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Witchcraft Mystery #1
Secondhand Spirits
Lily Ivory is not your average witch. Her spell-casting powers tend to draw mischievous spirits while keeping normal humans at a distance. But now her vintage clothing store could give her a chance to make friends in San Francisco....
Lily hopes for a normal life when she opens Aunt Cora's Closet. With her magical knack for vintage fashion -she can sense vibrations of the past from clothing and jewelry—her store becomes a big hit.
But when a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area, Lily may be the only one who can unravel the crime. She tries to keep her identity a secret while investigating, but it's not easy—especially under the spells of sexy "mythbuster" Max Carmichael and powerful witch Aidan Rhodes. Will Lily's witchy ways be forced out of the closet?
Lily hopes for a normal life when she opens Aunt Cora's Closet. With her magical knack for vintage fashion -she can sense vibrations of the past from clothing and jewelry—her store becomes a big hit.
But when a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area, Lily may be the only one who can unravel the crime. She tries to keep her identity a secret while investigating, but it's not easy—especially under the spells of sexy "mythbuster" Max Carmichael and powerful witch Aidan Rhodes. Will Lily's witchy ways be forced out of the closet?
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2009
447 people are currently reading
13746 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,911 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,228 reviews
February 24, 2014
Now this is my kind of a paranormal novel!! "Real" people in the real world, dealing with psychic, extrasensory or paranormal abilities and entities. I intend to read more of this author!
September 7, 2016
THIS IS NOT A COZY MYSTERY
Puh-lease. If you have demons, evil spirits who drags anyone into the water and creepy houses, that means the book is not "cozy". If the heroine is a teenager, this would have been a YA thriller.
It's not a bad book though. It's fun and totally easy to read. Just don't expect this to be a cozy read because you'll be disappointed.
August 7, 2018
Review posted on Got Fiction?
I really liked this book a lot. Any of my friends know I'm not much for a book without romance being the key factor. I am a changed woman! At least for this book. It is book one in the Witchcraft Mystery series and it was great!
Our heroine is Lily Ivory. She is an incredibly powerful natural born witch who has moved around a lot in life, never really wanting to settle down. But San Francisco changed her mind, and she opened up a vintage clothing shop. In fact, the tagline on the cover is Love the vintage, not the ghosts. Lily has only been open about 6 weeks when a super sexy guy walks in and the bell above her door doesn't chime as he walks beneath it. Hmm...
Aidan Rhodes is a male witch who wants Lily to, well he just wants Lily, we're not really sure what it is he wants. We know he worked with her father, who it was implied went over to the dark side, so that's not exactly a point in Aidan's favor. We know he is powerful. And he left Lily with a familiar. What is her new familiar? not a cat, not a dog, but a...Gargoyle!!! (well, he's a gnome, but he looks like a gargoyle). It was a cute little interchange when Aidan left the little guy with her. Lily named him Oscar after Oscar the Grouch...he can turn into a pig when he wants so he can be with Lily in her shop. And of course everyone loves Oscar, and he just loves the ladies.
Now in the first few pages, we've met Aidan, male witch, Oscar, new familiar, and as Lily goes to an old Victorian mansion to scope out some old lady's clothes for her shop, we meet Frances (the owner of the clothes) and we hear La Llorena.
La Llorena is a demon-According to the legend, the 'weeping woman' was abandoned by her children's father, and "the anguished mother took her children down to the water and drowned them one by one, finally flinging herself in to join them in their watery grave." And now she wails for her lost babies and lures other children to their deaths.
so while in Fraces' basement, looking over vintage clothing, both Frances and Lily hear La Llorena wailing. Frances being able to hear her means she is now marked for death. Thus begins the mystery, because right after they hear her, a neighborhood girl goes missing.
Our next big character is Max. Where Aidan is described as just plain beautiful, Max is likened to a "battle-weary medieval knight who had just removed his armor." He comes into the shop looking for some herbs to help him in his quest to see a ghost...but Lily recognizes the name of his tour guide, and tells him not to go with the guy-he's a fraud. Surprisingly Max knows that-Max is planning on busting the guy. But when Lily hears they are going out into the bay for their ghost hunting expedition, she pleads with Max not to go. But how do you convince a man you just met that there's a demon in the water? Meanwhile Lily wants to get the missing neighborhood girl back from La Llorena, but she needs Aidan's help, and the help of all of her new friends.
This book has the beginnings of a great love-triangle, some quirky characters from Oscar the pig/gargoyle, to Bronwyn who's part of the local coven, to the neighboring merchant Sandra (who I soo thought was the villain of the piece), and to Frances herself not being what she seems.
A fun mystery with an Urban Fantasy feel, and a character who sounds like someone I'd like to know, a solid 4 star book for any paranormal mystery/UF lover.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
I really liked this book a lot. Any of my friends know I'm not much for a book without romance being the key factor. I am a changed woman! At least for this book. It is book one in the Witchcraft Mystery series and it was great!
Our heroine is Lily Ivory. She is an incredibly powerful natural born witch who has moved around a lot in life, never really wanting to settle down. But San Francisco changed her mind, and she opened up a vintage clothing shop. In fact, the tagline on the cover is Love the vintage, not the ghosts. Lily has only been open about 6 weeks when a super sexy guy walks in and the bell above her door doesn't chime as he walks beneath it. Hmm...
Aidan Rhodes is a male witch who wants Lily to, well he just wants Lily, we're not really sure what it is he wants. We know he worked with her father, who it was implied went over to the dark side, so that's not exactly a point in Aidan's favor. We know he is powerful. And he left Lily with a familiar. What is her new familiar? not a cat, not a dog, but a...Gargoyle!!! (well, he's a gnome, but he looks like a gargoyle). It was a cute little interchange when Aidan left the little guy with her. Lily named him Oscar after Oscar the Grouch...he can turn into a pig when he wants so he can be with Lily in her shop. And of course everyone loves Oscar, and he just loves the ladies.
Now in the first few pages, we've met Aidan, male witch, Oscar, new familiar, and as Lily goes to an old Victorian mansion to scope out some old lady's clothes for her shop, we meet Frances (the owner of the clothes) and we hear La Llorena.
