Mystery and Thriller

Mystery/Thriller Book Reviews

Review of Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher

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Synopsis:
A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate—and its enigmatic owner—in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort.

Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester—who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

Review:
I had started reading this before I’d started Once Upon a Broken Heart, but it was set aside for the trilogy. Going back was like I’d never set it down at all. Fisher is an expert at making a believable world that draws you in and makes you wonder what will happen next. There were always stakes, and one was always left guessing exactly what the witch is truly against. While this book was inspired by Jane Eyre and therefore has some elements of that story, I would say that I personally got more Pride and Prejudice/Lizzy and Darcy vibes; Jane is tenacious and outspoken. Though Jane does attempt to appear demure at times, it is her fire and driving force that draws the reader in. I absolutely love the witch aspect of this novel, using different herbs to help with things as well as a hagstone, and of course a few spells. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, classic retellings, and wished Jane Eyre had less strife and was a bit more… magical.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Out of Magic by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the Arden sisters are enlisted to sprinkle some magic on Forkbridge’s annual Halloween Festival, they expect nothing scarier than costume contests and jack-o’-lanterns. But the spooktacular celebration takes a sinister turn when Ayla finds Councilman Marcus Clinton’s body chillingly posed in a decorative coffin outside City Hall.

With Forkbridge transformed into a carnival of costumes, it’s nearly impossible to separate harmless tricksters from potential killers. Between a zombie flash mob, strange noises in city hall, and a woman walking the streets dressed up like the goddess Athena, there’s too much information and too few clues.

Can Astra and her sisters peel back the layers of the killer’s disguise, unmasking them before they blend into the ordinary? Or will the elaborate festival costumes shroud the true face of evil lurking among them?

The clock is ticking, and it’s more than just a game of trick or treat!

Review:
“Your destiny still awaits, Astra of the Stars.” (Page 357, Chapter 20)

Back to holiday themed books, it was great to see the entire family together working towards a common goal; well, most of the family. I quite enjoyed the role that Apollo (and Hermes) played in this one, especially how he truly cared whenever Astra was upset. It was interesting seeing Lothian and Astra’s relationship during this particular book as in previous ones they had come across as much more of partners (in work, not just dating) than this one–good development. The mystery in this was perfect; multi-layered and convoluted enough to keep your attention and always wondering exactly who did what, why, and what you’re missing. I am looking forward to continuing the series as it continues to come out!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Of Owl the Nerve by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Emma and Eddie’s wedding preparations kick into high gear in Forkbridge, Florida, Astra Arden, Emma’s best friend and witch extraordinaire, is eager to play her part. But a deadly accident at the rehearsal dinner throws a wrench in the festivities.

As Emma’s big day approaches, Astra is caught in a whirlwind of wedding shenanigans—which she isn’t exactly thrilled about. But when an intoxicated guest dies chokes to death at the rehearsal dinner, Astra’s excitement quickly turns to suspicion.

Increasingly mistrustful of the guests and their dubious motives, annoyed that best man Lothian is there every time she turns around, and frustrated that Archie—Astra’s mischievous familiar owl—keeps helping himself to the catered snacks instead of helping her solve the case, can Astra uncover the truth behind this mysterious mishap and save the wedding from disaster?

Review:
This book was awesome. We see our usual stubborn Astra as she attempts to avoid anything to do with her feelings and anything beyond a task. While I was so enthralled with this book, it was truly because we see a completely different side of Lothian. He is always there for Astra, willing to help and trying to be the partner she needs and while it takes her a while to realize it, she has openly asked his opinions and kept him in the loop. Archie does not eat catered snacks and I was a bit disappointed in how little he appeared in this particular novel. I did like all the poolside and outdoor situations we got to see between Astra, Lothian and Emma’s guests. It is also nice to see less of Jason, given the circumstances. I greatly look forward to seeing what happens in book 14!

There were a few bits of wisdom in this book I especially liked, particularly that “Money does strange things to people.” (Page 25, Chapter 2), “But when adversity arises, and confidence runs thin, just remember: you are Astra. Impossibilities and adversity cower in your wake.”(Page 216, Chapter 13) as well as “Sometimes the hardest hearts to reach are the ones most in need of love… And sometimes love means not giving up, even when faced with anger and rejection–or even just simple attitude.” (Page 314, Chapter 19) There was also some quoted Shakespeare; and who doesn’t love that?!

While when I began this series I believed it was completed at 15 books, I have recently learned that apparently the 15th book isn’t out until February… and I’m not so sure it’ll be the last. That being said, I still love the series, am going to start book 14 once I’m done with this review, and highly recommend it to people who love Greek Mythology and cozy modern fantasy mysteries.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Berry Mysterious by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden’s plans to enjoy a leisurely summer vacation with her sisters and bestie Emma Sullivan’s new baby are derailed when a strawberry farmer is found dead in his field, a magical symbol etched in the dirt beside him.

