Book 31, 2019

Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Early Thursday evening, I finished reading Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse. It's part of the author's "Wiccan Wheel" mystery series, featuring attorney and practicing witch, Keli Milanni.

As a solitary witch, Keli has long kept her faith a secret, but she's slowly coming out to those closest to her, including her boyfriend, Wes. She is looking forward to the approaching Yule and its symbolic rebirth. Thoughts of the holidays must be put aside, however, when Keli's boss has her and her stuffy colleague, Crenshaw Davenport, work undercover as auditors at the office of a real estate mogul who has recently announced his mayoral candidacy. Edgar Harrison is being blackmailed, and it's up to Keli and Crenshaw to learn what they can.

Unfortunately, Harrison is found dead beneath the Christmas trees after the company's holiday party. Keli doesn't believe it was an accident. As she delves deeper into the matter, her own life is endangered. She'll need to use her wits and her witchcraft if she's to solve the murder before someone silences her for good.

This was a fun, lively story. It's good to see Keli becoming more comfortable with her Wiccan side. I also enjoyed getting reacquainted with familiar characters, from Keli's zany friend Farrah to stodgy old Crenshaw. Largest complaint was how much of a Mary Sue Keli became in this book. She has her boyfriend, Wes, but along comes and old flame, Mick, who wants her back. Young buck Zeke is also sniffing around, and previous books have hinted that Crenshaw fancies her, too. Enough, already!

Favorite line: "You could be in here doing some naked witchy ritual."

An enjoyable enough read to earn four stars.

Book 32, 2019

Murder at the Museum by Nancy McGovern

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I had time last night to read the ebook novella Murder at the Museum, which is the fourth installment in Nancy McGovern's "Bluebell Knopps" mystery series.

When Bluebell learns she was the subject of a prophecy, she won't rest until she learns what it says. Unfortunately, the prophecy contains warnings of death and murder. Worse, the witch who made the prophecy has renounced her powers and retired to a small, non-magical community, where she is the curator of a witch museum. Bluebell travels to Katydid's Tooth to meet with Rebecca Brentwood, but not long after she arrives, a man is found dead in the museum, and Rebecca has vanished. The police arrest Rebecca's husband, but both Bluebell and the man's niece are convinced he didn't do it. Bluebell won't rest until she finds the real killer.

These stories are short and simple. Not much to sink your teeth into, but good for a light read.

Favorite line: "Every one of us has weird secrets and tangled lives."

Average read, average rating.