La Llorena is a demon-According to the legend, the 'weeping woman' was abandoned by her children's father, and "the anguished mother took her children down to the water and drowned them one by one, finally flinging herself in to join them in their watery grave." And now she wails for her lost babies and lures other children to their deaths.
so while in Fraces' basement, looking over vintage clothing, both Frances and Lily hear La Llorena wailing. Frances being able to hear her means she is now marked for death. Thus begins the mystery, because right after they hear her, a neighborhood girl goes missing.
Our next big character is Max. Where Aidan is described as just plain beautiful, Max is likened to a "battle-weary medieval knight who had just removed his armor." He comes into the shop looking for some herbs to help him in his quest to see a ghost...but Lily recognizes the name of his tour guide, and tells him not to go with the guy-he's a fraud. Surprisingly Max knows that-Max is planning on busting the guy. But when Lily hears they are going out into the bay for their ghost hunting expedition, she pleads with Max not to go. But how do you convince a man you just met that there's a demon in the water? Meanwhile Lily wants to get the missing neighborhood girl back from La Llorena, but she needs Aidan's help, and the help of all of her new friends.
This book has the beginnings of a great love-triangle, some quirky characters from Oscar the pig/gargoyle, to Bronwyn who's part of the local coven, to the neighboring merchant Sandra (who I soo thought was the villain of the piece), and to Frances herself not being what she seems.
A fun mystery with an Urban Fantasy feel, and a character who sounds like someone I'd like to know, a solid 4 star book for any paranormal mystery/UF lover.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
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January 10, 2012Currently reading in prep for recording - what a delightful little series!
May 30, 2023
Fun witch out of water story set in San Francisco with an unusual familiar.
November 5, 2025
I forget how this novel came to my attention, but it's been lingering on my TBR since 2021. This was a cozy witchy mystery which should have suited me perfectly, but somehow missed the bull’s eye. I have an uneasy relationship with cozies to begin with--there's such a wide range in writing skill in this genre. Blackwell is a decent writer, so I had no desire to put the book aside, but it suffered by comparison with the romantasy that I finished just before this book.
I felt like I was getting mixed signals about who Lily was. Was she an incompletely trained talent or was she a powerful practitioner? Is it possible to be both? Why, as a newcomer, was she immediately willing to stick her nose into the middle of things before building some good will? By halfway through the book, I realized that this was the big issue for Lily, to learn to make friends, accept help, and allow people into her life. Once I grasped this, I was much more comfortable with the story.
As a result, I wouldn't be opposed to reading further in the series, but it will have wait. I have other fish to fry right now.
I felt like I was getting mixed signals about who Lily was. Was she an incompletely trained talent or was she a powerful practitioner? Is it possible to be both? Why, as a newcomer, was she immediately willing to stick her nose into the middle of things before building some good will? By halfway through the book, I realized that this was the big issue for Lily, to learn to make friends, accept help, and allow people into her life. Once I grasped this, I was much more comfortable with the story.
As a result, I wouldn't be opposed to reading further in the series, but it will have wait. I have other fish to fry right now.
December 29, 2011
The Five W's of the Cozy Mystery Review
Who is the protagonist?
Lily Ivory, practicing witch and shopkeeper of "Aunt Cora's Closet", a vintage clothing store
What is the premise of the story?
Children have been disappearing, and the dreaded "La Llorona" might be to blame
Where does the story take place?
The San Francisco Bay area
When does the story take place?
present day
Why does the protagonist become involved?
Can't tell...might give too much away!
Cozies are ridiculous, but totally fun, especially if the main character is likeable, which he/she really must be to keep the series flowing. I wasn't too into the idea of witchcraft and the paranormal mystery has never really appealed to me, but I like Lily and her struggles with trying to fit in, make friends, and lead a normal life.
I definitely plan on continuing the series, which is huge for me and the cozy!
Who is the protagonist?
Lily Ivory, practicing witch and shopkeeper of "Aunt Cora's Closet", a vintage clothing store
What is the premise of the story?
Children have been disappearing, and the dreaded "La Llorona" might be to blame
Where does the story take place?
The San Francisco Bay area
When does the story take place?
present day
Why does the protagonist become involved?
Can't tell...might give too much away!
Cozies are ridiculous, but totally fun, especially if the main character is likeable, which he/she really must be to keep the series flowing. I wasn't too into the idea of witchcraft and the paranormal mystery has never really appealed to me, but I like Lily and her struggles with trying to fit in, make friends, and lead a normal life.
I definitely plan on continuing the series, which is huge for me and the cozy!
August 18, 2010
Good mix of witches, bad guys, and mystery. Love the pig (in disguise) familiar. I look forward to the next in the series.
January 21, 2022
With its skillful writing, richly descriptive of places, people, and--of all things--vintage dresses, this first-person narrative is curiously reluctant to reveal the abilities of its narrator, Lily Ivory, who admits to being a powerful natural-born witch but keeps that mostly to herself. So far in her thirty or so years of life she has used her powers, quietly and in moderation (she suggests), to make herself comfortably well off and travel the world without slipping to the dark side like her father, from whom she inherited those powers.
Instead, she looks to her grandmother Graciela, back home in West Texas, as her mentor in all things magical or spiritual. Graciela, it seems (I think I've got this right), comes from quite a different tradition--she lives within the Spanish-speaking community but she's a native speaker of Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and a powerful being from that world widely known as La Llorona 'the weeping woman' becomes Lily's chief adversary in this magical story.
The book opens when Aidan Rhodes, a male witch who's probably more powerful than Lily, enters her shop and says he worked with her father and welcomes her to San Francisco with a house-warming present that says, "Pleased ta meetcha." It looks like a living gargoyle and claims to be not exactly a goblin or a gnome but insists it's her familiar and Lily is now its master.
Horror of horrors for someone like Lily, who is definitely not letting on she's a witch and wonders how Aidan knew, Aidan disappears and humans enter the shop. What a blessing! Her familiar turns into a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig whenever people are around, and everybody just loves him. Well, so did I. Lily names him Oscar (yes, after Sesame Street) and he's the bright spot of the whole novel.
