANG, necromancy society leaves her alone but that isn’t going to happen because he not only wants her to work for him he wants her in his bed. When rumors begin flying that he is coming after her, she picks up and moves to Globe, Arizona. While moving into her new shop/ house she meets her new familiar, a talking cat named Archie.
Selena is quite happy the night of her grand opening especially when she meets the handsome Chief Calvin Standingbear. Of course her happiness is cut short when none other than Lucien shows up. After a heated argument it is not a surprise that she is the number one suspect when he is found murdered the next day.
As Selena attempts to discover who killed Lucien she works her way into Cal’s investigation. Try as he might, Selena is an unmistakable force he can’t shake. The question is whether or not they can work together to solve this murder before someone else falls victim, namely Selena?
I really enjoyed this read. There was just the right amount of snarkiness, action and intrigue. Of course the sexual chemistry between Selena and Cal was also a plus. I cannot wait to read book two.
Sel
May 1, 2025
When you pull up stakes, make sure you don’t get stabbed in the back.
Self-taught in the arcane arts, hedgewitch Selena Marx is comfortable doing divination for West Los Angeles’ anxiety-ridden housewives, lawyers, and aspiring actresses. Her biggest challenge? Avoiding Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild, who views her as fresh meat to add to his harem of slavishly devoted groupies.
Selena’s not interested in the slimy, celebrity-schmoozing sorcerer, but nobody turns Lucien down without consequences. When he threatens to fit her with magical cement shoes and drop her off the Santa Monica Pier, Selena’s Tarot cards point her to Globe, Arizona, for a new home, a new shop, and a cursed pet cat.
Just as she’s settling in and meeting the locals — including Calvin Standingbear, hunky chief of the San Ramon Apache tribal police — Lucien tracks her down…and promptly disappears. When his body turns up on tribal lands, it’s up to Calvin to investigate. Starting with Selena.
And when one of Lucien’s acolytes is killed, traces of dark magic and cryptic warnings from the spirits send Selena and Calvin in a race against time — before a too-close-for-comfort evil cuts her own life short.
Self-taught in the arcane arts, hedgewitch Selena Marx is comfortable doing divination for West Los Angeles’ anxiety-ridden housewives, lawyers, and aspiring actresses. Her biggest challenge? Avoiding Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild, who views her as fresh meat to add to his harem of slavishly devoted groupies.
Selena’s not interested in the slimy, celebrity-schmoozing sorcerer, but nobody turns Lucien down without consequences. When he threatens to fit her with magical cement shoes and drop her off the Santa Monica Pier, Selena’s Tarot cards point her to Globe, Arizona, for a new home, a new shop, and a cursed pet cat.
Just as she’s settling in and meeting the locals — including Calvin Standingbear, hunky chief of the San Ramon Apache tribal police — Lucien tracks her down…and promptly disappears. When his body turns up on tribal lands, it’s up to Calvin to investigate. Starting with Selena.
And when one of Lucien’s acolytes is killed, traces of dark magic and cryptic warnings from the spirits send Selena and Calvin in a race against time — before a too-close-for-comfort evil cuts her own life short.
December 25, 2022
Me encantó, es perfecto para desconectar un rato, no es una tremenda obra maestra pero cumple lo suyo, es sumamente entretenido y es lo que estaba buscando. Me gusta que la protagonista no sea una completa estupida, sino alguien que sabe defenderse y argumentar su punto. Sin embargo el final ha sido muy flojo, en serio todo tendria que arreglarse tan facil??? es como si la autora quisiera terminarlo pronto y le dio un final de lo más sencillo. No sé, le faltó algo a este final, más acción y tensión seguramente. Anyway, de cualquier manera no está al, es divertido.
January 6, 2021
Hedgewitch for hire is a new series and this first book just swept me away! Murder, mystery, magic, romance and a talking cat will have you hook, line and sinker and unable to put this down! With a great storyline and fantastic characters, this based in a small town paranormal tale is exciting and I look forward to the next book!
