A Hive of Secrets and Spells

Secret letters, stolen jewels, storm clouds, and your girlfriend pops the question! Thank goodness her family has been kidnapped before you have to answer.

It has been a few months since you have seen Heather and Sinéad. Heather is visiting Sinéad and they are enjoying their time together, when mysterious events start to happen. At first the ladies do not absorb the impact of the happenings as they are just experiencing life together. Sinéad likes it so much she asks Heather to move in with her, which throws her into a tither. From then on the mysterious events seem to bloom into bigger objects. The culmination being the appearance and kidnapping of Sinéad's family that she has never met.

This leads the two leadies to Sinéad's brother, Cian, who joins them on their quest to find out who is behind the threats. No one is telling the truth and a split forms between Sinéad and Heather as to the road best travelled. Both ladies have different ideas and not just on the case. The path to success in freeing Sinéad's family and the happily ever after might take more than witchery or sorcery can do.

If this is what a “cozy mystery” is - then sign me up for more Ellen Jane! I loved Heather and Sinéad. I think Cian is a hoot and holler and I definitely think the introduction of his family is going to bring a great secondary cast of characters for the future. I do not think we have heard the last of Mr. Branson. There is something very fishy there. I automatically adored Ms. Watley. I do not think I have been this excited about secondary characters since G.R. Browda and Gloria Morris' crew.

As for Heather and Sinéad, I confess I have not read book one of their romance and I need to before I can write a full commentary on it. I will say at this point, it seems a little shaky. They both seem to go into themselves when there is an issue and not communicate very well. The mystery does make up for the lack of romance though. It had twists and turns and I did not guess the murderer. Or should I say I did not guess the entire plot which makes it an excellent mystery. I am definitely going back to get cozy with Ellen Jane.

I received an ARC of this book from A Novel Take Promotions and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.