The first human to hug Oscar (at some length too) is Bronwyn, a middle-aged herbalist who rents a corner of Lily's shop and belongs to a local coven--if any of them really are witches, their powers are limited. Then there's young Maya, who finds inventory for Lily's store and becomes her assistant. Both of these characters are well developed and thoroughly good people too.
Lily, Bronwyn, and Maya make a good team for the adventure that comes up when Lily's search for vintage apparel takes her to a very old woman Maya knows, who lives in a "once-grand Victorian" in Hunter's Point. The lady, named Frances Potts, becomes the center of what some are calling a cozy mystery, but you should know it has many of the typical elements of the horror genre. Even on that first visit, both Frances and Lily hear the cry of the Weeping Woman, and Lily knows it's marking Frances for death.
Lily does her best and takes great risks, but the adventure is on, and of course things in Hunter's Point are not what they seem. Along the way Lily meets Max, a professional myth-buster and total skeptic, and there's undoubted attraction between them nevertheless. Max helps greatly in the adventure despite his disbelief in what's happening--well, I had to stretch a little to accommodate Max in some of the scenes. Aidan makes the climactic encounter possible, knowing that Lily will really owe him in the sequel. All in all, a good journey.
Instead, she looks to her grandmother Graciela, back home in West Texas, as her mentor in all things magical or spiritual. Graciela, it seems (I think I've got this right), comes from quite a different tradition--she lives within the Spanish-speaking community but she's a native speaker of Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and a powerful being from that world widely known as La Llorona 'the weeping woman' becomes Lily's chief adversary in this magical story.
Finding a safe place to call home wasn't an easy task for a natural witch from a small Texas town.So when a parrot in a Hong Kong bar, whom Lily takes to be an elf in disguise, strongly recommends San Francisco to her, what does she do? She moves there and opens a vintage women's clothing store called Aunt Cora's Closet and, get this, it's right on the famous intersection of Haight & Ashbury. Speaking through Lily, the author gives us wonderfully detailed descriptions of that unique neighborhood as it had evolved forty or so years after it was the center point of the 1967 Summer of Love; be prepared also for remarkable detail of women's dresses from the 1890s to the hippie heyday.
The book opens when Aidan Rhodes, a male witch who's probably more powerful than Lily, enters her shop and says he worked with her father and welcomes her to San Francisco with a house-warming present that says, "Pleased ta meetcha." It looks like a living gargoyle and claims to be not exactly a goblin or a gnome but insists it's her familiar and Lily is now its master.
Horror of horrors for someone like Lily, who is definitely not letting on she's a witch and wonders how Aidan knew, Aidan disappears and humans enter the shop. What a blessing! Her familiar turns into a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig whenever people are around, and everybody just loves him. Well, so did I. Lily names him Oscar (yes, after Sesame Street) and he's the bright spot of the whole novel.
The first human to hug Oscar (at some length too) is Bronwyn, a middle-aged herbalist who rents a corner of Lily's shop and belongs to a local coven--if any of them really are witches, their powers are limited. Then there's young Maya, who finds inventory for Lily's store and becomes her assistant. Both of these characters are well developed and thoroughly good people too.
Lily, Bronwyn, and Maya make a good team for the adventure that comes up when Lily's search for vintage apparel takes her to a very old woman Maya knows, who lives in a "once-grand Victorian" in Hunter's Point. The lady, named Frances Potts, becomes the center of what some are calling a cozy mystery, but you should know it has many of the typical elements of the horror genre. Even on that first visit, both Frances and Lily hear the cry of the Weeping Woman, and Lily knows it's marking Frances for death.
Lily does her best and takes great risks, but the adventure is on, and of course things in Hunter's Point are not what they seem. Along the way Lily meets Max, a professional myth-buster and total skeptic, and there's undoubted attraction between them nevertheless. Max helps greatly in the adventure despite his disbelief in what's happening--well, I had to stretch a little to accommodate Max in some of the scenes. Aidan makes the climactic encounter possible, knowing that Lily will really owe him in the sequel. All in all, a good journey.
September 22, 2025
4.25 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes place end of spring going into Easter but the apply vibes fit well in fall too
I DNFed this years ago but decided to give it another shot this year. I can see why it wasn’t for me at the time but I’m glad I picked it up again.
The magic system felt the most real I’ve read in a while. It read slightly like practical magic meets charmed. Modern witches eith modern issues. I also really enjoyed the vintage clothing store concept.
The romance was good was well and kept me on my toes. It did feel a tad slow at times and I didn’t follow the mystery as well as I wish.
My main issue is the cover doesn’t seem to match the vibe of this book. I wouldn’t call it a cozy completely to be honest.
I think this is setting up for a very interesting series.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes place end of spring going into Easter but the apply vibes fit well in fall too
I DNFed this years ago but decided to give it another shot this year. I can see why it wasn’t for me at the time but I’m glad I picked it up again.
The magic system felt the most real I’ve read in a while. It read slightly like practical magic meets charmed. Modern witches eith modern issues. I also really enjoyed the vintage clothing store concept.
The romance was good was well and kept me on my toes. It did feel a tad slow at times and I didn’t follow the mystery as well as I wish.
My main issue is the cover doesn’t seem to match the vibe of this book. I wouldn’t call it a cozy completely to be honest.
I think this is setting up for a very interesting series.
June 18, 2017
Cute paranormal mystery.
I enjoyed this. I listened to it as an audiobook and it's narrated by Xe Sands who has the most wonderful, easy-to-listen-to voice.
The story introduces us to Lily Ivory. A twenty-something witch and vintage clothing expert and store owner. Funnily enough, I actually have a bit of a thing for vintage clothing and period costumery myself. There's this wonderful Facebook page I follow called Au fil des passions to get my daily fix. It has photos of dresses, accessories and corsetry, etc from various history museums (honestly, the attention to detail when you consider so much of it was done by hand is astonishing) as well as elaborate modern day designs and famous Hollywood movie costumes. If you have any interest in clothing as art, as I do, you should check it out!
