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Witchcraft Mystery #2
A Cast-Off Coven
Students are spooked at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts, and Lily is called in to search for possible paranormal activity. In return she's been promised a trunkful of Victorian-era clothes recently discovered in a school storage closet.
But Lily finds something else: the body of a wealthy patron of the school. In between running the store and seeing her new boyfriend, Max—a "mythbuster" who is uncomfortable with her witchcraft—she uses her sleuthing skills to try to solve the murder. Soon Lily senses something from the school's vintage clothes, but it's not the smell of mothballs—it's the unmistakable aura of evil intent.
But Lily finds something else: the body of a wealthy patron of the school. In between running the store and seeing her new boyfriend, Max—a "mythbuster" who is uncomfortable with her witchcraft—she uses her sleuthing skills to try to solve the murder. Soon Lily senses something from the school's vintage clothes, but it's not the smell of mothballs—it's the unmistakable aura of evil intent.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 26, 2010
205 people are currently reading
3034 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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July 15, 2019
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This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"When some students get spooked at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts, Lily Ivory is called in to search for possible paranormal activity. In exchange for her help, she’s been promised a trunk full of Victorian-era clothes recently discovered in a school storage closet.
What she finds at the foot of the stairs leading to the bell tower is a body—a wealthy patron of the school who has been murdered. She uses her sleuthing skills in between running the store and seeing her new boyfriend, Max, a “myth-buster” uncomfortable with her witchcraft. Soon Lily senses something from the school’s vintage clothes. But it’s not the smell of mothballs—it’s the unmistakable aura of evil intent."
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
San Francisco vintage clothing store owner Lily Ivory must put her more magical abilities to good use in this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Witchcraft series.
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly, earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"When some students get spooked at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts, Lily Ivory is called in to search for possible paranormal activity. In exchange for her help, she’s been promised a trunk full of Victorian-era clothes recently discovered in a school storage closet.
What she finds at the foot of the stairs leading to the bell tower is a body—a wealthy patron of the school who has been murdered. She uses her sleuthing skills in between running the store and seeing her new boyfriend, Max, a “myth-buster” uncomfortable with her witchcraft. Soon Lily senses something from the school’s vintage clothes. But it’s not the smell of mothballs—it’s the unmistakable aura of evil intent."
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
San Francisco vintage clothing store owner Lily Ivory must put her more magical abilities to good use in this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Witchcraft series.
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly, earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
October 27, 2010
I liked this one better than the first. Now that the basics of the world are established, the author got to dig in and tell a really fun story.
I felt like the plot in this one was much more gripping. I was pretty into the details of the demon story as it unfolded, and I was largely kept guessing on the details (not ALL the details - I felt like Lily was a little slow to grasp a couple of things, but it was all good by the end).
I also really enjoyed seeing Lily become more connected to the world around her - she has spent most of her life isolated and outcast, and she is trying to settle and build a home now. It is gratifying to see her realize that people around her care about her.
Honestly, in a lot of ways, this series is reminding me of Harry Dresden. Not the noir vibe that you get with Dresden, but in both series you have a lone wolf-ish witch/sorcerer/magic-user that is driven - largely by their own sense of ethics - to use their abilities to help people. They are both pretty lonely, and are somewhat of an outsider even among their "own" people (Dresden because he was literally cast out, Lily because she largely has chosen to remain outside).
I have a couple criticisms, though.
1. All of the big powerhouses in San Francisco can suck it.
Seriously. Lily moves to town, and is barely there for a couple weeks before she's trying to help the community by being rid of malevolent spirits that kidnap children (book 1) or demons that are terrorizing the art school (book 2). We are introduced to several other supposed magical powerhouses in San Francisco - Aidan, who considers himself Lord and Master of all things magical in S.F.; Herve, a badass priest of voodoo; and arguably a couple others - and not one of them can be bothered to help. In the first book, they all tell her she's nuts for getting involved (with a spirit that has been abducting local children for DECADES, no less), and that she should just ignore it like they do. Aidan even has the gall to charge her for his help (not money - she owes him a favor, which is worse, considering what a slimy douchebag he is). In the second book, these local "badasses" basically drop the demon in her lap and tell her to handle it. Again, this is someone who has been in town for a few weeks. Lily may want to live there, but she is certainly less invested than these men, who have lived in S.F. for decades. WTF? How about they get off their lazy asses? Even worse, when she goes to them for advice and/or help, they basically all tell her to grow a pair and handle it. Can I repeat: WTF?
2. Lily needs to go shopping for some better men.
Fortunately, romance is REALLY secondary in this series. And it is a good damn thing, because San Francisco really seems to be lacking in the men department. Firstly, we have Max. Max is scaring me, as he seems to be dangerously close to suffering from Richard Syndrome. I am referring to Richard from the Anita Blake series. Man, I hate Richard. I'll admit it, I have baggage. Like Richard, Max is one of those guys who is forcefully described as perfect, and is someone that you feel like you ought to love. He is everything that is good and nice, and disagreeing with him makes you feel like you suggested he run over a puppy. He doesn't like what the heroine is, doesn't understand why, for the love of god, she can't just be normal - how can she not WANT to be normal? And he also treads dangerously close to wanting to control the heroine. You know, for her own good. 'Cuz he knows better. *eyeroll*
Then we have Aidan. Please, god, let her have the sense to steer clear of Aidan. There is something so inherently slimy about him, I just don't like him at all.
