By Familiar Means {+ Giveaway}

◊ BY FAMILIAR MEANS by Delia James

◊ Series: A Witch’s Cat Mystery, Book 2

◊ Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages

◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery

◊ Publisher: Berkley (September 27, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0451476581

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0451476586

SYNOPSIS:

          In the latest from the author of A Familiar Tail, a witch and her familiar find trouble brewing at a coffee house.
 

After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.

But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.

Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer...

Author Delia James has created a lovable, realistic cast of characters with a touch of magic thrown in resulting in hours of entertaining reading. James blends the paranormal with normal, mixes in a dose of small town atmosphere and a pinch of romance for a well-balanced tale. Her protagonist, Annabelle Britton, is likable with a streak of loyalty and a determined attitude. The secondary characters are quirky and add depth to the story.

The story moves swiftly with the twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. The addition of enchanting and magical animals enhances the story. The picturesque town of Portsmouth comes alive on the page through the author’s rich descriptions.

BY FAMILIAR MEANS can be read on its own, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself seeking out the first installment to learn even more. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery that has all the elements to amuse and delight readers.

By Familiar Means by Delia James, A Witch’s Cat Mystery (Book #2), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0451476586, Mass Market Paperback, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of BY FAMILIAR MEANS by Delia James to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Sept. 25.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have you read any of the Witch’s Cat Mystery series yet? Don’t you just love the cover of this book? Don’t you think the cover would be perfect for creating one of those can you find everything games?

a Rafflecopter giveaway