Anyway, I digress (sorry). Lily not only sells the clothes and has a keen eye for recommending and obtaining them, but I loved the fact that she also wears them herself in her day-to-day life. From 1960s polka dot wiggle dresses to 1940s shirt dresses. She reminded me an awful lot of the character Melinda Gordon from the T.V show Ghost Whisperer, actually. Just swap antique shop for vintage clothing and Ghost whisperer for Witch, and you've pretty much got Lily Ivory. She also has that same quiet yet strangely endearing personality. She sweet. She's likeable. She's intelligent. She's attractive. And I think she might turn out to be quite a talented witch too once we get to know her more.
A lot of this book was introduction. There's obviously more to come in terms of why Lily is not with a witch Coven and what happened in her past, etc. She meets a couple of interesting male characters in this book that make me intrigued about future romantic subplots. Although, I'm not certain either one of them is ideal for Lily. Both could lead to heartache for different reasons...
The plot follows a missing girl who is believed to have been taken by a water demon called La Llorona. The mystery plot wasn't exactly fast-paced; it was perhaps a little sedate for my tastes, but I understand a lot of time had to be devoted to set up and establishing characters.
I did love Oscar her new goblin familiar/pig. He was adorable! I love it when they have an animal or some kind of small supernatural creature as a sidekick!
I'll definitely check out the next one the next time I want a relaxing, enjoyable audio experience.
3 Stars ★★★
I enjoyed this. I listened to it as an audiobook and it's narrated by Xe Sands who has the most wonderful, easy-to-listen-to voice.
The story introduces us to Lily Ivory. A twenty-something witch and vintage clothing expert and store owner. Funnily enough, I actually have a bit of a thing for vintage clothing and period costumery myself. There's this wonderful Facebook page I follow called Au fil des passions to get my daily fix. It has photos of dresses, accessories and corsetry, etc from various history museums (honestly, the attention to detail when you consider so much of it was done by hand is astonishing) as well as elaborate modern day designs and famous Hollywood movie costumes. If you have any interest in clothing as art, as I do, you should check it out!
Anyway, I digress (sorry). Lily not only sells the clothes and has a keen eye for recommending and obtaining them, but I loved the fact that she also wears them herself in her day-to-day life. From 1960s polka dot wiggle dresses to 1940s shirt dresses. She reminded me an awful lot of the character Melinda Gordon from the T.V show Ghost Whisperer, actually. Just swap antique shop for vintage clothing and Ghost whisperer for Witch, and you've pretty much got Lily Ivory. She also has that same quiet yet strangely endearing personality. She sweet. She's likeable. She's intelligent. She's attractive. And I think she might turn out to be quite a talented witch too once we get to know her more.
A lot of this book was introduction. There's obviously more to come in terms of why Lily is not with a witch Coven and what happened in her past, etc. She meets a couple of interesting male characters in this book that make me intrigued about future romantic subplots. Although, I'm not certain either one of them is ideal for Lily. Both could lead to heartache for different reasons...
The plot follows a missing girl who is believed to have been taken by a water demon called La Llorona. The mystery plot wasn't exactly fast-paced; it was perhaps a little sedate for my tastes, but I understand a lot of time had to be devoted to set up and establishing characters.
I did love Oscar her new goblin familiar/pig. He was adorable! I love it when they have an animal or some kind of small supernatural creature as a sidekick!
I'll definitely check out the next one the next time I want a relaxing, enjoyable audio experience.
3 Stars ★★★
January 6, 2011
Don't know why I love these short little reads from authors most folks have never heard of, but I absolutely adore them! This one is a fun, quick read about a vintage clothing store owner, Lily Ivory, who has certain, shall we say, 'gifts' when it comes to her merchandise. She senses the emotions and memories within the items, good or bad, that she finds for her clothing store. She runs the store with her aunt and meets quite a few very unique people along the way in this first in a series by Juliet Blackwell.
Lily doesn't know her 'gift' in inherited in her dna and not just something she learned at her family's knee as she grew to adulthood. she doesn't know she's been raised and trained by witches in her family, just loving family members. she isn't aware that she is a witch, only someone who's doing what she does best, which is finding quality vintage clothing with a history that often leads her into a bit of trouble now and then.
Such a fun read! Any fan of say Madelyn Alt, Shirley Damsgaard or Annette Blair will equally enjoy these books in this series.
Lily doesn't know her 'gift' in inherited in her dna and not just something she learned at her family's knee as she grew to adulthood. she doesn't know she's been raised and trained by witches in her family, just loving family members. she isn't aware that she is a witch, only someone who's doing what she does best, which is finding quality vintage clothing with a history that often leads her into a bit of trouble now and then.
Such a fun read! Any fan of say Madelyn Alt, Shirley Damsgaard or Annette Blair will equally enjoy these books in this series.
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November 9, 2017I just COULD NOT get into the tone of this book. I really hate almost everything about the mc's pov voice. She complains all the time and she is so hyppocritical. SHe talks about liking humans and doing good for them but then usues her magic on them all the time. She moralizes about trading someone's soul like- it's ok they were probably evil anyway.
So yeah. I normally like these campy pnrs but not this one.
So yeah. I normally like these campy pnrs but not this one.
March 23, 2017
i'm pretty lucky with my books choices lately. and this book was just perfect for a light reading.
basically, anything with, murder, female leads, and everything about magic are my auto buy.
The story started when Lily Ivory moves to a new town in San Fransisco because of some sign from a parrot. Yep, a parrot. Lily is a witch, and she was determined to make some new friend in her new town. To get her life together, she opens a vintage store called "Aunt Cora Closet". Everything seem pretty good, when suddenly, her store is visited by a male witch who gave her a familiar, some kind of spirit animals for witch. Not long after that, she found her client is murdered and a few people in her town is missing one by one. She needs to reveal whats going on without revealing her trueself to everyone. Not everyone will be pleased to have a witch in their town.
Juliet Blackwell is great at bringing her reader to attached to her books. She can described the ambience of the store, the town, the situation without being over descriptive, which is a good thing for me. The character are all very likeable and some are unique type of characters. I will definitely read the next book and you should to .
basically, anything with, murder, female leads, and everything about magic are my auto buy.