As the prime suspect, the farmer’s daughter begs Astra for help in proving her innocence. With her talking owl sidekick, Archie, by her side, Astra delves into the secrets of the Forkbridge Farmers Market, uncovering a rivalry between strawberry farms and a decades-old mystery involving a stolen recipe for the world’s best strawberry jam.

But as Astra gets closer to the truth, she realizes the killer will stop at nothing to keep the secrets buried in the strawberry fields forever.

Full of unexpected twists, and a touch of paranormal magic, Owl Berry Mysterious is a delightful addition to The Owl Star Witch Mysteries series that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Review:
This book had it all; good mystery, great characterization, and a surrounding of occult/mysticism that one has to wonder just how magical it is. I quite enjoyed how many angles there are for the strawberry farmer and why he may have been killed. It was great seeing Emma in action, especially getting to see a bunch more of Hunter, which presents its own special brand of problems. Everything about this book was awesome. There were idyllic moments, moments where Astra had to confront her feelings, and rare moments of vulnerability both for Emma and Astra. Lothian has started to grow on me. The flower of life made an interesting and noteworthy appearance. If you like magic and mysteries this book was spot on.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Scries Like An Owl by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden has had a rough go of it lately. Between dealing with bickering gods, a spectral boyfriend who can’t seem to remember to knock, a lost job, and three sisters who have all become rebellious, Astra is barely keeping it together.

But when the mayor of Cassandra, the town known for its psychic abilities, goes missing, things go from bad to downright absurd.

The entire town of Cassandra thinks Astra murdered Mayor Lillian Thornton a very public confrontation between the women. The interim mayor—a hotheaded condo developer named Daniel Caldecott—is determined to use the disappearance to take over Cassandra and pin the blame on the Arden family as fast as he can get the ink dried on the warrant.

Can Astra find the missing mayor, clear her name, and restore peace to Cassandra before it becomes a high-end ghost town? Or will she be swallowed up in the chaos of gods, ghosts, and greedy developers?

Review:
I was definitely happy to see the threat of the last book; everyone sharing all powers etc did not seem to be in any way an issue in this book. Set a few months after the last novel, it is understandable that everyone is still on edge, especially Lillian Thornton. I quite enjoyed another trip to Cassandra and that Astra is beginning to communicate with her father. She is learning what he’s like and what things mean with him/what he would do and wouldn’t and that’s interesting to see. I quite enjoyed this novel because we still got to see Jason, we see the turmoil of Astra’s immediate family, and we got to see how Astra can try to work with people who aren’t just Emma. I had managed to figure out most of what was going on before the reveal, however it did not in any way detract from the reading experience. I look forward to continuing on with the series!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl In Due Course by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When a mysterious toy soldier arrives on her doorstep and announces it’s here to test Archie’s loyalty, witch Astra Arden can’t help but laugh. After all, it’s not every day that a plastic soldier shows up claiming to be sent by the goddess Athena.

As they work to unravel the clues surrounding the toy soldier’s arrival, ominous forces gather and Astra races against time to uncover the truth—and they realize that this might not be as funny as they thought.

With the fate of their family and Archie’s future on the line, the Arden sisters must navigate a series of impossible choices and confront divine secrets from the past that threaten to tear everything apart.

Amidst the magic and mystery of the yule celebration, Astra and her sisters must use all their wit and cunning to uncover the truth and outsmart the scheming gods. Will they be able to outmaneuver the powerful deities, or will the sisters succumb to their trickery like so many before them?

Review:
I loved this book and was instantly drawn to it once the story began; I couldn’t put it down. I thought this was it, finally, I was getting the full picture of all that could be with Athena’s tests and what Astra would do for Archie. Unfortunately, this story while a bit convoluted didn’t meet the expectations it set up from the beginning. While I’d say I loved 90% of the book, the ending 10% is what I didn’t quite enjoy. Including the ending; which was so frustrating and annoying to have that happen after all we have been through with Astra that if I weren’t so invested in these characters I’d stop reading the series! This had gripped me so tightly I finished it the day I started!

Mild SPOILERS:
While I am glad that there is sort of a resolution between Astra and Jason that was definitely not what anyone had in mind!! I am also glad that the girls learned who their fathers are, but I only found two of the four really made sense. Ayla’s father made sense entirely and I could understand Ami’s as well given what we know of her but I couldn’t really think of a good argument/connection between Althea and Astra and their respective father’s.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Spell Broke Loose by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden never expected to find murder at a self-help festival organized by a secretive sect. But when an unexplained storm cuts off all communication with the mainland, she realizes she’d better solve it—and fast.

When Astra Arden agreed to join her best friend on a camping trip to a private tropical island, she had no idea what was in store. But when the four-day festival looks like it’s run by a warring self-help cult, and the island seems to be claimed by a mysterious goddess with a hidden agenda, Astra soon finds herself in a whirlwind of intrigue and secret agendas that she can’t ignore.

As they try to make sense of the clues and solve the mystery, they realize that the danger is closer than they thought, and that someone on the island is determined to keep the truth hidden at any cost.

But with the stakes so high and the clock ticking down, will Astra and Archie be able to solve the mystery in time—or will they become the next victims?