And there have been a smattering of other possibilities. Honestly, the one I like best at this point is Sailor, but that poor guy is Fucked Up. I mean, he seems sweet, but he would be a Project that would likely demand the patience of Mary.
Does a girl have to make a deal with a demon to get some decent men around here?
3. I am tired of glossing over the back-stories.
I get that it is awesome to pepper your story with nods to more complicated over-arcing elements. This serves as the hook, and builds the framework for your series-spanning plot. But I am two books into this series. I think that I have demonstrated that I am invested. I'd like some info on the things the author has been nodding towards for 2 books now. I don't need the whole story, I am not greedy. But I'd like to start to fill in some detail. What was she accused of in her hometown? WTF was the deal with her father? How about Aidan? Why did her mother hate her? Also, other littler things: what is her connection to Graciela, how did her mother know to send her there? Why did she decide not to finish her training?
But honestly, criticism aside, I am having fun with the series. I am looking forward to reading onward. Also, I'd really like to give a nod to the author on her spellcrafting detail. I don't know what her sources are (she mentions friends who gave her the craft details in her acknowledgements), but I am impressed. I do believe that this is the first book I have seen use magic in a way that is not either Wiccan or wholly fantastical. Blackwell's research is definitely impressive, and it makes for a fun read!
I felt like the plot in this one was much more gripping. I was pretty into the details of the demon story as it unfolded, and I was largely kept guessing on the details (not ALL the details - I felt like Lily was a little slow to grasp a couple of things, but it was all good by the end).
I also really enjoyed seeing Lily become more connected to the world around her - she has spent most of her life isolated and outcast, and she is trying to settle and build a home now. It is gratifying to see her realize that people around her care about her.
Honestly, in a lot of ways, this series is reminding me of Harry Dresden. Not the noir vibe that you get with Dresden, but in both series you have a lone wolf-ish witch/sorcerer/magic-user that is driven - largely by their own sense of ethics - to use their abilities to help people. They are both pretty lonely, and are somewhat of an outsider even among their "own" people (Dresden because he was literally cast out, Lily because she largely has chosen to remain outside).
I have a couple criticisms, though.
1. All of the big powerhouses in San Francisco can suck it.
Seriously. Lily moves to town, and is barely there for a couple weeks before she's trying to help the community by being rid of malevolent spirits that kidnap children (book 1) or demons that are terrorizing the art school (book 2). We are introduced to several other supposed magical powerhouses in San Francisco - Aidan, who considers himself Lord and Master of all things magical in S.F.; Herve, a badass priest of voodoo; and arguably a couple others - and not one of them can be bothered to help. In the first book, they all tell her she's nuts for getting involved (with a spirit that has been abducting local children for DECADES, no less), and that she should just ignore it like they do. Aidan even has the gall to charge her for his help (not money - she owes him a favor, which is worse, considering what a slimy douchebag he is). In the second book, these local "badasses" basically drop the demon in her lap and tell her to handle it. Again, this is someone who has been in town for a few weeks. Lily may want to live there, but she is certainly less invested than these men, who have lived in S.F. for decades. WTF? How about they get off their lazy asses? Even worse, when she goes to them for advice and/or help, they basically all tell her to grow a pair and handle it. Can I repeat: WTF?
2. Lily needs to go shopping for some better men.
Fortunately, romance is REALLY secondary in this series. And it is a good damn thing, because San Francisco really seems to be lacking in the men department. Firstly, we have Max. Max is scaring me, as he seems to be dangerously close to suffering from Richard Syndrome. I am referring to Richard from the Anita Blake series. Man, I hate Richard. I'll admit it, I have baggage. Like Richard, Max is one of those guys who is forcefully described as perfect, and is someone that you feel like you ought to love. He is everything that is good and nice, and disagreeing with him makes you feel like you suggested he run over a puppy. He doesn't like what the heroine is, doesn't understand why, for the love of god, she can't just be normal - how can she not WANT to be normal? And he also treads dangerously close to wanting to control the heroine. You know, for her own good. 'Cuz he knows better. *eyeroll*
Then we have Aidan. Please, god, let her have the sense to steer clear of Aidan. There is something so inherently slimy about him, I just don't like him at all.
And there have been a smattering of other possibilities. Honestly, the one I like best at this point is Sailor, but that poor guy is Fucked Up. I mean, he seems sweet, but he would be a Project that would likely demand the patience of Mary.
Does a girl have to make a deal with a demon to get some decent men around here?
3. I am tired of glossing over the back-stories.
I get that it is awesome to pepper your story with nods to more complicated over-arcing elements. This serves as the hook, and builds the framework for your series-spanning plot. But I am two books into this series. I think that I have demonstrated that I am invested. I'd like some info on the things the author has been nodding towards for 2 books now. I don't need the whole story, I am not greedy. But I'd like to start to fill in some detail. What was she accused of in her hometown? WTF was the deal with her father? How about Aidan? Why did her mother hate her? Also, other littler things: what is her connection to Graciela, how did her mother know to send her there? Why did she decide not to finish her training?
