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Josiah Reynolds Mysteries #14
Death By Magic
FIVE STARS! “It's one of those books that you find yourself so deep into the mystery, characters, and setting that when you finish the book it's a little sad.” -Jerri Cachero, Diva’s Cozy Mystery Group
Josiah goes to a fundraiser for abandoned Thoroughbred horses and meets Rudy Lee; whereupon, he tells her a fortune teller at the event prophesied he will be murdered. But while Josiah tells Rudy the fortune is utter nonsense, she can’t help shake the notion the fortune teller might be right. Join Josiah in her search for the truth in the “dark and bloody” ground of "Caintuck" where secrets are held tight to one’s heart and deep within the dark, loamy soil of its ancient hunting grounds.
Books in the Josiah Mystery Series
Death By A HoneyBee
Death By Drowning
Death By Bridle
Death By Bourbon
Death By Lotto
Death by Chocolate
Death by Haunting
Death By Derby
Death By Design
Death By Malice
Death By Drama
Death By Stalking
Death By Deceit
Death By Magic
Death By Shock
Death By Poison
Death By Greed
Josiah goes to a fundraiser for abandoned Thoroughbred horses and meets Rudy Lee; whereupon, he tells her a fortune teller at the event prophesied he will be murdered. But while Josiah tells Rudy the fortune is utter nonsense, she can’t help shake the notion the fortune teller might be right. Join Josiah in her search for the truth in the “dark and bloody” ground of "Caintuck" where secrets are held tight to one’s heart and deep within the dark, loamy soil of its ancient hunting grounds.
Books in the Josiah Mystery Series
Death By A HoneyBee
Death By Drowning
Death By Bridle
Death By Bourbon
Death By Lotto
Death by Chocolate
Death by Haunting
Death By Derby
Death By Design
Death By Malice
Death By Drama
Death By Stalking
Death By Deceit
Death By Magic
Death By Shock
Death By Poison
Death By Greed
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2020
52 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Keam
78 books497 followersHello Gentle Reader,
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 26, 2020
Once again, Josiah gets involved into something that she shouldn't have.
At a fundraiser, Josiah meets a man who looks quite shaken. He's been in to see the fortune teller, who is the entertainment of the evening, and she's told him something quite shocking.
According to the fortune teller, his future shows him killing Josiah, and then he, himself, being murdered.
But things don't go exactly the way the fortune teller saw. Josiah is alive and well ... but the man she encountered, by first look, has been murdered.
And once again, she and the local police will go head to head when Josiah starts trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.
This is a cleverly written plot with a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are entertaining, well-defined, and produce some lighthearted humor along the way. The dialogue is catchy and amusing. Although 14th in this series, this is easily read as a stand-alone. This is a must-read for existing fans of this author and series, as well as for new readers.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this most delightful mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
At a fundraiser, Josiah meets a man who looks quite shaken. He's been in to see the fortune teller, who is the entertainment of the evening, and she's told him something quite shocking.
According to the fortune teller, his future shows him killing Josiah, and then he, himself, being murdered.
But things don't go exactly the way the fortune teller saw. Josiah is alive and well ... but the man she encountered, by first look, has been murdered.
And once again, she and the local police will go head to head when Josiah starts trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.
This is a cleverly written plot with a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are entertaining, well-defined, and produce some lighthearted humor along the way. The dialogue is catchy and amusing. Although 14th in this series, this is easily read as a stand-alone. This is a must-read for existing fans of this author and series, as well as for new readers.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this most delightful mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 22, 2021
The mystery part of this book rocked my reading world. Twists upon twists upon twists, just how I like it. However, this book could've really used an epilogue. Like with the previous two books, The mystery was solved on Josiah's end, but there was no actual closure. The case was still open when the book ended. Thankfully, you do get an update about the case in the following book, and things are more resolved.