The story started when Lily Ivory moves to a new town in San Fransisco because of some sign from a parrot. Yep, a parrot. Lily is a witch, and she was determined to make some new friend in her new town. To get her life together, she opens a vintage store called "Aunt Cora Closet". Everything seem pretty good, when suddenly, her store is visited by a male witch who gave her a familiar, some kind of spirit animals for witch. Not long after that, she found her client is murdered and a few people in her town is missing one by one. She needs to reveal whats going on without revealing her trueself to everyone. Not everyone will be pleased to have a witch in their town.
Juliet Blackwell is great at bringing her reader to attached to her books. She can described the ambience of the store, the town, the situation without being over descriptive, which is a good thing for me. The character are all very likeable and some are unique type of characters. I will definitely read the next book and you should to .
May 8, 2010
Secondhand Spirits is the start of a great new mystery series. Lily Ivory is a real, live, magical-power having witch. I love that her actions aren't encumbered by karmic fears. She has no qualms about using her abilities to secure prime parking sports and other frivolous, yet harmless, perks. She lives by her own moral compass and does not relate her hereditary witchiness to any religious belief system. She acquires a goblin-like familiar that pretends to be an innocent pet pig allowing him the luxury of being being cuddled by women and the freedom to wander unhindered into changing-rooms.
Lily owns and operates a vintage clothing shop, which I found much more fascinating than I thought I would. Many aspects of the business were portrayed, from the varying sources she acquires the clothing from to how she uses her abilities to match a person to the perfect retro outfit. A soon to be bride and her bridesmaids came in to pick out dresses and the atmosphere was so fun, I felt as though I was there as well.
Lily has two potential romantic candidates. Aidan is a male witch who exudes an air of danger. Max is a skeptic and professional myth-buster who seems to be falling for Lily despite his distaste for the supposed paranormal. Each man seems to have great potential as both heartthrob and heart-breaker.
Many mysterious things happen in Secondhand spirits, from a missing child to a dead client. With ghosts, demons and other witches involved, the possibility for viable suspects is endless. The book ends in a surprise twist which I never saw coming. Secondhand Spirits is a quality cozy full of witchy fun. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Lily owns and operates a vintage clothing shop, which I found much more fascinating than I thought I would. Many aspects of the business were portrayed, from the varying sources she acquires the clothing from to how she uses her abilities to match a person to the perfect retro outfit. A soon to be bride and her bridesmaids came in to pick out dresses and the atmosphere was so fun, I felt as though I was there as well.
Lily has two potential romantic candidates. Aidan is a male witch who exudes an air of danger. Max is a skeptic and professional myth-buster who seems to be falling for Lily despite his distaste for the supposed paranormal. Each man seems to have great potential as both heartthrob and heart-breaker.
Many mysterious things happen in Secondhand spirits, from a missing child to a dead client. With ghosts, demons and other witches involved, the possibility for viable suspects is endless. The book ends in a surprise twist which I never saw coming. Secondhand Spirits is a quality cozy full of witchy fun. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 20, 2017
If I could pick a supernatural being to be it will always be a witch, And some people in my life might say I'm almost there.....
How could I not like Lilly she is a witch who loves fashion... this is from what I can tell, a good start to a series that probably gets better and better and better.... this first book definitely had all the things I truly enjoy about a good series, and that is amazing characters, I can just see all these characters growing on me, even though I believe there might be a possible love triangle, or maybe even a square??? I especially think I'm going to fall in love with Oscar, I want a familiar now.... The mystery was interesting, and I like how everything tied together including the folklore and the witchcraft... definitely a series I will continue....
How could I not like Lilly she is a witch who loves fashion... this is from what I can tell, a good start to a series that probably gets better and better and better.... this first book definitely had all the things I truly enjoy about a good series, and that is amazing characters, I can just see all these characters growing on me, even though I believe there might be a possible love triangle, or maybe even a square??? I especially think I'm going to fall in love with Oscar, I want a familiar now.... The mystery was interesting, and I like how everything tied together including the folklore and the witchcraft... definitely a series I will continue....
October 13, 2020
This was an okay read. I didn't get sucked into the story and I felt like not a lot happened. I like that there are witches and other magical creatures, especially Lily's familiar Oscar. Lily's ability to feel vibrations from clothes about who owned them was interesting, but we didn't learn much about witches' abilities beyond that.
The mystery also felt like it needed more meat to it. I didn't totally understand why La Llorona was involved and the bad guy's motives. There was more about Lily's relationship with Max which was okay but no sparks.
I didn't hate this, there were cute moments with Oscar and I think Aidan is a very interesting character. I'm sure as the series goes it will tell more about Aidan and the other witches, as well as other supernatural beings.
The mystery also felt like it needed more meat to it. I didn't totally understand why La Llorona was involved and the bad guy's motives. There was more about Lily's relationship with Max which was okay but no sparks.
I didn't hate this, there were cute moments with Oscar and I think Aidan is a very interesting character. I'm sure as the series goes it will tell more about Aidan and the other witches, as well as other supernatural beings.
September 6, 2012
I enjoy ‘magick’ themes. However if I knew it contained ‘a troll’ and touched on ‘demons’ although lightly; I wouldn't have bought it. The small, diverse cast grew on me later but it took some doing to finish reading. Let's forget witches and note that any distinct lifestyle needs to be broken in. Introduce a basic person and surroundings, then ease into a trade. We wouldn't relate to a book immediately spouting plumbing details. Let us sample the person on common ground, then we'll go wherever they take us.
From the first sentence, Julie Blackwell has us encounter a male witch, who the protagonist mistrusts. Despite this she takes on as a pet, a troll he sticks her with! There's no gauge of whether that’s but she isn't confused about how he should live in her apartment and what he should eat. He's a useless addition like ‘Jar Jar Binks’ in "Star Wars", which downgrades the book’s quality and enjoyment. The psychology was off too. The lady passes herself off as a lone wolf even from family; so unused to having friends, she stammers to invite a co-worker over. But she feels enough loyalty to break the law and check on an elderly woman she just met.