But honestly, criticism aside, I am having fun with the series. I am looking forward to reading onward. Also, I'd really like to give a nod to the author on her spellcrafting detail. I don't know what her sources are (she mentions friends who gave her the craft details in her acknowledgements), but I am impressed. I do believe that this is the first book I have seen use magic in a way that is not either Wiccan or wholly fantastical. Blackwell's research is definitely impressive, and it makes for a fun read!
August 7, 2018
Review posted on Got Fiction?
This was such a fun book!
So 5 French nuns walk into a bar...no I'm kidding---they walked into an old convent in San Francisco. And they apparently stirred up something supernatural. This was in the early 1900s, before the Big Fire in San Francisco, and whatever those nuns did, it got buried in the rubble of the old convent. And when Lily is offered the chance to pick up some vintage clothing from the college, she jumps at it. But the closet it's been housed in isn't quite a closet. And what's inside is more than just Victorian gowns.
Lily Ivory is a witch who has been in San Fran for less than a year, but in this second book in the Witchcraft Mystery series, Lily is once again up to her elbows in vintage clothing and ghosts.
Lily is such a fun character to "be" and I love the first person point of view-which is odd since I'm not a big fan of that. Her voice is easy and fun. She's from Texas and her little sayings always crack me up. I like watching her learn to trust and to put down roots. This is the first time she's ever been able to feel like herself and to have real friends.
But her vintage clothing shop seems to attract all kinds. She gets asked to check out the local art school and while she just doesn't quite buy the fact that a ghost is causing any trouble for the students, she goes anyway. And she comes face-to-face with a murder scene. Lily has to figure out (on her own again) what's haunting the school, what, if anything, the french nuns stirred up, and what is going on with this murder plot. With her trusty gargoyle/gnome/pig familiar, she tries to solve the latest supernatural mystery in her new city.
Gettingabsolutely no help from Aidan, the local head witch in San Francisco, she is once again left on her own to try to figure out who/what killed Jerry Becker. Aidan gives her cryptic clues and hints, but no actual help. We found out why, BUT I hate how he is supposed to be this uber-powerful and strong witch and he sends Lily out on her own in a strange city. She's still new, and has no idea what she's getting into. So Aidan tells her to find Sailor.
Sailor was my favorite character in the whole book. He's a dark, broody kind of guy and I really REALLY hope he gets more page time in the next book Hexes and Hemlines. I love him and his motorcycle boots. I love his broody and dark personality. Oh I wish he could have been Lily's boyfriend.
Max is an investigative reporter, if you remember from the first book. He and Lily are getting closer in this book, and while I like Max, he's just not supportive of Lily being gifted. He won't even talk about her witchcraft or her talents. He wants her to just "not" be a witch. Boo! But I do like him otherwise. I just think he's not what she needs. Not that Aidan is what she needs, no matter how sexy he is. He is such an arrogant ass, I just can't like him enough to be her lover.
The only things I didn't like were just we keep getting random hints about how her mother was afraid of her and left her. About how her father studied with Aidan, but she still knows very little about either her father or Aidan. I'm just frustrated for Lily that everything is so cryptic and difficult. Everyone who is supposed to help her is really not at all helpful. I'm hoping we get to know a lot more about Lily in the next book which I can't wait to read. But I have to wait til June.
So anyone who wants a witchy cozy mystery and a fun heroine, this series is for you!
This was such a fun book!
So 5 French nuns walk into a bar...no I'm kidding---they walked into an old convent in San Francisco. And they apparently stirred up something supernatural. This was in the early 1900s, before the Big Fire in San Francisco, and whatever those nuns did, it got buried in the rubble of the old convent. And when Lily is offered the chance to pick up some vintage clothing from the college, she jumps at it. But the closet it's been housed in isn't quite a closet. And what's inside is more than just Victorian gowns.
Lily Ivory is a witch who has been in San Fran for less than a year, but in this second book in the Witchcraft Mystery series, Lily is once again up to her elbows in vintage clothing and ghosts.
Lily is such a fun character to "be" and I love the first person point of view-which is odd since I'm not a big fan of that. Her voice is easy and fun. She's from Texas and her little sayings always crack me up. I like watching her learn to trust and to put down roots. This is the first time she's ever been able to feel like herself and to have real friends.
But her vintage clothing shop seems to attract all kinds. She gets asked to check out the local art school and while she just doesn't quite buy the fact that a ghost is causing any trouble for the students, she goes anyway. And she comes face-to-face with a murder scene. Lily has to figure out (on her own again) what's haunting the school, what, if anything, the french nuns stirred up, and what is going on with this murder plot. With her trusty gargoyle/gnome/pig familiar, she tries to solve the latest supernatural mystery in her new city.
Getting
Sailor was my favorite character in the whole book. He's a dark, broody kind of guy and I really REALLY hope he gets more page time in the next book Hexes and Hemlines. I love him and his motorcycle boots. I love his broody and dark personality. Oh I wish he could have been Lily's boyfriend.
