Bewitched and Betrothed
Witchcraft Mystery #10
By Juliet Blackwell
ISBN 9780451490612
Author’s website: julietblackwell.net
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
A supernatural force on the loose in San Francisco and a family reunion keeps witch and vintage storeowner Lily Ivory on her toes as she prepares to walk down the aisle…
When Lily Ivory stumbles on the uniform of a former prisoner from Alcatraz and SFPD inspector Carlos Romero’s cousin is kidnapped, Lily suspects something dangerous has been unleashed on the ghost-ridden island of Alcatraz. She’ll have to sleuth out the culprit—when she’s not busy entertaining her visiting relatives and resolving romantic conflicts as her wedding date approaches. Could recent omens be pointing to the magical threat in her adopted city? If so, she’ll have to line up her allies to change the fate of the Bay Area. Because no matter what, Lily’s determined to celebrate her marriage with her friends by her side—even if it means battling a demonic foe before she can make it to the altar.
Review:
Each book in the Witchcraft Series is great fun, and this tenth installment, Bewitched and Betrothed, is the best book yet in the series. Romance, demons, the mystique of Alcatraz, a kidnapping, and an uncertain fate for San Francisco come together to make a quick-moving, entertaining tale.
One of author Juliet Blackwell’s greatest skills is making the paranormal world work seamlessly with the real world, and it all makes sense and feels completely plausible. There is always a great deal of magic involved with the stories, but here it is especially vital. Everywhere one looks, the paranormal is there allowing readers to suspend reality and believe that a cataclysmic event could indeed be due to the battle of good vs. evil. There is much more than the fate of the world at stake – Lily is about to get married, Romero’s cousin is kidnapped, and a decades old mystery needs to be solved.
I like protagonist Lily, and she has grown so much over the course of the series, starting out as a fragile yet tough on the outside loner and becoming the warm, strong witch that she is today surrounded by a supportive community. Getting to know Lily’s grandmother and her coven is a hoot. What a treasure trove of outrageous (in the best way) characters! Sailor is as secretive as ever and Aiden just as enigmatic. Of course, Lily’s familiar Oscar is the real star.
Faithful readers of the series will be delighted with the magical milieu and sequence of events. The tale imparts excitement, suspense, and whimsy throughout. The conclusion is gratifying, and I look forward to many more adventures with Lily and company. Highly recommended to fans of paranormal cozy mysteries.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