The end was spectacular. The elevation of camaraderie later, was beautiful. You want the lady to set roots in her new city. What turns me off is cauldron spell-brewing; an image other witchcraft authors work hard to stomp out. Their portrayal of natural energy being harnessed for protection or wisdom, is peaceful and rather nice. I'll finish the series because I pre-bought all but novel 2, which seems to be about ghosts. That’s a background I like. However this author lost me early on, when one potion included a poor bat.
From the first sentence, Julie Blackwell has us encounter a male witch, who the protagonist mistrusts. Despite this she takes on as a pet, a troll he sticks her with! There's no gauge of whether that’s but she isn't confused about how he should live in her apartment and what he should eat. He's a useless addition like ‘Jar Jar Binks’ in "Star Wars", which downgrades the book’s quality and enjoyment. The psychology was off too. The lady passes herself off as a lone wolf even from family; so unused to having friends, she stammers to invite a co-worker over. But she feels enough loyalty to break the law and check on an elderly woman she just met.
The end was spectacular. The elevation of camaraderie later, was beautiful. You want the lady to set roots in her new city. What turns me off is cauldron spell-brewing; an image other witchcraft authors work hard to stomp out. Their portrayal of natural energy being harnessed for protection or wisdom, is peaceful and rather nice. I'll finish the series because I pre-bought all but novel 2, which seems to be about ghosts. That’s a background I like. However this author lost me early on, when one potion included a poor bat.
December 6, 2012
I just discovered these types of cozy, paranormal mysteries, and I have to say I am ready for more. Secondhand Spirits is light and breezy fun with a bit of darkness for some edge. For me witches can always add to the recipe for a good time; throw in some vintage fashion, a cool San Francisco Haight-Ashbury setting, a haunted house, a gargoyle that can morph into a pot-belly pig, herbs, spells, and demons and ... well, what more can you want. And there are NO vampires, a huge plus as far as I'm concerned! The characters were all likeable as well, especially the magic-wary Lily who can no longer deny her powers when she discovers children have been going missing in The City. This is certainly not rocket science I know, but it IS terribly fun brain candy, which we all need at least from time to time.
October 19, 2017
Loved this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
October 15, 2020
Lily Ivory is not an ordinary witch. While she's a master making potions with her cauldron, her other magical skills are limited. Which is why she doesn't advertise her magic, instead preferring to advertise her secondhand clothing shop. When she's invited to the house of elderly Frances Potts to see her vintage clothing collection, Lily hears the wail of legendary child snatcher La Llorona as a child goes missing. Despite Lily's best efforts, Mrs. Potts dies, leaving her at the center of a mystical mystery.
Secondhand Spirits is a cute, witchy mystery. Heavier on the witch stuff than the mystery part, but that could be because the author was trying to create a whole new, magical world for her characters to live in. I like Lily and her friends, and I like the attempt to integrate more traditional Wiccan/witchcraft ideas into the story. Overall, it's a solid effort for a first-in-a-series novel.
Secondhand Spirits is a cute, witchy mystery. Heavier on the witch stuff than the mystery part, but that could be because the author was trying to create a whole new, magical world for her characters to live in. I like Lily and her friends, and I like the attempt to integrate more traditional Wiccan/witchcraft ideas into the story. Overall, it's a solid effort for a first-in-a-series novel.
January 11, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot. Narrator was quite soothing to listen to. Will definitely continue the series!
April 3, 2016
Secondhand Spirits
2 Stars
A vintage clothing store on the streets of San Francisco run by a witch who becomes involved in the investigation of a missing girl - sounds like a recipe for perfection? Unfortunately not!
Despite the intriguing premise, the plot of Secondhand Spirits is boring and completely lacking in tension and suspense. Furthermore, the heroine, Lily Ivory, is as dull as dishwater. There are no details on the precise origin, nature or extent of her powers and her abilities consistently fail her even though she is a supposedly exceptional witch.
The secondary characters from Bronwyn the Wiccan business partner to Max the mythbusting reporter to Aidan the mysterious sorcerer all have tremendous potential, but are ultimately one dimensional and underdeveloped.
The hints at a romance brewing between Lily and Max are also tedious as the couple has zero chemistry and his negative attitude toward her abilities is off-putting. There doesn’t seem to be any future for them.
In terms of the audiobook, I’ve heard that Xe Sands is a wonderful narrator. Personally, I could not tell from this book as her narration is monotonous and entirely too relaxed for a mystery. I’m sure she has some better performances out there.
Although this particular book is disappointing, I haven’t given up on the paranormal mystery genre as there are some fantastic series out there. Blackwell’s just isn’t one of them.
2 Stars
A vintage clothing store on the streets of San Francisco run by a witch who becomes involved in the investigation of a missing girl - sounds like a recipe for perfection? Unfortunately not!
Despite the intriguing premise, the plot of Secondhand Spirits is boring and completely lacking in tension and suspense. Furthermore, the heroine, Lily Ivory, is as dull as dishwater. There are no details on the precise origin, nature or extent of her powers and her abilities consistently fail her even though she is a supposedly exceptional witch.
The secondary characters from Bronwyn the Wiccan business partner to Max the mythbusting reporter to Aidan the mysterious sorcerer all have tremendous potential, but are ultimately one dimensional and underdeveloped.
The hints at a romance brewing between Lily and Max are also tedious as the couple has zero chemistry and his negative attitude toward her abilities is off-putting. There doesn’t seem to be any future for them.
In terms of the audiobook, I’ve heard that Xe Sands is a wonderful narrator. Personally, I could not tell from this book as her narration is monotonous and entirely too relaxed for a mystery. I’m sure she has some better performances out there.
Although this particular book is disappointing, I haven’t given up on the paranormal mystery genre as there are some fantastic series out there. Blackwell’s just isn’t one of them.
June 14, 2020
A San Francisco witch with a mysterious past who owns a vintage clothing store who solves magical mysteries. Sounds like a it must be the start of the summer reading festival. Let the trash reading begin!!