Max is an investigative reporter, if you remember from the first book. He and Lily are getting closer in this book, and while I like Max, he's just not supportive of Lily being gifted. He won't even talk about her witchcraft or her talents. He wants her to just "not" be a witch. Boo! But I do like him otherwise. I just think he's not what she needs. Not that Aidan is what she needs, no matter how sexy he is. He is such an arrogant ass, I just can't like him enough to be her lover.
The only things I didn't like were just we keep getting random hints about how her mother was afraid of her and left her. About how her father studied with Aidan, but she still knows very little about either her father or Aidan. I'm just frustrated for Lily that everything is so cryptic and difficult. Everyone who is supposed to help her is really not at all helpful. I'm hoping we get to know a lot more about Lily in the next book which I can't wait to read. But I have to wait til June.
So anyone who wants a witchy cozy mystery and a fun heroine, this series is for you!
January 9, 2019
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Mystery. Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Is it me, or is this cozy mystery series really dark? I feel the like paranormal aspects are a little scary if I am being honest! First our amateur sleuth, Lily was casting off La Llorna and now she is ridding demons? Yikes! In any event, I really am finding that I love this series! It's been quite a while since I have found a paranormal book that holds my attention but this series is. In fact, I immediately picked up the third book in this series and plan to read it soon. Perhaps this year I'll work my way through the series! Here's to hoping.
Anyway, since this is an older series I will keep this review short and sweet. All the books in the Witchcraft Mystery series are to be read in order as they all follow the same sleuth Lily. Lily is a witch that owns and operates a vintage clothing boutique. She enjoys finding vintage clothes from any era and making them special once again. But this is not the only calling for Lily as she is also a witch. Not the kind of witch that waves a wand and makes things happen, but a witch that only uses her powers for good like helping people. In this novel, Lily is set to stop a demon from wreaking havoc at a local school and with a little help from her coven and friends she just may be able to do it.
If you are a cozy mystery fan or paranormal mystery lover this truly a must read series. The author incorporates both the paranormal and amateur sleuthing nicely making it the perfect blend.
Specific Likes
- The author clearly has knowledge of vintage clothing and how to take care of them and I feel like every time I read one of these books that I get smarter about how to take care of the delicate fabrics that once graced our world.
- The paranormal aspects of the story are truly interesting and I find myself wanting to learn more about them as I read. I think the author put a lot of work into the books subject and it shows.
- I love Lily and her pig. They are such fun characters to get to know!
What Didn't Work
- Honestly, I think the book is near perfect and there weren't any specific things that didn't work for me. The only thing that holds me back from giving it 5 stars is that I felt like the book was longer than it actually is.
Genre: Paranormal Mystery. Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Is it me, or is this cozy mystery series really dark? I feel the like paranormal aspects are a little scary if I am being honest! First our amateur sleuth, Lily was casting off La Llorna and now she is ridding demons? Yikes! In any event, I really am finding that I love this series! It's been quite a while since I have found a paranormal book that holds my attention but this series is. In fact, I immediately picked up the third book in this series and plan to read it soon. Perhaps this year I'll work my way through the series! Here's to hoping.
Anyway, since this is an older series I will keep this review short and sweet. All the books in the Witchcraft Mystery series are to be read in order as they all follow the same sleuth Lily. Lily is a witch that owns and operates a vintage clothing boutique. She enjoys finding vintage clothes from any era and making them special once again. But this is not the only calling for Lily as she is also a witch. Not the kind of witch that waves a wand and makes things happen, but a witch that only uses her powers for good like helping people. In this novel, Lily is set to stop a demon from wreaking havoc at a local school and with a little help from her coven and friends she just may be able to do it.
If you are a cozy mystery fan or paranormal mystery lover this truly a must read series. The author incorporates both the paranormal and amateur sleuthing nicely making it the perfect blend.
Specific Likes
- The author clearly has knowledge of vintage clothing and how to take care of them and I feel like every time I read one of these books that I get smarter about how to take care of the delicate fabrics that once graced our world.
- The paranormal aspects of the story are truly interesting and I find myself wanting to learn more about them as I read. I think the author put a lot of work into the books subject and it shows.
- I love Lily and her pig. They are such fun characters to get to know!
What Didn't Work
- Honestly, I think the book is near perfect and there weren't any specific things that didn't work for me. The only thing that holds me back from giving it 5 stars is that I felt like the book was longer than it actually is.
February 27, 2022
This second installment in Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series has a much more unified story line, centered this time at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts (a fictitious institution built to a real-life model), where three distinct problems come together for Lily Ivory, the new (and powerful) witch in town. There's (1) a haunted hallway with ghostly noises that many can hear, (2) the sudden death of the school's long-time benefactor Jerry Becker (we just know it must be murder), (3) and...something much more evil than just a ghost, something that--as it turns out--only Lily can deal with and then at terrible risk.
Very well written with richly detailed descriptions once again of places, people, and vintage clothing, the first-person narration takes the reader deep into Lily's life as a natural witch who was a pariah in her home town in western Texas, is estranged from both her parents (and they from each other), and is just now learning to trust and finding friends who really care about her as she begins to build a real home for herself in San Francisco after wandering over much of the world.