September 22, 2022
Grave mistake , great read
It was quick paced and well written I liked the character and the quick ending well plotted as well, I will read the series
It was quick paced and well written I liked the character and the quick ending well plotted as well, I will read the series
June 22, 2021
3.5 Stars! Grave Mistake is my first book by Christine Pope. It was an enjoyable read with a likeable female main character.
Summary:
Hedgewitch Selena Marx is happy providing divination to the average residents of Los Angeles. She has no designs on being famous or obtaining a cult following. She just wants to practice her craft in peace and maybe help a few people along the way. If only Lucien Dumond could understand her simple motivations and leave her be. Unfortunately, the infamous sorcerer has set his sights on adding Selena to his harem of devotees in his empire, the Greater Los Angeles Necromancer’s Guild. Getting out from under his radar proves to be difficult resulting in Selena taking drastic measures. Uprooting her life and setting up shop in a small Arizona town sounds crazy, but it feels like the right decision. Just as she gets settled in and starts meeting the locals, none other than Lucas Dumond shows up on her doorstep. When Lucas’s body is found almost as soon as he arrives in town, it’s up to the hunky San Ramon tribal chief of police, Calvin Standingbear, to investigate. Selena is his primary lead and suspect after learning of their acquaintance and argument the day before his death. But things ratchet up when a colleague of Lucas’ dies shortly after him. Selena will have to focus all her senses to help Calvin find a killer before they decide to target her, too.
Grave Mistake is a light paranormal mystery with romantic elements. While not overwhelmingly outstanding, I did find the supernatural mystery, hint of romance, and getting to know the female MC interesting. Selena was easy to like. I found her to be very open minded and light-hearted with a natural ease for magic. I had hoped to see a bit more practical magic from her, but was intrigued, nonetheless, with the amount we did get. Selena was pretty confident in her craft, and I liked that she didn’t second-guess herself or her intuitions. As for her love interest, Calvin, he has a lot of potential and is really the only romantic option I see for her right now. I feel like there is a lot more to his story, though, so I’m looking forward to that being revealed as the series progresses. The romance in this book is really only hinted at, but with the potential to become a greater story arc in future books. I liked the flirty, and sometimes slightly awkward moments between Selena and Calvin. It was smoothed over, but a genuine feeling of two people meeting and slowly feeling out how they could fit together. In the end, I wasn’t blown away by the story. The supernatural mystery made it a fun read, but I had guessed pretty early on who the culprit was. That said, Selena was the main draw for me, and I look forward to learning more about her, as well as maybe seeing her use her craft more. I will definitely be reading on in this series, and checking out a few of the other series written by this author. If you’re in the mood for a lightly entertaining paranormal read, I highly recommend sitting down with Selena and the small town of Globe, AZ. ♡
Summary:
Hedgewitch Selena Marx is happy providing divination to the average residents of Los Angeles. She has no designs on being famous or obtaining a cult following. She just wants to practice her craft in peace and maybe help a few people along the way. If only Lucien Dumond could understand her simple motivations and leave her be. Unfortunately, the infamous sorcerer has set his sights on adding Selena to his harem of devotees in his empire, the Greater Los Angeles Necromancer’s Guild. Getting out from under his radar proves to be difficult resulting in Selena taking drastic measures. Uprooting her life and setting up shop in a small Arizona town sounds crazy, but it feels like the right decision. Just as she gets settled in and starts meeting the locals, none other than Lucas Dumond shows up on her doorstep. When Lucas’s body is found almost as soon as he arrives in town, it’s up to the hunky San Ramon tribal chief of police, Calvin Standingbear, to investigate. Selena is his primary lead and suspect after learning of their acquaintance and argument the day before his death. But things ratchet up when a colleague of Lucas’ dies shortly after him. Selena will have to focus all her senses to help Calvin find a killer before they decide to target her, too.