This was not the worst book I have ever read and I will probably read another book in the series this summer. Would this have been a 3 star book if I had picked it up in February? No, but then again i would never consider reading something so trashy in the winter.
This was not the worst book I have ever read and I will probably read another book in the series this summer. Would this have been a 3 star book if I had picked it up in February? No, but then again i would never consider reading something so trashy in the winter.
April 13, 2018
This book was definitely a pleasant surprise. I decided to read it because of the cute cover and ended up finding a great plot and well-developed characters. This was a fun, fast-paced paranormal/cozy mystery.
March 13, 2020
I was expecting something cutesy and twee from the cover, but this was darker than normal cozy mysteries. She's a real witch this one, and fights real evil. And I liked her, her band of friends, even the number of men circling her. I'm going to continue this series, as this one impressed me quite a bit.
October 14, 2017
Fun, interesting magic, less cozy mystery and more non-gritty urban fantasy though.
March 3, 2020
Lily Ivory is a real witch but hides it from the neighborhood. She runs a vintage clothing shop named Aunt Cora's Closet in San Francisco. When a young girl disappears without a trace, and an acquaintance is killed, Lily's witchy skills are put to the test. She feels an evil presence that she may not be able to stop.
Ok, this series has me officially hooked! I'm not into vintage clothing, but didn't need to be to read this. Loved the mystery and the appearance of Oscar. You'll have to find out for yourself who he is since I don't like giving spoilers. The plot flowed smoothly and kept me entertained with a fantastic ending. This is a delightful read with charming characters. I can't believe I haven't read this sooner. It's definitely heavy on the paranormal side, so I would only recommend to readers who like that aspect.
Ok, this series has me officially hooked! I'm not into vintage clothing, but didn't need to be to read this. Loved the mystery and the appearance of Oscar. You'll have to find out for yourself who he is since I don't like giving spoilers. The plot flowed smoothly and kept me entertained with a fantastic ending. This is a delightful read with charming characters. I can't believe I haven't read this sooner. It's definitely heavy on the paranormal side, so I would only recommend to readers who like that aspect.
March 14, 2012
Secondhand Spirits is the first in the Witchcraft Mysteries series by Juliet Blackwell. The series centers on Lily Ivory, a natural witch who has traveled the world looking for a place to belong, and finds it in the eccentric Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco. She owns a vintage clothing shop, and her magical abilities help her in her business by allowing her to sense something of the history of a garment and thereby match it with the right customer. In Secondhand Spirits, Lily purchases a hoard of clothing from an old woman, Frances Potts, and soon becomes embroiled in a mystery involving Mrs. Potts, a missing child, and the eerie legend of La Llorona. Lily risks her new-found acceptance and security by using her witchcraft to try to save the day.
Juliet Blackwell has done her research into witchcraft, both the Wiccan sort and the folkloric variety that was so feared in the Middle Ages. Both of them exist here. Lily, as a natural witch, has power beyond that of ordinary humans and possesses the traits witches were once rumored to have; for example, she can’t cry. Her friend Bronwyn is a Wiccan witch, who worships the Goddess and follows Wiccan principles but is much more limited in her power. The spells in the book are based on real practices from history and from the present day.
Secondhand Spirits gets off to a bit of a slow start; the early chapters spend a lot of time establishing Lily’s character and the way her magic works, and fleshing out the neighborhood and the ambiance of Lily’s shop. This is both a positive and a negative. It does slow the story down somewhat, but it’s also quite charming and gives us something to come back for in future books. If you read a lot of cozy mysteries, you’ve probably experienced this phenomenon: it’s the mystery itself that keeps you turning pages in each individual book, but likable characters and a memorable setting are what keep you coming back to the same series next time you want a mystery fix. When the mystery does get rolling, it’s both spooky and poignant — though there’s one aspect of it that’s far too easy to guess because someone’s name is too obvious. There’s a hint of romance, too, or at least potential for future romance. Lily meets two intriguing men, one of whom she’s not sure is trustworthy and the other of whom thinks witchcraft is bunk; sparks fly. I’m especially fond of the mythbuster…
If Secondhand Spirits sounds appealing to you, you can’t go wrong with Tantor Audio’s production, narrated by Xe Sands. Sands has a smooth, compelling voice that seems to curl around you as she speaks, or that makes you want to curl up for storytime. For Lily, born in Texas, she has a slight Southern accent that is just enough to notice without being distracting from the story. Her secondary-character voices are terrific too; I should especially mention how funny she is in her portrayal of the gushing Bronwyn, and how utterly adorable she makes Lily’s familiar, Oscar. If you like cozy mysteries with a magical twist — Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby, for example — Juliet Blackwell’s Witchcraft Mysteries are definitely worth your time. This first book has a few flaws but is a great deal of fun and I’ll definitely be back for more.
Juliet Blackwell has done her research into witchcraft, both the Wiccan sort and the folkloric variety that was so feared in the Middle Ages. Both of them exist here. Lily, as a natural witch, has power beyond that of ordinary humans and possesses the traits witches were once rumored to have; for example, she can’t cry. Her friend Bronwyn is a Wiccan witch, who worships the Goddess and follows Wiccan principles but is much more limited in her power. The spells in the book are based on real practices from history and from the present day.
Secondhand Spirits gets off to a bit of a slow start; the early chapters spend a lot of time establishing Lily’s character and the way her magic works, and fleshing out the neighborhood and the ambiance of Lily’s shop. This is both a positive and a negative. It does slow the story down somewhat, but it’s also quite charming and gives us something to come back for in future books. If you read a lot of cozy mysteries, you’ve probably experienced this phenomenon: it’s the mystery itself that keeps you turning pages in each individual book, but likable characters and a memorable setting are what keep you coming back to the same series next time you want a mystery fix. When the mystery does get rolling, it’s both spooky and poignant — though there’s one aspect of it that’s far too easy to guess because someone’s name is too obvious. There’s a hint of romance, too, or at least potential for future romance. Lily meets two intriguing men, one of whom she’s not sure is trustworthy and the other of whom thinks witchcraft is bunk; sparks fly. I’m especially fond of the mythbuster…
If Secondhand Spirits sounds appealing to you, you can’t go wrong with Tantor Audio’s production, narrated by Xe Sands. Sands has a smooth, compelling voice that seems to curl around you as she speaks, or that makes you want to curl up for storytime. For Lily, born in Texas, she has a slight Southern accent that is just enough to notice without being distracting from the story. Her secondary-character voices are terrific too; I should especially mention how funny she is in her portrayal of the gushing Bronwyn, and how utterly adorable she makes Lily’s familiar, Oscar. If you like cozy mysteries with a magical twist — Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby, for example — Juliet Blackwell’s Witchcraft Mysteries are definitely worth your time. This first book has a few flaws but is a great deal of fun and I’ll definitely be back for more.