Review:
This book was absolutely brilliant. Betrayal, insanity, Astra having to depend on and trust her magic. I loved how all of the relationships were tested and put through the ringer and that Astra and Archie, through their combined sass, had to try to figure out exactly what is going on. The characterization is spot on and you’re left wondering right at the end whether or not Astra will be able to survive this encounter. I love the use of magic that connect both to ancient India as well as The Golden Compass and Harry Potter; this author clearly has good taste! Looking forward to continuing the series and seeing exactly where Astra finally ends up. This book is the first of the series I’d give a full five stars to; it wasn’t obvious what was happening and there were enough twists and turns to leave you wondering up until the end.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Against Owl Odds by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the star card glows in the direction of a vampire, Astra wonders how she’s supposed to stop him from dying—since he’s already dead.

Astra Arden is a witch with a knack for rescuing folks from precarious predicaments. But when the star card flips over for an obnoxiously rude and dedicatedly evil vampire at a local fundraiser, Astra thinks the goddess may be off her divine rocker.

The mandate is complicated further when another vampire is discovered dead outside Sanguine, the local vampire club where the fundraiser was held—which just happens to be owned by Astra’s best friend’s brother, vampire Rex Sullivan.

Astra must unravel the secrets of Central Florida’s vampire population in order to get to the bottom of the murder. Secrets the vampires definitely don’t want brought into the light.

Will Astra be able to solve the case and catch the killer, or will the mystery remain as elusive as a rare blood type?

Review:
Damian is probably the most annoying of any of the star case potential victims. That being said, everyone does a great job supporting each other, especially Astra with Emma and Eddie. I especially loved Astra’s pep talk to him about how sometimes people aren’t what you think you need but you still try to be there for them/with them; something very reminiscent to things she’d had to work out for her own relationship with Jason. The comical bits were still there and awesome as ever. One of my absolute favourite parts in this book was Archie’s little sugar high from eating jelly beans and skittles. All in all, it continued the story and cases of Astra and Emma and I quite like the new angle that seems to be happening in Emma’s life. The twists and turns in this did seem to be easy to figure out if one thought outside the box, but still fantastic nonetheless.

Full disclosure, at this time I’ve already finished the next book in the series, so suffice to say, I’m quite enjoying the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Bring Your Beach Owl by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Astra takes herself and her witchy sisters to the coast for a much-needed break, she expects nothing more than a relaxing holiday. But when their cousin Amelia washes up on the beach dead, she knows there’s more to the story than the police are letting on.

With shape-shifting fish lurking around every corner and a sassy mermaid’s secrets churning beneath the pier, Astra has to jump in and protect her sisters while investigating Amelia’s mysterious death—a wild ride that leads the police to point the finger straight at the Arden sisters.

Will they be able to prove their innocence in time? Or will they succumb to the depths below?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This book was interesting in that the girls are finally away from their mother and yet disaster seems to follow them. I absolutely love that Emma and Jason are so supportive. It seemed that there was quite a lot of info dump on things that just happened to be relevant from the case by the sisters; and Law and Order couldn’t explain this random amount of knowledge. That being said, quite enjoyed all the new supernaturals we got to experience and learn about in this book. What I really didn’t like was Ayla’s returned crappy attitude. I get that she’s supposed to be 14; perhaps she’ll start getting excluded from things because of it. It seemed that a lot of things could be fixed or stop having such hardships if Astra would wear something else; many seem quite threatened by her Decanus outfit and with good reason. We will have to see if that changes in future books…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Melt With You by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When witch Astra Arden agrees to a Valentine’s Day date with Jason Bishop, she expects a romantic evening filled with chocolates and champagne—not bread and water in a jail cell.

Astra is excited to spend Valentine’s Day with handsome local middle school teacher Jason Bishop—but things take a turn for the unexpected when a retired local teacher Unity Priestpoint turns up dead, shot and stuffed in a trunk covered in magical symbols.

As if the murder of a retired local teacher wasn’t enough, Astra’s date Jason becomes the prime suspect.

In order to clear his name and have any hope of going on their first date, Astra must dive headfirst into the investigation even as her best friend, Detective Emma Sullivan, moves to arrest Jason for murder. Will Astra be able to uncover the truth in time and save their budding relationship before it’s too late?

Or will she be left dateless for the next twenty-five to life?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This book had a whole slew of twists and turns, though I did think that the ending of this particular mystery had been a bit easy to figure out. There was a slight shift in language at a few points in this book that took me out of reading because they seemed so out of place. I agree with Althea that I would want to be in a coven of chocolate witches. I quite loved the mention of how easy Archie is to bribe now that he knows about Costco’s Extra Thick Steak Strips. (Chapter 6, page 92) I was intrigued and pleased to learn more about what’s going on with Ayla, though it was sad that all happened at Jason’s expense. Astra remains infuriating about the whole “dating and being close” to people thing and I hope that’s addressed in the next book. I will continue on and look forward to seeing what other mysteries wait Emma and Astra.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