Grave Mistake is a light paranormal mystery with romantic elements. While not overwhelmingly outstanding, I did find the supernatural mystery, hint of romance, and getting to know the female MC interesting. Selena was easy to like. I found her to be very open minded and light-hearted with a natural ease for magic. I had hoped to see a bit more practical magic from her, but was intrigued, nonetheless, with the amount we did get. Selena was pretty confident in her craft, and I liked that she didn’t second-guess herself or her intuitions. As for her love interest, Calvin, he has a lot of potential and is really the only romantic option I see for her right now. I feel like there is a lot more to his story, though, so I’m looking forward to that being revealed as the series progresses. The romance in this book is really only hinted at, but with the potential to become a greater story arc in future books. I liked the flirty, and sometimes slightly awkward moments between Selena and Calvin. It was smoothed over, but a genuine feeling of two people meeting and slowly feeling out how they could fit together. In the end, I wasn’t blown away by the story. The supernatural mystery made it a fun read, but I had guessed pretty early on who the culprit was. That said, Selena was the main draw for me, and I look forward to learning more about her, as well as maybe seeing her use her craft more. I will definitely be reading on in this series, and checking out a few of the other series written by this author. If you’re in the mood for a lightly entertaining paranormal read, I highly recommend sitting down with Selena and the small town of Globe, AZ. ♡
January 20, 2024
fascinating and fabulous
Selena Marx is an average hedgewitch running from a potential entanglement eith a well known necromancer in LA. So she follows portents and signs, and moves sight unseen to Globe, AZ. She adopts talking Archie the cat (well he only talks to her) and opens a charming metaphysical store.
Unfortunately the necromancer Lucien finds her new store in Arizona and he and Selena have an argument, when Selena declines an offer to join with Lucien’s coven in LA. Lucien leaves, leaving a shaken Selena wondering if she needs to flee the town.
There is worse news to follow the following morning, when Selena learns that Lucien is dead (murdered) and she is now a suspect. Chief Calvin Standingbear comes to interview her and she is stunned by his good looks, but manages to answer all his questions truthfully.
Selena also realizes she should investigate further on the Wiccan side and learn what she can about Lucien’s death. She has made friends among the townspeople in the short time she has been there and so she reaches out to a local and with help manages to find Athene, who is an associate of Lucien’s.
She connects Calvin so he can also interview Athene, who realizes she is also not the guilty party and release Athene to go back to LA. Athene mentions the sudden appearance of Violet, a young attractive acolyte that is a devotee of a Lucien that showed up unexpectedly a day or two before the murder and the disappearance of Violet from town the night he was killed…
In the midst of all the turmoil, Selena realizes she is beginning to have feelings for the handsome chief so when her Intuition tells her to make dinner for two she does, and Calvin shows up that evening to talk to her and he has dinner with her.
So many more twists and turns to come too - absolutely unexpected which is lovely ina mystery and the sighting at the end?
I NEVER would have realized who the villainous murderer was! Shocking! It’s a fascinating and fabulous read though it sounds like a crazy soap mystical witchy opera! And an absolutely worthwhile read
Selena Marx is an average hedgewitch running from a potential entanglement eith a well known necromancer in LA. So she follows portents and signs, and moves sight unseen to Globe, AZ. She adopts talking Archie the cat (well he only talks to her) and opens a charming metaphysical store.
Unfortunately the necromancer Lucien finds her new store in Arizona and he and Selena have an argument, when Selena declines an offer to join with Lucien’s coven in LA. Lucien leaves, leaving a shaken Selena wondering if she needs to flee the town.
There is worse news to follow the following morning, when Selena learns that Lucien is dead (murdered) and she is now a suspect. Chief Calvin Standingbear comes to interview her and she is stunned by his good looks, but manages to answer all his questions truthfully.
Selena also realizes she should investigate further on the Wiccan side and learn what she can about Lucien’s death. She has made friends among the townspeople in the short time she has been there and so she reaches out to a local and with help manages to find Athene, who is an associate of Lucien’s.
