A Witch Before Dying by Heather Blake

Living in an enchanted village may sound a bit strange, but for Darcy Merriweather it’s beginning to feel normal - or as normal as can be for a wishcrafter.

Darcy and her sister, Harper, live with their Aunt Velma in the magic-themed town of Enchanted Village. This is a place were witches live and practice their craft without mortals realizing it. Darcy helps out with her aunt’s business, As You Wish, a personal concierge service.

Elodie Keaton’s mother has been missing for over a year. When Elodie hires As You Wish to clean out her mother’s cluttered house, Darcy doesn’t realize what she’s getting herself into. The house is a mess with piles of newspapers, boxes, and other clutter. But before the cleaning begins, Darcy uncovers Patrice Keaton’s decaying body in a suitcase among the clutter.

It seems Patrice owned the Anicula, a wish-granting amulet that may have lead to her death. Between the house cleaning and searching for the truth to Patrice’s death, Darcy places herself in danger when the killer believes she’s found the magical amulet.

While this is a story of murder and mayhem, it’s also sprinkled with humor, romance, and family loyalty. A WITCH BEFORE DYING flows smoothly and is an easy read enticing readers with twists and turns from beginning to end.

Author Heather Blake has created a strong protagonist in Darcy giving her independence and yet still a bit vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. The other characters are zany and realistic despite their magical abilities. The detailed descriptions of the village places the reader there with the characters. Readers can practically feel the magical energy around them as they read.

Darcy’s involvement with Nick Sawyer and his daughter, Mimi, gives a feel-good touch to the story. It also lends itself to some laugh-out-loud moments.

This is the second installment in the Wishcraft Mystery series, but can be read alone. However, to find out how Darcy came to be at the Enchanted Village, check out the first installment, IT TAKES A WITCH.

A WITCH BEFORE DYING creates its own magic as it draws you into this mystical world and holds you spellbound till the end.

Author Heather Blake’s website is http://www.heatherblakebooks.com/. She also writes under the name Heather Webber.

A Witch Before Dying by Heather Blake, A Wishcraft Mystery, Obsidian, @2012, ISBN: 978-0451237637, Paperback, 320 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Would you like to live in an enchanted village? Does the delightful book cover remind you of the old TV shows Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie? Thanks so much for stopping by today.