For more about Lily's new friends and helpers (Bronwyn, Maya, Oscar) let me link you to my review of the first book Secondhand Spirits at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... This volume sees her problem males from book #1 and raises them one: now it's not just Aidan and Max but Sailor too. A quick update:
Aidan: still the self-declared most powerful witch on the West Coast, acts like the master of everything supernatural in the city of San Francisco--but curiously cryptic about his connection to what's happening at the School of Fine Arts. Once again he tells Lily she has to take care of it. Some readers were distressed at that, Lily being new in town, but by the end we discover Aidan's reason, and it makes sense...sort of. Aidan is a difficult person at best.
Max: the ideal boyfriend except that he's a professional mythbuster and can't hack Lily being a witch. He doesn't seem to get that it's not a job she could just quit, it's who she is. She was born this way. Max has a long way to go, but he sticks in there as her boyfriend anyway.
Sailor: an odd, broody guy who occupies luxury quarters that are not his own, seems uncooperative but helps a bit after all. Is he being put forward as an alternative for Lily's love life? All three of these men are clearly on-going characters; stay tuned.
As you may have guessed by now, the most interesting parts of this story happen well past the first 50 pages and would have to go into spoiler tags. Well, I can say there's something about five mysterious French nuns who came to San Francisco before the quake and fire of 1906--what were they up to, where did they vanish to, and what did they leave behind in the rubble of the convent that was rebuilt as the School of Fine Arts? I think if you open that spoiler tag and add it to the blurb, it'll make the story more fun to read, not less, but do so at your own risk!
Others have noted all the things we have yet to learn about Lily's background. That arises fairly naturally, I think, from Lily's personality. After all, she specializes in vintage clothing and keeps pretty quiet about being a witch; she refers to bits of her past only when they're relevant to her present life. Ethical questions run deep for Lily, both in that past and in her investigation into some very fully developed characters at the School of Fine Arts, and the mystery hinges on character in several ways. With all that, it's still an exciting, suspenseful adventure full of magic and danger.
And that drive through the back streets of Sausalito is worth the price of admission!
Very well written with richly detailed descriptions once again of places, people, and vintage clothing, the first-person narration takes the reader deep into Lily's life as a natural witch who was a pariah in her home town in western Texas, is estranged from both her parents (and they from each other), and is just now learning to trust and finding friends who really care about her as she begins to build a real home for herself in San Francisco after wandering over much of the world.
For more about Lily's new friends and helpers (Bronwyn, Maya, Oscar) let me link you to my review of the first book Secondhand Spirits at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... This volume sees her problem males from book #1 and raises them one: now it's not just Aidan and Max but Sailor too. A quick update:
Aidan: still the self-declared most powerful witch on the West Coast, acts like the master of everything supernatural in the city of San Francisco--but curiously cryptic about his connection to what's happening at the School of Fine Arts. Once again he tells Lily she has to take care of it. Some readers were distressed at that, Lily being new in town, but by the end we discover Aidan's reason, and it makes sense...sort of. Aidan is a difficult person at best.
Max: the ideal boyfriend except that he's a professional mythbuster and can't hack Lily being a witch. He doesn't seem to get that it's not a job she could just quit, it's who she is. She was born this way. Max has a long way to go, but he sticks in there as her boyfriend anyway.
Sailor: an odd, broody guy who occupies luxury quarters that are not his own, seems uncooperative but helps a bit after all. Is he being put forward as an alternative for Lily's love life? All three of these men are clearly on-going characters; stay tuned.
As you may have guessed by now, the most interesting parts of this story happen well past the first 50 pages and would have to go into spoiler tags. Well, I can say there's something about five mysterious French nuns who came to San Francisco before the quake and fire of 1906--what were they up to, where did they vanish to, and what did they leave behind in the rubble of the convent that was rebuilt as the School of Fine Arts? I think if you open that spoiler tag and add it to the blurb, it'll make the story more fun to read, not less, but do so at your own risk!
Others have noted all the things we have yet to learn about Lily's background. That arises fairly naturally, I think, from Lily's personality. After all, she specializes in vintage clothing and keeps pretty quiet about being a witch; she refers to bits of her past only when they're relevant to her present life. Ethical questions run deep for Lily, both in that past and in her investigation into some very fully developed characters at the School of Fine Arts, and the mystery hinges on character in several ways. With all that, it's still an exciting, suspenseful adventure full of magic and danger.
And that drive through the back streets of Sausalito is worth the price of admission!
October 7, 2019
I am absolutely charmed (no pun intended) by this cozy mystery series. I’m not entirely sure why – I don’t find the MC’s supposedly Texan roots at all authentic, I don’t care about vintage clothing, and I generally dislike Romance tropes appearing in my mystery/supernatural genre books. But, still, its just a lot of fun. The MC is vulnerable, trying to settle into her true nature, and struggling to resist the urge to deny her true nature for the sake of making her romantic interest less uncomfortable. She’s actually a very interesting character, and I rarely want to slap her silly. The mystery and settings are interesting, too, and the murders and supernatural elements are surprisingly dark for a cozy. I can’t say the final whodunnit were much of a surprise, but the journey was still worth reading about.
Paperback edition. I think I may like reading these in bound version better than audio, although Xe Sands does a terrific job on the audios.