She connects Calvin so he can also interview Athene, who realizes she is also not the guilty party and release Athene to go back to LA. Athene mentions the sudden appearance of Violet, a young attractive acolyte that is a devotee of a Lucien that showed up unexpectedly a day or two before the murder and the disappearance of Violet from town the night he was killed…
In the midst of all the turmoil, Selena realizes she is beginning to have feelings for the handsome chief so when her Intuition tells her to make dinner for two she does, and Calvin shows up that evening to talk to her and he has dinner with her.
So many more twists and turns to come too - absolutely unexpected which is lovely ina mystery and the sighting at the end?
I NEVER would have realized who the villainous murderer was! Shocking! It’s a fascinating and fabulous read though it sounds like a crazy soap mystical witchy opera! And an absolutely worthwhile read
May 25, 2021
This is a mystery, romance, and supernatural adventure spiced with interesting characters. There is humor liberally sprinkled throughout the book as Selena deals with fate, her magic, and her new friends and neighbors (including a cursed cat). If you enjoy this book, there are two more (so far) in the series to look forward to as Selena's romance proceeds and other supernatural mysteries come her way. I've read both and can recommend them. See my reviews. I think starting with this Book 1 is the best way to enjoy the series.
Selena Marx is a hedgewitch. She hears she is up for elimination by Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild. In a mysterious way, her Tarot cards advise her to get out of town and point her to Globe, AZ. She leaves her rental apartment in L.A., buys a shop/loft apartment in Globe, and moves in, only to be adopted by a cat. The cat turns out to be a person cursed to be a cat. Fortunately, Selena has wanted a cat since she graduated high school. At the opening of her Once in a Blue Moon store, she meets Calvin Standingbear, who will play an important role in her future. Things heat up when Lucien is found stabbed and Selena was one of the last to see him. She's a suspect and gets interviewed by Calvin. Another suspect, Lucien's partner, Athene, has disappeared despite being told to stay in town. Selena starts to use her powers to help with the search. But when rune stones, the pendulum, and Tarot cards give confusing answers, she gets out "the big guns", her crystal ball with a line to her deceased maternal grandmother. Dinner with Calvin is interrupted by a call to another murder - Athene's. Selena senses dark magic was responsible. Selena gets a visit from the murderer and his accomplice, who have her next on their list. How she gets off the list makes an exciting conclusion to the book.
Selena Marx is a hedgewitch. She hears she is up for elimination by Lucien Dumond, leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild. In a mysterious way, her Tarot cards advise her to get out of town and point her to Globe, AZ. She leaves her rental apartment in L.A., buys a shop/loft apartment in Globe, and moves in, only to be adopted by a cat. The cat turns out to be a person cursed to be a cat. Fortunately, Selena has wanted a cat since she graduated high school. At the opening of her Once in a Blue Moon store, she meets Calvin Standingbear, who will play an important role in her future. Things heat up when Lucien is found stabbed and Selena was one of the last to see him. She's a suspect and gets interviewed by Calvin. Another suspect, Lucien's partner, Athene, has disappeared despite being told to stay in town. Selena starts to use her powers to help with the search. But when rune stones, the pendulum, and Tarot cards give confusing answers, she gets out "the big guns", her crystal ball with a line to her deceased maternal grandmother. Dinner with Calvin is interrupted by a call to another murder - Athene's. Selena senses dark magic was responsible. Selena gets a visit from the murderer and his accomplice, who have her next on their list. How she gets off the list makes an exciting conclusion to the book.
October 5, 2023
Selena Marx is a hedgewitch – self taught and a solo practitioner, not attached to a coven. Unfortunately, the powerful leader of the local necromancers guild wants her under his control. When the situation becomes dangerous, Selena decides to move states to avoid a confrontation. Unfortunately, Lucien tracks her down and confronts her just as she’s getting settled in her new home. As if that wasn’t enough, next day he’s found dead, and guess who was seen exchanging heated words with him the previous night?
This is an engrossing read with well-drawn characters, including the cat that comes with Selena’s new abode. Archie happens to be a human male, turned many years ago into a cat, by a previous town witch. Despite Selena’s lack of knowledge, he expects her to reverse the curse. Clearly a nice thread leading onto subsequent books.