March 6, 2019
Lily Ivory est une sorcière de naissance, que ses pouvoirs ont obligée à fuir la petite ville du Texas où elle avait grandi. Pendant des années, elle a parcouru le monde sans s'attacher à personne - mais à présent, elle estime le temps venu de se fixer quelque part. Elle a choisi San Francisco pour son énergie positive, et ouvert une boutique de vêtements vintage dans l'ancien quartier hippie de Haight Ashbury. Malgré ses hésitations, elle a déjà commencé à tisser des liens: avec Bronwyn, la wiccane herboriste qui la seconde chez Aunt Cora's Closet, avec Conrad, un jeune "punk du caniveau" à qui elle confie de menues tâches en échange d'un solide petit déjeuner, ou avec Maya, une étudiante en arts plastiques dont la mère effectue des travaux de couture pour elle. Mais un jour, alors qu'elle s'est rendue chez une vieille dame au passé douloureux pour y récupérer toute une collection de robes anciennes, Lily entend la plainte de la Llorona, un esprit mexicain connu pour noyer des enfants...
Absolument tout m'a plu dans "Secondhand Spirits". San Francisco est une ville géniale où j'espère bien retourner un jour, et que j'ai eu plaisir à retrouver dans les pages de ce livre. Le commerce de vêtements vintage qui occupe officiellement les journées de Lily est présenté sous un jour intéressant et attachant. Les personnages secondaires sont nombreux et divers, avec des caractères très distincts - bienveillants pour la plupart, mais pas nécessairement Bisounours. Le familier de Lily, un gobelin-gargouille qui se change en cochon nain pour pouvoir accompagner sa maîtresse sans attirer l'attention (!), apporte une touche d'humour toujours bienvenue. L'intrigue m'a parue assez originale, bien menée, prenante et pas du tout évidente à résoudre.
Mais ce que j'ai le plus adoré, c'est l'héroïne. Lily est une jeune femme très indépendante. Habituée à ne compter sur sur elle-même, elle est souvent mystifiée par les relations humaines, réticente à se laisser approcher sur le plan amical ou amoureux. Pourtant, elle fait preuve de beaucoup de bonne volonté et nous épargne les drames imbéciles aussi bien que les sarcasmes constants qui ont fini par me lasser chez d'autres "femmes fortes" de la littérature récente. Juliet Blackwell en fait un personnage très humain et très crédible, dont on aimerait bien devenir la BFF. Et elle nous laisse entrevoir juste assez de son passé tumultueux pour nous donner envie d'y revenir - je veux vraiment savoir ce qui s'est passé avec ce perroquet fou à Hong Kong.
"Secondhand spirits" est le premier tome d'une série qui en compte actuellement 9, la parution du 10ème étant prévue pour cet été. Je l'ai tellement aimé que j'ai aussitôt enchaîné sur le deuxième. Pour les amateurs du genre, il est décrit comme un "cosy mystery", mais autant vous prévenir: malgré une atmosphère générale très feel good, il contient certains éléments assez sombres en rapport avec la sorcellerie. A l'heure où j'écris ces lignes, la série "A witchcraft mystery" n'est pas traduite en français.
Mon blog lecture: https://l4nn3x3.blogspot.com/
Absolument tout m'a plu dans "Secondhand Spirits". San Francisco est une ville géniale où j'espère bien retourner un jour, et que j'ai eu plaisir à retrouver dans les pages de ce livre. Le commerce de vêtements vintage qui occupe officiellement les journées de Lily est présenté sous un jour intéressant et attachant. Les personnages secondaires sont nombreux et divers, avec des caractères très distincts - bienveillants pour la plupart, mais pas nécessairement Bisounours. Le familier de Lily, un gobelin-gargouille qui se change en cochon nain pour pouvoir accompagner sa maîtresse sans attirer l'attention (!), apporte une touche d'humour toujours bienvenue. L'intrigue m'a parue assez originale, bien menée, prenante et pas du tout évidente à résoudre.
Mais ce que j'ai le plus adoré, c'est l'héroïne. Lily est une jeune femme très indépendante. Habituée à ne compter sur sur elle-même, elle est souvent mystifiée par les relations humaines, réticente à se laisser approcher sur le plan amical ou amoureux. Pourtant, elle fait preuve de beaucoup de bonne volonté et nous épargne les drames imbéciles aussi bien que les sarcasmes constants qui ont fini par me lasser chez d'autres "femmes fortes" de la littérature récente. Juliet Blackwell en fait un personnage très humain et très crédible, dont on aimerait bien devenir la BFF. Et elle nous laisse entrevoir juste assez de son passé tumultueux pour nous donner envie d'y revenir - je veux vraiment savoir ce qui s'est passé avec ce perroquet fou à Hong Kong.
"Secondhand spirits" est le premier tome d'une série qui en compte actuellement 9, la parution du 10ème étant prévue pour cet été. Je l'ai tellement aimé que j'ai aussitôt enchaîné sur le deuxième. Pour les amateurs du genre, il est décrit comme un "cosy mystery", mais autant vous prévenir: malgré une atmosphère générale très feel good, il contient certains éléments assez sombres en rapport avec la sorcellerie. A l'heure où j'écris ces lignes, la série "A witchcraft mystery" n'est pas traduite en français.
Mon blog lecture: https://l4nn3x3.blogspot.com/
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