I read this book for the Booklikes Halloween Bingo 2019, for the square Murder Most Foul: Any murder mystery.
Paperback edition. I think I may like reading these in bound version better than audio, although Xe Sands does a terrific job on the audios.
I read this book for the Booklikes Halloween Bingo 2019, for the square Murder Most Foul: Any murder mystery.
November 2, 2017
Loved this sequel. Can’t wait to start the 3rd book.
September 15, 2019
I'm loving this series so far. The paranormal aspects are 'heavy duty' without being gross. Love, love the setting of my former home city of San Francisco. In this installment, a demonic being is haunting the prestigious San Francisco School of Fine Arts, and possessing staff in turn. Lily works to expel the demon, or at least seal him off. In the process, she solves a pair of present and past murders. A very good, easy read. 4.5*
October 18, 2020
Secondhand clothes dealer Lily Ivory may be a witch, but her talents don't include necromancy, so she's hesitant when her employee, Maya, asks her to investigate a supposed ghost sighting at her college. Lily reluctantly agrees to go with the students, and is shocked when they find a dead body (and maybe a ghost). Something truly supernatural is going on at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts, and since the police don't believe in the paranormal, Lily has to solve the mystery before someone else gets killed.
One of my pet peeves about cozy mysteries is when the amateur sleuth has no real reason to investigate the crime, and this book handles that obstacle perfectly. Since the police investigators don't believe in supernatural explanations, Lily has to intervene. I think this is a little better than the first Wishcraft mystery, and it does a good job integrating the paranormal and the police procedural elements of the book. Lily is still interesting, and the end of the book delivers some real suspense.
One of my pet peeves about cozy mysteries is when the amateur sleuth has no real reason to investigate the crime, and this book handles that obstacle perfectly. Since the police investigators don't believe in supernatural explanations, Lily has to intervene. I think this is a little better than the first Wishcraft mystery, and it does a good job integrating the paranormal and the police procedural elements of the book. Lily is still interesting, and the end of the book delivers some real suspense.
October 29, 2010
After having eagerly devoured the first book in this series (Secondhand Spirits), I couldn't wait to see what the second volume of this series would bring. Just like in my review for the first volume, I have to warn all readers who may not be aware of what they're getting into. This is not a mystery. Yes, crimes & murders do occur, but this series is very much an urban fantasy with a touch of mystery in it. It very much deserves to be placed in the UF category, especially since this author has the chops to match up to genre biggies such as Charlaine Harris & Kim Harrison.
In this volume our favorite witch has been offered a deal that is hard to refuse: check out the ghostly goings on in the local school's supposedly haunted tower in return for a box full of vintage theater clothing. Wooed by the idea of getting more vintage goodies for her shop (which she uses as her own personal closet, just as any of us would), Lily agrees to investigate. When she finds signs of both ghostly AND demonic infestation, Lily knows that this task isn't going to be easy. Add in some interesting new characters & she just might have a chance of coming out of this alive.
I'm serious when I say that this is more UF than mystery, a genre category that was probably pushed on this series more because it doesn't fit the typical trappings of the UF story (gritty heroine, dozens of love interests, vamps & weres coming out of the woodwork, etc). This is way more lighthearted than a Harrison or Armstrong read & I absolutely love this series for it. I love that the main character has friends that are "normal", looks to others for help & isn't all death, blood & gloom all the time. (Not that any of that makes for a bad book, but in a sea of books with similar heroines it is nice to see someone do something different.)
I really do think that this book has managed to top the first one- with all of the main characters introduced in the first book, this entry dives into what makes it so much fun: lovingly described vintage clothing, spooks & the thrill of the chase. There's a few interesting new characters, one of which might have the potential to become either a new ally for Lily or a new love interest. (Or just a major PITA, but he sounds fun.)
If you haven't read the first book in the series, I really recommend that you check it out first just so you can get the gist of everything that is going on. You can read this as a standalone without really missing much, as the book does go over the happenings of the first volume, but it would probably be a better experience if you read Secondhand Spirits.
All I know is that Blackwell has a really good thing going on here & I'm hooked- I'm buying the next volume when it comes out, even if I have to stalk my store's delivery trucks to be the first one to get my hands on it.
In this volume our favorite witch has been offered a deal that is hard to refuse: check out the ghostly goings on in the local school's supposedly haunted tower in return for a box full of vintage theater clothing. Wooed by the idea of getting more vintage goodies for her shop (which she uses as her own personal closet, just as any of us would), Lily agrees to investigate. When she finds signs of both ghostly AND demonic infestation, Lily knows that this task isn't going to be easy. Add in some interesting new characters & she just might have a chance of coming out of this alive.
I'm serious when I say that this is more UF than mystery, a genre category that was probably pushed on this series more because it doesn't fit the typical trappings of the UF story (gritty heroine, dozens of love interests, vamps & weres coming out of the woodwork, etc). This is way more lighthearted than a Harrison or Armstrong read & I absolutely love this series for it. I love that the main character has friends that are "normal", looks to others for help & isn't all death, blood & gloom all the time. (Not that any of that makes for a bad book, but in a sea of books with similar heroines it is nice to see someone do something different.)