The hot Native American cop, chief of the local Apache tribal police, Calvin Standingbear, is definitely drool-worthy, all the more so with his open-mindedness about Selena’s abilities, in contrast to the regular sheriff who thinks she’s just nuts. Several other distinct characters on both sides of good and bad fill out the pages against the backdrop of a small-town Arizona setting.
The magic is all pretty standard, but it’s nicely integrated into both the plot and Selena’s lifestyle, and the twists and turns as she tries to track down both a motive and a murderer are pleasingly unpredictably. I very much appreciate the note informing that while the romance will stretch the length of the series, each novel will be a self-contained mystery without a cliffhanger.
I’m off the buy the next one – always a good recommendation.
This is an engrossing read with well-drawn characters, including the cat that comes with Selena’s new abode. Archie happens to be a human male, turned many years ago into a cat, by a previous town witch. Despite Selena’s lack of knowledge, he expects her to reverse the curse. Clearly a nice thread leading onto subsequent books.
The hot Native American cop, chief of the local Apache tribal police, Calvin Standingbear, is definitely drool-worthy, all the more so with his open-mindedness about Selena’s abilities, in contrast to the regular sheriff who thinks she’s just nuts. Several other distinct characters on both sides of good and bad fill out the pages against the backdrop of a small-town Arizona setting.
The magic is all pretty standard, but it’s nicely integrated into both the plot and Selena’s lifestyle, and the twists and turns as she tries to track down both a motive and a murderer are pleasingly unpredictably. I very much appreciate the note informing that while the romance will stretch the length of the series, each novel will be a self-contained mystery without a cliffhanger.
I’m off the buy the next one – always a good recommendation.
December 27, 2020
OMW what a great start to a new series. We're in small-town AZ and we're about to find out that there is more to Globe, AZ than what we see on the surface!
Selena is perfectly content as a Hedgewitch. She is her own boss, can set her own hours, and does not want nor need an entourage of adoring acolytes. Very unlikely her local "GLANT" leader. He's all about the power and he seems to have a bit of a thing for our Selena. But when she unintentionally one-ups him with her latest client she decides to get out of Dodge (well LA) before the you-know-what hits the fan!
Globe, Arizona. Why on earth would every magical GPS she used send her here? Well her little New Age shop is going to be the talk of the town for sure. And when she meets the local Tribal Police Officer, Calvin Standingbear, well the scenery sure got a whole lot better looking. But Selena isn't the only thing new in town - a murder happens and she is in the frame for it!
Magic, Murder, mad capers, fast new friends and maybe, just maybe there is more to Globe than we thought???? Brilliant new series. I love a great cost murder-mystery and this has added magic. We just know that there is more going on than we've seen so far. I've got an idea what but I'm not spoiling anything for anyone else! Great writing, wonderfully cooky secondary characters and a great little magical world.
Selena is perfectly content as a Hedgewitch. She is her own boss, can set her own hours, and does not want nor need an entourage of adoring acolytes. Very unlikely her local "GLANT" leader. He's all about the power and he seems to have a bit of a thing for our Selena. But when she unintentionally one-ups him with her latest client she decides to get out of Dodge (well LA) before the you-know-what hits the fan!
Globe, Arizona. Why on earth would every magical GPS she used send her here? Well her little New Age shop is going to be the talk of the town for sure. And when she meets the local Tribal Police Officer, Calvin Standingbear, well the scenery sure got a whole lot better looking. But Selena isn't the only thing new in town - a murder happens and she is in the frame for it!
Magic, Murder, mad capers, fast new friends and maybe, just maybe there is more to Globe than we thought???? Brilliant new series. I love a great cost murder-mystery and this has added magic. We just know that there is more going on than we've seen so far. I've got an idea what but I'm not spoiling anything for anyone else! Great writing, wonderfully cooky secondary characters and a great little magical world.
April 10, 2023
Selena Marx needs to get out of LA. As a self-taught hedgewitch, she doesn't like to answer to anyone else, but when she hears Lucien Dumond is going to retaliate for thinking she nabbed one of his clients, she knows it isn't safe to stay. She ends up in Globe, Arizona and opens a small shop. It's a brand new start and it's looking good, except when Lucien shows up and then is suddenly murdered. Selena is at the top of the suspect list. While the local Apache tribal police chief, Calvin Standingbear is patient and hunky, Selena knows she has to find the murderer soon or she could be next.
This is the first book in the fun paranormal romance series, Hedgewitch for Hire. It's a great start to the series with Selena getting a fresh start in a small desert town. She has a wide variety of psychic and witchy powers, but they are all utility rather than blast you away magic. I love it that Archie the human cursed to be a cat has found her, and I really want to know more about him. Calvin is the perfect complement to Selena, and I love how he isn't skeptical or puts her down for her beliefs. There's tension between them, but it's slow rising and fits just perfect for the story. Lucien is detestable, but I know he's meant to be! It has the feel of a cozy mystery, and while I guessed one part of the twist, I didn't see the other coming.
This is the first book in the fun paranormal romance series, Hedgewitch for Hire. It's a great start to the series with Selena getting a fresh start in a small desert town. She has a wide variety of psychic and witchy powers, but they are all utility rather than blast you away magic. I love it that Archie the human cursed to be a cat has found her, and I really want to know more about him. Calvin is the perfect complement to Selena, and I love how he isn't skeptical or puts her down for her beliefs. There's tension between them, but it's slow rising and fits just perfect for the story. Lucien is detestable, but I know he's meant to be! It has the feel of a cozy mystery, and while I guessed one part of the twist, I didn't see the other coming.
January 1, 2021
The first book in an exciting new witchy series, the main character is a self-taught witch- a hedge witch- who falls foul of the local influential magical leader and moves away to avoid the consquences. Trouble follows her, however, and she ends up ith a mystery to solve, with the help of the local studly lawman.
I really enjoyed this promising beginning, and the twist on both Pope's previous vision of witchkind, and what you'd normally come across in literature. In a year when many of us have felt that we are bumbling through it all somehow, by the skin of our teeth, the protagonist's self-taught, hope-for-the-best hedge witching feels closer to reality, somehow; more relatable. Although unusually, the featured town is not a real one, I think that the author must have had a real place in mind, or a combination, as she achieved the same level of success in bringing to life and making the reader feel right there and present. Also as usual, the characters are interesting and the plot scoots along at a good pace, with some real surprises in store. Good stuff, and recommended.
I really enjoyed this promising beginning, and the twist on both Pope's previous vision of witchkind, and what you'd normally come across in literature. In a year when many of us have felt that we are bumbling through it all somehow, by the skin of our teeth, the protagonist's self-taught, hope-for-the-best hedge witching feels closer to reality, somehow; more relatable. Although unusually, the featured town is not a real one, I think that the author must have had a real place in mind, or a combination, as she achieved the same level of success in bringing to life and making the reader feel right there and present. Also as usual, the characters are interesting and the plot scoots along at a good pace, with some real surprises in store. Good stuff, and recommended.
July 1, 2024
This story was flat, and very anticlimactic. The narration felt more like someone just talking and relaying the events of their day. It doesn't read as a story. The MC was more focused on her hormones and the cute tribal chief than her common sense and survival. It was kind of annoying. The cat felt like an after thought. It didn't really feel like he belonged. He's only really helpful once throughout the whole book. It probably could have gotten along without him. I really don't like when the killer turns out to be someone who hasn't even been introduced in the book. Pretty much all the suspects were just mentioned names, and we as the readers were never really introduced. I feel like that cheats the readers out of trying to solve the mystery along with the MC. I have to say, this was a hard one to get through. It took awhile to finish. I will not be recommending this one, nor will I be continuing the series.
I received a free digital copy and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free digital copy and this is my honest opinion.