The real reason for my not-so-good rating is the ending. No, no, no, no, NO!!! I HATED that part!!! WHY WHY WHY!!!!!! It was hard enough getting over Jake. Then when Hunter came into the picture, it took a while, but I grew to really like Josiah and Hunter together. They were more right each other than Josiah and Jake. And now you wrote Hunter out, Abigail Keam???!!! Why can't Josiah hang on to a man? It's so unfair!!!
The real reason for my not-so-good rating is the ending. No, no, no, no, NO!!! I HATED that part!!! WHY WHY WHY!!!!!! It was hard enough getting over Jake. Then when Hunter came into the picture, it took a while, but I grew to really like Josiah and Hunter together. They were more right each other than Josiah and Jake. And now you wrote Hunter out, Abigail Keam???!!! Why can't Josiah hang on to a man? It's so unfair!!!
March 21, 2021
Beekeeper/retired professor Josiah Reynolds has a problem. A psychic predicted her death at the hands of a man she doesn't know. When the man is murdered, though Josiah doesn't believe in psychics, she begins to realize she is a target for murder and she and her friends must solve the mystery...and quickly!
Josiah Reynolds is one of the most intriguing mystery main characters I've read. She's kind but can be abrupt, not only book smart but life experience smart, a widow with a broken heart - but not only due to the death of her husband, has a fiery temper but is loving towards people and animals, inspires and gives loyalty to her friends and is trying to rebuild her life after almost losing it in the Kentucky River which flows behind her magnificent home -called The Butterfly. I believe that every reader will discover that they can relate to Josiah in some way.
The supporting characters are so well-written that they could have their own books. I enjoyed the relationship between Josiah and Matt (a long-time friend) and Franklin (Matt's partner). It brought humor, fondness and family to the book. Hunter, Josiah's love interest, Lady Elsmore and Josiah's furbaby - the loyal bull mastiff , Baby - complete the family.
The book is filled with lush descriptions of the beautiful Bluegrass country of Kentucky. It's one of those books that you find yourself so deep into the mystery, characters and setting that when you finish the book it's a little sad.
You can read this as a standalone and you'll love it but after you read Death by Magic, I would encourage you to meet Josiah and her friends at the beginning of the series. I wish I could have given more stars!!
I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Josiah Reynolds is one of the most intriguing mystery main characters I've read. She's kind but can be abrupt, not only book smart but life experience smart, a widow with a broken heart - but not only due to the death of her husband, has a fiery temper but is loving towards people and animals, inspires and gives loyalty to her friends and is trying to rebuild her life after almost losing it in the Kentucky River which flows behind her magnificent home -called The Butterfly. I believe that every reader will discover that they can relate to Josiah in some way.
The supporting characters are so well-written that they could have their own books. I enjoyed the relationship between Josiah and Matt (a long-time friend) and Franklin (Matt's partner). It brought humor, fondness and family to the book. Hunter, Josiah's love interest, Lady Elsmore and Josiah's furbaby - the loyal bull mastiff , Baby - complete the family.
The book is filled with lush descriptions of the beautiful Bluegrass country of Kentucky. It's one of those books that you find yourself so deep into the mystery, characters and setting that when you finish the book it's a little sad.
You can read this as a standalone and you'll love it but after you read Death by Magic, I would encourage you to meet Josiah and her friends at the beginning of the series. I wish I could have given more stars!!
I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 13, 2021
Death by Magic earns 5/5 Fatal Fortunes...Engaging and Entertaining!
Josiah Reynolds is a beekeeper, a farmer, and a chicken wrangler; she rescues horses, has an English mastiff and a chowder of cats as roommates, and gets herself mixed up in mysteries and murder. How? She’s a sucker for puzzles! So...her good friend is hosting a fundraiser event to benefit the care and feeding of retired thoroughbreds, get a few adopted, and if she can press further her stance against excessive breeding of such horses, it’s a success. Guests were enjoying food, friends, and a fortune teller. Lettie Lemore is a self-professed, yet popular, psychic, was hired to offer to entertain but, she really riled up Rutherford Robert “Rudy” Lee when she tells him he will commit murder, then be murdered himself. Josiah helps to settle him down, but when asked who he is predicted to murder, he says, “You!” [Enter puzzle.] To avoid a self-fulfilling prophesy, Jo enlists several friends to check into the psychic’s background and any possible connection to Rudy Lee. Little is uncovered, except for a body...Rudy is found dead!