I really do think that this book has managed to top the first one- with all of the main characters introduced in the first book, this entry dives into what makes it so much fun: lovingly described vintage clothing, spooks & the thrill of the chase. There's a few interesting new characters, one of which might have the potential to become either a new ally for Lily or a new love interest. (Or just a major PITA, but he sounds fun.)
If you haven't read the first book in the series, I really recommend that you check it out first just so you can get the gist of everything that is going on. You can read this as a standalone without really missing much, as the book does go over the happenings of the first volume, but it would probably be a better experience if you read Secondhand Spirits.
All I know is that Blackwell has a really good thing going on here & I'm hooked- I'm buying the next volume when it comes out, even if I have to stalk my store's delivery trucks to be the first one to get my hands on it.
June 18, 2017
Another enjoyable paranormal mystery from
Juliet Blackwell.
This, for me, was on a par with the first book in the series, Secondhand Spirits. Our resident witch and vintage clothing expert this time takes on a suspected haunting at the Art Department of the local college. Strange noises and occurrences have the student body completely freaked out, and Lily Ivory, known for being knowledgeable about "those sorts of things" is called in to help.
There were a lot of new characters introduced that were connected to the mystery in some way, most of which were nicely fleshed-out. I enjoyed the development with love interest character, Max, but there wasn't nearly as much of it as I might have liked. Also, I was hoping for more information on the mysterious Aidan, and was again slightly disappointed with the small tidbit I was afforded. I did, however, really like new characters Sailor and Luc, and look forward to more of them in future books.
This series is very quiet in its styling; the characters are subtly written, no one particularly shines as an outstanding personality, the world-building is minimal, and the climactic endings are more party popper than firework. They are simply relaxing and easy reads—cosy paranormal mysteries, if you will, but nothing that will set your world on fire. At least not mine, not yet.
I'm really hoping the next one has more of a hook to keep me interested in the overarching plot, and I feel like something needs to be introduced to rock the boat because at the moment, everything is just a bit too "nice."
3 Stars ★★★
This, for me, was on a par with the first book in the series, Secondhand Spirits. Our resident witch and vintage clothing expert this time takes on a suspected haunting at the Art Department of the local college. Strange noises and occurrences have the student body completely freaked out, and Lily Ivory, known for being knowledgeable about "those sorts of things" is called in to help.
There were a lot of new characters introduced that were connected to the mystery in some way, most of which were nicely fleshed-out. I enjoyed the development with love interest character, Max, but there wasn't nearly as much of it as I might have liked. Also, I was hoping for more information on the mysterious Aidan, and was again slightly disappointed with the small tidbit I was afforded. I did, however, really like new characters Sailor and Luc, and look forward to more of them in future books.
This series is very quiet in its styling; the characters are subtly written, no one particularly shines as an outstanding personality, the world-building is minimal, and the climactic endings are more party popper than firework. They are simply relaxing and easy reads—cosy paranormal mysteries, if you will, but nothing that will set your world on fire. At least not mine, not yet.
I'm really hoping the next one has more of a hook to keep me interested in the overarching plot, and I feel like something needs to be introduced to rock the boat because at the moment, everything is just a bit too "nice."
3 Stars ★★★
December 21, 2012
Loved it! Sigh! Cosy mysteries (shaking her head). A good series drags you in and there you are, totally hooked. Luckily I don't have to hang around waiting for the next one (she says smugly, knowing there are more on the shelves).
I like the colourful array of characters, and Lily herself. I'm looking forward to learning more of her and I think that the choice she has made in men is excellent, despite the varied and assorted types she has around her. There is plenty of scope to flesh out the relationship with Max in future books.
I give full credit to Juliet for the careful way she deals with magic and spells. I guess there will be more variety in supernatural beings as the books progress, but we, the readers, are not being inundated with a huge array all at once and it is possible to keep up with each being as they come along.
Well done Juliet! I'm off to start the next one. :)
I like the colourful array of characters, and Lily herself. I'm looking forward to learning more of her and I think that the choice she has made in men is excellent, despite the varied and assorted types she has around her. There is plenty of scope to flesh out the relationship with Max in future books.
I give full credit to Juliet for the careful way she deals with magic and spells. I guess there will be more variety in supernatural beings as the books progress, but we, the readers, are not being inundated with a huge array all at once and it is possible to keep up with each being as they come along.
Well done Juliet! I'm off to start the next one. :)
March 23, 2021
I just love this series! This took me just a little bit to get into but once things kind of clicked for me I really loved it. Ive never really read cozy mysteries before but this seems to be a little dark and not at all what the covers make it up to be and that’s probably why I enjoy them so much. I’ve been listening to the audiobooks and honestly don’t love the narrator. I may just read the physical version for the next one and see how that goes.
December 20, 2015
These books are pretty fun, but I have a few questions. Like: Doesn't anyone think it's weird that Lily only feeds her pet pig stuff like grilled cheese sandwiches and leftover Chinese food? Doesn't Bronwyn mind always being left in charge of the store when she just wanted to sell herbs part-time? And most importantly, Lily used magic to get such a huge and perfect stock of vintage clothes for her store, right?