December 24, 2020
Christine Pope’s “Grave Mistake” Book #1 of her newest series Hedgewitch for Hire is the start of an exciting type of Witch, namely, a Hedgewitch. Selena Marx as a Hedgewitch was comfortable working her particular magic to many in the Greater Los Angeles area. But it seems that it was not in her Tarot Cards that she stays there. Her energy flow sends her to the small town of Globe, Arizona where she meets Calvin Standingbear, hunky Chief of the San Ramon Apache Tribal Police. Their meeting leads them to strange killings in this out of the way town. One of the murdered is Selena’s former leader, who had followed her from Los Angeles to Glove. What transpires is a whirlwind of more murders, romance, and even a talking cat. I recommend this book highly, because you cannot miss reading the start of this exciting new series.
January 6, 2021
What a fantastic start to the new series by Christine Pope. As with all her books, this one also is a “do not put down until the last page.” Selena, a self-taught hedgewitch with many clients in L.A., fears that a much stronger witch with many followers will cause her harm and decides to move to another part of the country. As would be expected of a witch, she uses magic in the form of tarot cards and a pendulum to choose her new location. She ends up in the small, sleepy town of Globe in Arizona. Although the town is small, it is friendly and welcoming. Her adventures in Globe begin and hopefully will continue in future books in the series. Of course, there is always a mystery and a touch of romance (a heart-stopping gorgeous police officer) in the book. I don’t want to give away all her adventures but suggest reading the book.
August 12, 2022
Selena moves from Los Angeles to Globe, Arizona after running afoul of Lucien Dumond, a sorcerer. She’s always been an independent witch, or also known as a hedgewitch, and has no interest in being entangled in Lucien’s group. He follows her to Globe and winds up dead. The Apache reservation police chief, Calvin Standingbear, becomes a love interest for Selena, once he rules her out as prime suspect. I expected them to have more interaction. It was a simple mystery story, but some things happened a little too easily and were quickly tied up pat in the end. There were fun elements, like the talking cat who befriends Selena and her crystal ball conversations with her deceased grandmother. It was an enjoyable story, if not too deep. I’m going to keep reading the series, because I want to see more of Selena and Calvin.
January 22, 2021
Romantic Paranormal Suspense! I absolutely loved reading this book! This a great kick-off to a new series that I will definitely be reading. There’s lots of suspense, mystery, and romance in this excellent plot line. The characters are all outstanding. You’ll find yourself falling in love with Selena, Archie, Josie, and especially Chief Standingbear. As the mystery unfolds, you’ll be caught unaware as the twists and turns are totally unexpected. This is another one of those books that you won’t want to put down even for a minute. I received a free review copy of this book (and subsequently purchased it to add to my library) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2022
I’ve read other stories by this author so knew I’d enjoy this one, which it part of a box set I have.
Selena is a hedgewitch, meaning that she is self-taught and has no allegiances. Threats from others cause her to relocate to a small town in Arizona where lives above a new ‘witch’ shop she opens. There is a surprise guest, a hunter, a romantic possibility and more – no spoilers.
I instantly liked Selena – strong, kind and intelligent – and how she attempted to steer away from trouble and yet was willing to fight.
There is intrigue and mystery and some great storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Selena is a hedgewitch, meaning that she is self-taught and has no allegiances. Threats from others cause her to relocate to a small town in Arizona where lives above a new ‘witch’ shop she opens. There is a surprise guest, a hunter, a romantic possibility and more – no spoilers.
I instantly liked Selena – strong, kind and intelligent – and how she attempted to steer away from trouble and yet was willing to fight.
There is intrigue and mystery and some great storytelling.
Highly recommended.
March 20, 2022
Good start
Hard not to like Selena.
Bad luck and the unwanted attention of another magical person drives her to move from LA to Arizona. A small town brimming with charm and a potential love interest. When Lucien follows her, and promptly gets murdered, well, things go from positive to being a suspect in his murder. Convincing the local police chief that she is innocent is now a priority, along with figuring out what really happened to Lucien. When someone else gets murdered, Selena realizes she'll need to use her gifts to solve the mystery. Even when that means the killer may set his or her sight on Selena next.
A sweet story that flowed well.
Hard not to like Selena.
Bad luck and the unwanted attention of another magical person drives her to move from LA to Arizona. A small town brimming with charm and a potential love interest. When Lucien follows her, and promptly gets murdered, well, things go from positive to being a suspect in his murder. Convincing the local police chief that she is innocent is now a priority, along with figuring out what really happened to Lucien. When someone else gets murdered, Selena realizes she'll need to use her gifts to solve the mystery. Even when that means the killer may set his or her sight on Selena next.
A sweet story that flowed well.
January 9, 2021
What can I say, Selena is the new Witch in town and she is drawing attention not only from the residents but a man that she was trying to avoid. When he turns up dead she becomes a suspect but cooperates with Calvin Standingbear, the Indian Police Chief, on whose land the murder occurred. It gets more interesting as she calls on her Witchy skill to help him in his investigation. You'll just have to read the book to satisfy your wish to know more. You won't be disappointed, only that you'll have to wait until March for book two of the series. Enjoy.
January 17, 2021
That was very interesting. Even though she was debating on staying or leaving 2 start over fresh the universe pretty much told her exactly where 2 go. But it was surprising that the 1 person she didn't ever want 2 c showed up. What's a shock is what happened 2 him and by who was involved was greedy assholes that didn't think about themselves but what he did 4 her was a total shock on what he told her. Hopefully she'll have that romantic and sexy man 4 herself in the near future. Can't wait 4 more asap!!
October 15, 2021
A little slow and wondering about Globe
As an Arizona resident (in one of the towns mentioned in her book), I was having a a hard time reconciling real-life Globe with the sleepy little paintbrush the author used to portray Globe in her book. Add in the slowness in which the story unfolded and I was bored before I got halfway through the book. I’m going to try Book 2 sin there were some good parts to Book 1. Hopefully the author will bring up the level of interest needed to keep readers engaged.
As an Arizona resident (in one of the towns mentioned in her book), I was having a a hard time reconciling real-life Globe with the sleepy little paintbrush the author used to portray Globe in her book. Add in the slowness in which the story unfolded and I was bored before I got halfway through the book. I’m going to try Book 2 sin there were some good parts to Book 1. Hopefully the author will bring up the level of interest needed to keep readers engaged.
November 28, 2021
Decent read
It was a good plot... Enjoyed the writing style. Wasn't so fond of the inconsistencies... For example the h thought to herself that the uber driver comes in and buys incense... Plural. But the store was only open one day. Edit he execution of a will... Was all wrong. If the person who was to inherit dies after, the inheritance then goes to the benefactors of the second death not back to the original. Our mc isnt the brightest either, a very simple character with an easy simply plot. But if you can overlook it... It is a decent read.
It was a good plot... Enjoyed the writing style. Wasn't so fond of the inconsistencies... For example the h thought to herself that the uber driver comes in and buys incense... Plural. But the store was only open one day. Edit he execution of a will... Was all wrong. If the person who was to inherit dies after, the inheritance then goes to the benefactors of the second death not back to the original. Our mc isnt the brightest either, a very simple character with an easy simply plot. But if you can overlook it... It is a decent read.
March 15, 2022
Very readable
An enjoyable read. A hedgewitch moves to a small town to escape from the attentions of a powerful mage/male witch problem is he follows her and is promptly murdered along with his second in command. Teaming up with the hot native American sheriff they endeavor to solve the case along with her talking cat familiar and her dead grandmother who she contacts for help. Lots of twists and turns a little humor and a budding romance make this a great read, recommended, Baz.
An enjoyable read. A hedgewitch moves to a small town to escape from the attentions of a powerful mage/male witch problem is he follows her and is promptly murdered along with his second in command. Teaming up with the hot native American sheriff they endeavor to solve the case along with her talking cat familiar and her dead grandmother who she contacts for help. Lots of twists and turns a little humor and a budding romance make this a great read, recommended, Baz.
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