Abigail Keam’s writing style has made her a favorite author who always makes her mystery a true mystery, a compelling journey, easy to follow with engaging side stories, varied characters with flaws for realism, and a murder puzzled out in a creative, sometimes, perilous manner. The victim was somewhat a surprise, karmic, though, but unexpected. The possible motives and suspects were then methodically revealed ending with her signature-style “Didn’t see that coming!” The mystery isn’t overly complex, easy to follow, yet clever and satisfying. Keam’s descriptions embellished the Kentucky as a “bucket list” destination, and her dialogue is witty, snarky at times, and real for the personalities and the emotions. Despite being the fourteenth book and much has happened with relationships and lots of criminal activity, newbies will find it easy to get hooked...totally entertaining!
One element that I enjoy about cozy mysteries is the extraneous information, insights, or historical references woven through the drama. In this series she includes information on beekeeping and honey varieties, thoroughbred horses, and chickens! I loved googling the different varieties of chickens and exploring the different colors of eggs they lay, but bluish or green eggs, Sam?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is entirely voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Josiah Reynolds is a beekeeper, a farmer, and a chicken wrangler; she rescues horses, has an English mastiff and a chowder of cats as roommates, and gets herself mixed up in mysteries and murder. How? She’s a sucker for puzzles! So...her good friend is hosting a fundraiser event to benefit the care and feeding of retired thoroughbreds, get a few adopted, and if she can press further her stance against excessive breeding of such horses, it’s a success. Guests were enjoying food, friends, and a fortune teller. Lettie Lemore is a self-professed, yet popular, psychic, was hired to offer to entertain but, she really riled up Rutherford Robert “Rudy” Lee when she tells him he will commit murder, then be murdered himself. Josiah helps to settle him down, but when asked who he is predicted to murder, he says, “You!” [Enter puzzle.] To avoid a self-fulfilling prophesy, Jo enlists several friends to check into the psychic’s background and any possible connection to Rudy Lee. Little is uncovered, except for a body...Rudy is found dead!
Abigail Keam’s writing style has made her a favorite author who always makes her mystery a true mystery, a compelling journey, easy to follow with engaging side stories, varied characters with flaws for realism, and a murder puzzled out in a creative, sometimes, perilous manner. The victim was somewhat a surprise, karmic, though, but unexpected. The possible motives and suspects were then methodically revealed ending with her signature-style “Didn’t see that coming!” The mystery isn’t overly complex, easy to follow, yet clever and satisfying. Keam’s descriptions embellished the Kentucky as a “bucket list” destination, and her dialogue is witty, snarky at times, and real for the personalities and the emotions. Despite being the fourteenth book and much has happened with relationships and lots of criminal activity, newbies will find it easy to get hooked...totally entertaining!
One element that I enjoy about cozy mysteries is the extraneous information, insights, or historical references woven through the drama. In this series she includes information on beekeeping and honey varieties, thoroughbred horses, and chickens! I loved googling the different varieties of chickens and exploring the different colors of eggs they lay, but bluish or green eggs, Sam?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is entirely voluntary with honest insights and comments.
January 3, 2021
An excellent nail biter from start to finish!
It seems like forever since our last adventure with Josiah and, like the other books in this series, I could not put this story down. It's nearly 5 am and I couldn't sleep till I knew how this story would end!!!!! If you've read the rest of this series, do not hesitate to add this book to your collection. If you're new, start with book one so that you don't miss a thing. Trust me...you will NOT be sorry!!! Great book! Excellent series!!!
It seems like forever since our last adventure with Josiah and, like the other books in this series, I could not put this story down. It's nearly 5 am and I couldn't sleep till I knew how this story would end!!!!! If you've read the rest of this series, do not hesitate to add this book to your collection. If you're new, start with book one so that you don't miss a thing. Trust me...you will NOT be sorry!!! Great book! Excellent series!!!