November 4, 2020
Loved it! Still a cozy mystery, but this one has Lily in over her head. A natural witch with a lot of untapped power, Lily is like a beacon to spirits. She can sense them, but can't really understand or communicate with them. When asked to investigate a haunting in a San Francisco art school, she bravely goes ahead -- only to find out that what is actually there is scarier than could be imagined! A well-thought out mystery with some new characters. This series just keeps getting better.
October 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. They keep dropping information about lily's past which makes me want to know more. There is a new character, sailor, he seems to have a past of his own. Looking forward to knowing more. I'm not sure who is end game for relationship yet. She is currently dating max but who knows.
December 30, 2020
I can see a case for presenting these books as wacky or goofy, but Blackwell can *write.* If you’re looking for a cozy series with supernatural elements, realistic dialogue, and well-drawn characters, this is a good place to land.
October 21, 2021
Book 2 in this witchy mystery was just as cute and magical as the first. A mysterious murder in an Art institute sends Lily into yet another battle against a demon. A demon that not only tests her magic but her ability to resist temptation.
May 29, 2018
5/5 ⭐
I enjoyed this one a little bit more then the first one.
I enjoyed this one a little bit more then the first one.
November 30, 2018
Witchy fun! Murder with a twist!
Great characters and story. Blackwell did her homework on witchcraft!
Great characters and story. Blackwell did her homework on witchcraft!
December 29, 2019
I like this cozy series, the San Francisco details are fun and the light paranormal activity and characters keep it interesting.
November 29, 2017
This is a light read.
This is more or less like the first book. However, I find myself tuning out of the story, hence the lower rating.
The story revolves around Lily solving the mystery at an art school. Students are getting snippy, there are weird music playing, there are talks of a ghost roaming the school, past nuns who died in the building, and a demon possessing people. Lily fought the demon. She had to fight out the name first, which she eventually did. The demon played tricks on her mind to stop her. She summoned the demon to exorcise him.
There has been murder in the school. The culprit turns out to be the lovelorn man. He was in love with the murdered man's daughter. When the murderer left a suicide note to his object of love, the murdered man made fun of him and died in the process. The murderer later changed his mind. Now that Lily knew the story, he needed to get rid of her. Her familiar came to the rescue and provided an assist. Todd charged for the pig and Lily instinctively pushed him as defense. He fell on the stairs and ended up with a concussion.
The day after, Lily sealed the room.
Outside of the investigation plot, Lily's personal life is a bit complicated. She is a witch who is dating a man whose life doesn't really involve magic. When the book ends, he is away on a business trip. He is taking the time to sort his feelings out and Lily is waiting on how it will turn out.
Lily gets appointed unofficial paranormal consultant. The book ended with Lily deciding that she needed to complete her training.
This is more or less like the first book. However, I find myself tuning out of the story, hence the lower rating.
The story revolves around Lily solving the mystery at an art school. Students are getting snippy, there are weird music playing, there are talks of a ghost roaming the school, past nuns who died in the building, and a demon possessing people. Lily fought the demon. She had to fight out the name first, which she eventually did. The demon played tricks on her mind to stop her. She summoned the demon to exorcise him.
There has been murder in the school. The culprit turns out to be the lovelorn man. He was in love with the murdered man's daughter. When the murderer left a suicide note to his object of love, the murdered man made fun of him and died in the process. The murderer later changed his mind. Now that Lily knew the story, he needed to get rid of her. Her familiar came to the rescue and provided an assist. Todd charged for the pig and Lily instinctively pushed him as defense. He fell on the stairs and ended up with a concussion.
The day after, Lily sealed the room.
Outside of the investigation plot, Lily's personal life is a bit complicated. She is a witch who is dating a man whose life doesn't really involve magic. When the book ends, he is away on a business trip. He is taking the time to sort his feelings out and Lily is waiting on how it will turn out.
Lily gets appointed unofficial paranormal consultant. The book ended with Lily deciding that she needed to complete her training.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 24, 2022Binge-read the first few books during time of duress--macbook off at the spa getting physical therapy and hip replacement surgery, so to speak. Great fun. I'm giving them all 4.5 rounded up!
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
August 21, 2023
For once this second book was actually better than the first. Interesting magical world, likeable characters and an interesting case made up a good mix, sprinkled with a handful of promising men where there might or might not something develop for Lily. I hope not Max, but we’ll see.
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
February 28, 2023
I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the first or ninth. I stopped reading it for day and couldn't get myself motivated to read it. Eventually I just had myself sit down and finish it since I was already halfway.
August 23, 2018
I am enjoying this series very much as Lily works out the details of growing a community of friends; building a home for herself and expanding her training to deal with her extensive power.
September 13, 2018
I am loving this series so much! I can’t wait to start book 3!
March 10, 2022
3.5
I'm so angry at the not-even-fate-to-black-only-mentioned sex scene.
I love Oscar!
The last fight was underwhelming, but definitely a set up for someone bigger... I hope.
I'm so angry at the not-even-fate-to-black-only-mentioned sex scene.
I love Oscar!
The last fight was underwhelming, but definitely a set up for someone bigger... I hope.
February 16, 2023
A witch not sure of her powers has to fight a demon that is causing havoc at a school including murder. The book is an easy read.
July 7, 2023
great story , with a murder mystery that keeps you reading to the end
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