Just a Few Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries

This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books are all part of the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series that I binged and caught up with in December.

A Royal Witch by Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #7
Published by Tantor Audio on January 28, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Length: 5 hours 38 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

The Beechwood Manor is filling up fast and Holly’s feeling the pinch.
There are several new roommates in the Beechwood Manor, and one of them is a royal witch.
Literally and figuratively.
Unrest in a haven-ally magical kingdom leads a foreign princess into hiding and the Supernatural Protection Agency deems the Beechwood Manor as the perfect safe house—and Holly, her perfect guardian.
But with Holly's business taking off and a new apprentice under her wing, a royal babysitting detail is the last thing she needs. Besides, the spoiled princess is adamant she can take care of herself. So who could blame her if her supervision is a little lax?
When tragedy strikes, the bratty royal’s problems land at the manor’s front door and it’s going to take all hands on deck if the paranormal roomies hope to make it out alive.
***
A Royal Witch is the seventh book in Danielle Garrett's popular Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series.
Come join the fun in Beechwood Harbor, the little beachside town where witches, shifters, ghosts, and vamps all live, work, play—and mostly—get along!

This series is so fun. I enjoy cozy mysteries – and especially ones with a paranormal flair. Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series meets that, with a side of humor to top it off.

I had taken a break from this series for quite a while, but I easily fell back into Beechwood Harbor, including the characters and the ongoing story lines. And since it’s narrated by one of my favorite snarky narrators – Amanda Ronconi – I felt like I was back with some good friends and laughed a lot. I enjoy seeing the way all the character’s lives are developing.

The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing – while I saw pieces ahead of the reveal, I did not catch the full picture until they solved it too. I also really enjoyed the continuation of Holly and Adam’s relationship. And things are coming along with her business too – I can’t wait to see her shop open, though I’m definitely nervous to see how it will play out. Things are a little bit intense at the Manor too – and that was not settled in this book.

It ends in, not a cliff per-say, but definitely with a bit of anticipation for what may be coming on several fronts – especially the romance and Holly’s business.

First Place Witch by Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #8
Published by Tantor Audio on July 28, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Length: 6 hours 4 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

It’s the chance of a lifetime, but Holly’s not sure she can survive the spotlight’s harsh glow.
With her potions shop officially open for business, Holly sets off to the San Francisco Haven to compete with the most elite potions masters in the entire country. But what should be a fun and potentially life-changing experience quickly sours when Haven Council officials show up and start poking around Holly’s workstation.
When one of the competitors is found murdered, all eyes swivel to Holly and her apprentice.
Holly doesn’t know who killed the egotistical wizard, but she knows it wasn’t her or Harmony. She also knows that there are some on the esteemed Haven Council who wouldn’t hesitate to blur the lines of the investigation if it means getting rid of her once and for all.
Holly, Adam, Evangeline, and Harmony have to find the real killer before the clock runs out and Holly ends up wearing SPA handcuffs.
***
First Place Witch is the eighth book in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series by Danielle Garrett.

I really love this series and this book was exceptionally good. Holly finally has her grand opening for her potion shop and the disaster she feared didn’t happen. Instead it hits when she’s in the San Francisco Haven getting her lucky break in a potion making contest… calling into question if it’s really so lucky.

For me, it was the anxiousness about how she’d perform in the potion making contest more than anything else that made me eager to know what would happen next. I just wanted her to win so bad! Of course, the mystery she fell into is pretty dire too and I had a few guesses right up to the end – 1 of my guesses was right but it wasn’t the one I was focused on.

And the characters/relationships continue to make this series! There were lots of developments in relationships in this book that were hinted at in the previous one and still they both excited me and saddened me. I’m eager to see how the changes will play out in future books. I plan to dive into the next one almost immediately.

oh and of course, Amanda Ronconi slays the narration. She’s in my top 10 (maybe top 5?) of narrators.

Sassy Witch by Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #9
Published by Tantor Audio on August 18, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Length: 5 hours 59 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

The winds of change have arrived and Holly’s not sure she can fly.
Sassy Witch is book nine in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series. Perfect for fans of paranormal cozies with humor and heart — and a little bit of sass.

After spending the last book almost exclusively in the magical world, this book was a fun shift since it was spent almost entirely in the human world and I had missed Cassie and the Chief. Plus, there’s always a different kind of fun when the magical world is wreaking havoc on the human world, right?

Sassy Witch takes place during Valentine’s week and Cassie was roped into leading the Beechwood Harbor Association’s Valentine’s Day singles week… meaning Holly is roped along with her. I think the stress of putting on an event like this would have been a lot on it’s own. Add to it that Cassie isn’t feeling well, vampires are showing up where they don’t belong, 2 mysterious deaths, and the developments at the Manor due to Posey’s decision in the previous book to sell… well our gang has their hands full.

I really enjoyed the relationship developments, personal growth, and general growing-up this book represents. These characters are moving solidly into the “adulting” phase of their lives and it’s not an easy transition, but it is exciting. I’m very much looking forward to watching them grow more with their new adventures in future books.

I loved the narration, too. No shocker, as Amanda Ronconi is a favorite of mine and is very much the voice of Holly, Adam, Evangeline, Merill, Nick, Posey, Cassie, and anyone else I missed. Definitely a series to enjoy in audio.

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