December 31, 2020
WONDERFUL reading
Love all these books. Keep following all the new ones. Such interesting story plots and characters and all the drama in their lives. Each new book exceeds the one before.
Love all these books. Keep following all the new ones. Such interesting story plots and characters and all the drama in their lives. Each new book exceeds the one before.
January 30, 2021
Amazing Read With Wonderful Characters!
This is one of the best Josiah books! I can't wait to read the next one. Reading her books is like slipping in to Josiah's world. I can't stop reading because I want to follow all of the twists and turns! A must read for any mystery fans!
This is one of the best Josiah books! I can't wait to read the next one. Reading her books is like slipping in to Josiah's world. I can't stop reading because I want to follow all of the twists and turns! A must read for any mystery fans!
February 19, 2021
Dryer than others in the series
Very little fun in this book, Josiah isn’t feeling great & takes it out on everyone she has contact with, including her friends.
Yes, a mystery is uncovered, but the fun interaction between some of the great characters Keam has created is missing.
Very little fun in this book, Josiah isn’t feeling great & takes it out on everyone she has contact with, including her friends.
Yes, a mystery is uncovered, but the fun interaction between some of the great characters Keam has created is missing.
December 8, 2021
Quite a surprise how much fun this book was. Keam's best asset is the cast of characters she has created for this series. My favorites were front and center in this volume Death by Magic was a quick and entertaining read.
April 8, 2022
what an amazing read
Loving this series and so excited I have 3 to read back to back can’t wait highly recommend and hope you enjoy them as much as I do ps very little housework will be done till finished lol
Loving this series and so excited I have 3 to read back to back can’t wait highly recommend and hope you enjoy them as much as I do ps very little housework will be done till finished lol
September 11, 2025
Could not put it down.
This book made me feel remorse for poor Josiah. She seems to never get a break. I love seeing the new characters in every book. This series definitely has me hooked.
This book made me feel remorse for poor Josiah. She seems to never get a break. I love seeing the new characters in every book. This series definitely has me hooked.
January 2, 2021
Excellent
I'm never disappointed when I read another Josiah Reynolds mystery. You manage to keep me guessing until near the end. Thank you.
I'm never disappointed when I read another Josiah Reynolds mystery. You manage to keep me guessing until near the end. Thank you.
Read
January 3, 2021I love this series. The books are short and the stories are a good read!
January 5, 2021
Trying patiencely for next book
Love the characters. All the books are page turners. Only complain the books are not long enough. Put i love them all.
Love the characters. All the books are page turners. Only complain the books are not long enough. Put i love them all.
January 6, 2021
Death by magic
Abigail Keem has once again written a great mystery. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Mystery, Murder and Magic what more could you want!
Abigail Keem has once again written a great mystery. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Mystery, Murder and Magic what more could you want!
January 13, 2021
Love Josiah!
Another fun read from Abigail Keam, looking forward to the next installment with Josiah and all her friends. Stay tuned!
Another fun read from Abigail Keam, looking forward to the next installment with Josiah and all her friends. Stay tuned!
October 31, 2021
A must read!!! Another great Josiah Reynolds mystery!!!
January 28, 2023
Ridiculous
June 4, 2025
another fun romp through the Kentucky Hills
December 29, 2020
Fabulous
As always, this Josiah Reynolds mystery doesn’t disappoint. Unusual characters and happenings keep your attention. I highly recommend this series.
As always, this Josiah Reynolds mystery doesn’t disappoint. Unusual characters and happenings keep your attention. I highly recommend this series.
January 18, 2021
Great book
Lots of fun to read. I read it in two days. Couldn't put it down. So glad I did as it furthered understanding if relationships among the people in the story. Lots of fun and intrigue and I was totally surprised by how it turned out. Looking forward to next one.
Lots of fun to read. I read it in two days. Couldn't put it down. So glad I did as it furthered understanding if relationships among the people in the story. Lots of fun and intrigue and I was totally surprised by how it turned out. Looking forward to next one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews