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 Witchless in Seattle Series by Dakota Cassidy. I loved this series when it first came out and then fell behind. I read the 6 books I was behind over the last couple months and I’m reviewing them here today and tomorrow.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Witch Way Did He Go? by Dakota Cassidy Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Series: Witchless in Seattle #8
Published by Tantor Audio on March 1, 2021
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
Length: 4 hours 43 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
It's me again, Stevie Cartwright. Powerless ex-witch, pseudo medium, and amateur sleuth, reporting to you live from the case of the missing ex-British spy turned ghost/quite possibly one of the most important people to ever become a part of my life. You read that right. As Win and I and all the gang were busy planning our big Thanksgiving bash, he suddenly disappeared (right in the middle of telling me what a Philistine I am for even suggesting Cheez Whiz and crackers), and it's as if he never existed. Poof--he's just gone! No one can find him, not even Arkady, our ghostly pal and confidant on Plane Limbo. If I ever needed to make good use of everything my British spy ever taught me about sleuthing, it's right now. But I run into roadblock after roadblock until I'm almost sure all hope is lost, and I'll never hear his voice again. Worse, how will I ever live with myself if I never get the chance to tell him how I feel?
I loved this series when it first came out and somehow I just stopped reading! I’m guessing I lost track of new releases. So when I saw book 13 (yes 13!) come out for review on Tantor I decided I needed to catch up. When I started this one, I had a feeling I had read it previously. I think it was actually last book I had read but since I hadn’t reviewed it and didn’t remember much, I went ahead a reread. And coming back to this series was just as great as I remembered.
I just love these characters! Stevie is a great character; a witch who lost her powers but still has a tenous connection to the afterlife, mainly through her dead love interest Win. I’ve loved watching them both grow feelings for each other in a very sweet, I can’t even see you, let alone kiss/toch you, sort of way. It’s a very different kind of romance, right? So imagine how devestated Stevie feels when, in this book, Win disappears and she can’t figure out if something bad has happened to him or if he has decided to “move on” (aka go through the light, leave limbo, etc). She’s HOPING that he’s found away to inhabit a body so he can join her in physical form. But Win had a lot of criteria for when he’d be willing to do that – person had to be dying, couldn’t have family that he would be hurting, etc – so it wasn’t an super likely scenario.
Watching her try to solve the mystery amid all the emotion made this book truly great. And the narration, delivered by Hollie Jackson was fantastic as always. She really delivers the characters tremendously and I felt the emotion. Really glad to be back listening to this series!
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Witches Get Stitches by Dakota Cassidy Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Series: Witchless in Seattle #9
Published by Tantor Audio on September 2, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
Length: 6 hours 24 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
When last we met, good people, the biggest wish I’ve ever made came to fruition. It didn’t happen without some help—okay, a lot of help. Either way, let’s just say the deed was done.
My outrageously handsome, smart, sometimes persnickety (read mostly persnickety) Spy Guy, Winterbottom, is finally here on earth with me, recuperating from his afterlife jaunt.
And I couldn’t be happier…
Sure, he can be a difficult patient. He’s forever bellowing my name from his sick bed. He likes his socks ironed and his toast cut in triangles, thank you very much. Add in the fact that some of the spells I've cast to make this dream a reality have had repercussions (an understatement), and it’s been sheer chaos.
But all tomfoolery aside, Win’s here with us, and I’m thrilled, as you can imagine.Mostly.
So when it’s decided amongst my favorite men I should take a day for myself and hit Seattle for some much-needed shopping, I hesitantly head out.
And then I die.
As you can imagine, it only goes downhill from there…
This was so much fun! I was probably the one in stitches reading Witches Get Stitches because it was just so comical. And it’s always good to be back with my favorite characters, who have once again landed themselves in the thick of a mystery.
In the last book Stevie tried every single spell she knew trying to get/find Win. And some of them are having a delayed response – including an iceberg in her backyard, for example! So when Stevie shows up with Arcady in Limbo they aren’t sure what’s happened. Is she dead? Or is it another spell gone awry? Since Win has JUST found his way to Stevie, despite having no clothes besides pajamas and recovering from near death, he is determined to solve this mystery. Hilarity ensues. From his attire, to the Uber driver, to the way he gets himself out of messes, I was laughing my way through this book. And there was one very fun spy-guy driving scene too!
However, as far as storyline goes… this was definitely filler. It was fun filler, to be sure, but it didn’t really feel like we went anywhere in the overall series plot. And the mystery wasn’t really one that I ever felt very invested in (beyond would they find Stevie’s body?). I wonder if we’ll ever see the uber driver again… he was a nice kid and I’d like to see more of him.
As always, Hollie Jackson really delivered a great performance! She breathes such life into Stevie, Win, Arcady and Bell – they have incredibly distinct voices and I feel as if I can see them. Always a fun listen – especially at 2x, which is how I listen to most books.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Witch It Real Good by Dakota Cassidy Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Series: Witchless in Seattle #10
Published by Tantor Audio on September 29, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
Length: 6 hours 26 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
I was so excited to finally be reading this book. I have been reading the Marshmallow Hollow series and when I read the first book and saw that it was a spin off of this series I was so bummed I hadn’t been up-to-date to get them in the intended order. But, now I know the start of things and it was as good as I could have hoped. I didn’t miss anything really by reading out of order either!Stevie here, and I’m happy to report we’ve settled into our new lives and found a modicum of peace since our last death-defying incident.
Mostly…
My International Man of Mystery continues to lay low here in Ebenezer Falls until we can sort out his earthbound credentials, but we have a routine and as the holiday season begins, we’re ready to do a little celebrating. In the midst of us adjusting to life together, a surprise visitor shows up, knocking us both for a loop, but for two entirely different reasons.
To make matters worse, my good buddy, Officer Rigid…er, Dana Nelson, has some questions and we’re positive they have to do with Win’s involvement in what’s turned out to be a high-profile case in Seattle. That means we need to get the heck out of Dodge and we need to do it fast to buy ourselves some time to figure out our next move.
While we wrap our heads around our newest predicament in Maine in a beautiful little town that celebrates Christmas three hundred and sixty five days a year called Marshmallow Hollow, we run into bigger trouble than we left when someone tries to kill Win not once, but twice.
And that’s when Win’s past comes back to haunt him, putting us all in danger.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire we go!
Hal is a great character and I loved seeing her introduction to Stevie and the gang. Seeing her from Stevie’s perspective was interesting and I look forward to more crossovers between their series.
This mystery was unexpected and kept me on my toes, since it revolved around Win’s past – something you really didn’t think would happen with his inhabiting a new body. But I guess it being his twin’s body (even if they had no shared history beyond birth) did lead to that possibility. It was a fun mystery with a fair bit of action, hilarity, and also finally putting to rest some questions from Win’s past.
I am PAST ready for some forward momentum on Win and Stevie’s relationship though. Like the slow burn was fun but he has a body so let’s move forward already! Hope to see it soon.
The narration by Hollie Jackson remains solid. It was interesting to hear the different voice for Hal but it worked well (Hollie Jackson narrates both series, but Hal sounds more like Stevie does in her series). I enjoy this series at 2x speed!
I have the first one of this series and always mean to read it someday. Fantastic reviews!
I really love this series – but it is a cozy series, so I know that’s not your favorite genre. It’s a fun combo of mystery, paranormal, and light fun.