Murder Most Owl

This book was everything I needed in my life and more. I honestly could not put this book down, from the beautiful descriptions of Twilight Cove to the antics of Fancy & Flossie this book was written to perfection. It was the coziest read and I never wanted it to end.

All the characters were written so well you couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I loved the way Dorothy was written, she gave me so many warm vibes I just wanted to hop into the book and have tea with her myself. I felt the same about Aunt Olivia, she was always so warm and welcoming & witty even when life threw her a curveball. Georgie & Callum were the best, I loved how well they worked together. There is so much more that I want to say but I don’t want to give too much away.

The storyline was so good, I love how it developed and the plot thickened with each turn of the page, it kept me hooked from page 1. The ending was SO good, I desperately wanted to find out the ending but at the same time I didn’t want the book to end. I really really hope that there will be more books to follow this one as I already miss Georgie and the rest of the gang. I also want to learn more about Fancy & Flossie, those gorgeous dogs have stolen my heart.

I can’t wait to recommend this book to more people as it was so amazing. 5/5 stars from me.

I have been really reading quite a few cozy mysteries lately (of the paranormal variety), and I thought this sounded right up my alley. I am pleased to say that it definitely was. At first, I wasn’t sure, but by the time the end came, I was so in love with all the characters, including Flossie, Fancy, and Euclid that I was terribly sad I was at the end of the book. I had my suspicions about the villain, it was a little bit of a surprise to find out. Loved that! This series opener is a wonderfully written cozy mystery with a touch of paranormal, and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Georgie has left LA for her Aunt Olivia 's seaside town in OR because Olivia broke her ankle and needs help with her animal sanctuary. She's only staying for a while, but events change. There is a murder and both of them are suspects!
This lovely book is part cosy mystery, part romance and a fantasy for all animal lovers. It's the first in a promising new series.
Can't wait for the next one!

Georgie Johansen has returned to Twilight Cove to help out while her aunt recovers from a broken ankle. She had loved the time she spent there as a child, but her father’s jobs took her away from there far too soon. She’s back to help with the animals on her aunt’s rescue farm, but even as she starts to relax and enjoy being back, she meets a strange woman in the woods, and a greedy developer. And then there’s the farm manager who seems as wary of her as she is of him. And there are the animals. Specifically the owl and the two dogs who accompany the strange woman, who Georgie finds the next morning in her neighboring cottage, drawn there by the dogs.
This is a story steeped in relationships, new and old. There is a lot of peace and a lot of joy, even with the backdrop of several suspicious deaths. There is a charming and supportive community with the usual few outliers, who provide just enough contrast to remind us how lovely everyone else is. And the animals do play a central role, supporting and helping Georgie and her Aunt Olivia as much as the two women help them.
I really enjoyed this book, partly because of my own love for animals and rural life, but also because of the engaging characters, the well thought out backstories, the marvelous setting, and the deft misdirection provided just often enough to keep the reader wondering whether things are really as they seem.
My thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ARC.

Excellent new cozy mystery series debut! Protagonist, Georgie Johansen moves from Los Angeles, CA to the lovely seaside town of Twilight, OR to help her Aunt Olivia care for her farm/animal sanctuary when her Aunt breaks an ankle. Georgie soon meets a strange neighbor and her two dogs and a mysterious owl in the wooded property next door. Tragically, there is a suspicious death, after which, Georgie learns of more than one person who wanted the victim dead.

Full of action, zesty characters (whether good or bad), a caring farmhand, magical dogs (which are really cool!), and a wise owl, plus multiple suspects, and multiple murders, and an old unsolved bank robbery provide hours of reading enjoyment! Follow the money, and you’ll figure out the killer….
I highly recommend this entertaining cozy mystery.

I honestly reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.

A great new start to the series - Georgie returns to get aunt's farm only to find her neighbor murdered. With the help of two magic dogs and an owl she sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding the neighbor's death and clear her name in the process. Fun, fast paced read with charming characters.

This is the great entry into a new series of cozy mysteries. The heroine is lovely and the cast of characters around her has plenty of room to grow as the stories progress. This initial entry was a perfect combination of small town and a hint of magic. The magical aspects are subtle but definitely increase the story. The mystery is well done, with enough twists to keep you guessing but not be completely unbelievable at the resolution. I can't wait to read more in this series!

#MurderMostOwl #NetGalley is the first in a new series by Sarah Fox.
Georgie has returned to her aunt's home to help her as she heals from a broken ankle. Georgie hasn't been there for awhile, but she finds herself enjoying the quiet that surrounds her.
Georgie meets a neighbor, Dorothy, who seems a bit strange, but Georgie finds comfort in her brief time with her. Fancy and Flossie are Dorothy's dogs, who really add a lot of fun to the story, and the dogs seek out Georgie, causing her to follow them through the woods to their house, where she finds Dorothy, unresponsive.
In due time a murder investigation is underway and Georgie finds herself trying to find out who killed Dorothy and why.

I had an immediate connection with Georgie, her Aunt Olivia, Callum, and Tessa. Fancy and Flossie wagged their way into my heart, and I found myself loving everything about this book. The owl, Euclid added a fun dimension to the story. Twighlight Cove sounds like a wonderful place to live.
I can't wait to share this book with other people who love a good, solid cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Big thanks to both #Severn House and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Murder Most Owl. The expected publication date is April 2, 2024.

"With the help of the unusual powers of Dorothy's two dogs and great-horned owl, can Georgie uncover the truth before she becomes the killer's next target?"

Murder Most Owl is completely out of the genres I normally read and I. Loved. It. I opted to read it because of the dogs and then fell in love with the entire book. It's part cozy, part romance, and part paranormal. The characters were very likable, as were all of the critters at the animal sanctuary. No surprise, though, that my favorite characters were the dogs and the owl. I want them to come and live at my house!

I'm very happy this is going to be a series.

#Whodunit #SarahFox

Murder Most Owl by Sarah Fox is a first in a new cozy mystery series set in Twilight Cove. Georgie Johansen is a successful screenwriter for TV who lives in LA. Her expertise is in writing thrillers and mysteries. When she returns to Twilight Cove, Oregon to help her aunt, who has broken her ankle, at her animal sanctuary little does Georgie know she will be embroiled in a real-life mystery/thriller of her own.

I really enjoyed this book. Olivia is a very likable and believable character. She is someone who has suffered a lot of loss in her young life and even though she loved living in Twilight Cove as a teen, she hasn’t really been back to the area much after her dad moved her away. It was too hard to leave the first time around. But once back, she falls in love with the animals at the sanctuary and is intrigued by her aunt’s new farm manager, Callum, who seems to have some secrets of his own. When Aunt Olivia’s reclusive neighbor Dorothy is killed, Georgie volunteers to take in Dorothy’s two dogs Flossy and Fancy. Though Georgie learns from town gossip that Dorothy was a witch, it’s her two dogs who actually have special talents. I really appreciated the way this author handled that light fantasy element. She doesn’t have them act outside the realm of how a normal intelligent dog might behave, and manages to incorporate their abilities into their characters in a way that compliments their normal behavior. Their special qualities aren’t revealed right away either, which adds another element of intrigue to figure out in the story as it unfolds. I also enjoyed the owl Euclid, who was Dorothy’s friend, and who soon becomes Georgie’s friend and protector. Though for a nocturnal animal, he does seem to be awake in the daytime an awful lot, something even Georgie comments on.

In terms of Georgie as amateur sleuth, I appreciated the way Fox handles how Georgie becomes caught up in solving Dorothy’s murder. At first, it is her normal curiosity that causes her to become unwittingly involved. But as clues and even deaths begin to mount up, she can’t let the puzzle go and becomes more invested. She even motivates others like her aunt and her old high school friend, Tessa, to help. The clues add a fun element to the puzzle as I could tell when some were important to the plot, and had a suspicion of who the murderer might be, but couldn’t figure out the connections for all of the pieces provided until near the very end. Another thing I liked about the story was the building attraction between Georgie and Callum. It added a fun touch of romance to the novel, even though, like Georgie, you aren’t sure he’s trustworthy. Other secondary characters like Tessa, Aunt Olivia and her knitting circle, and other less likeable ones such as local journalist Byron Szabo and Shanifa and Mo, local food truck owners, fill out this cast and make Twilight Cove feel like a real place full of real, if sometimes offbeat, people. Something that I can relate to living in a small close-knit community myself. All in all, the only detractor I had for the story was the obvious antagonist at the beginning, the developer Ed Grimshaw. Fox made him a bit too bombastic and two-dimensional for me as a character.

However, if you like cozy mysteries with a dash of fantasy and a touch of romance mixed in, then I highly recommend you check out Murder Most Owl. It is a fun and easy read and I look forward to reading more in this series.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Severn House for providing me with this ebook ARC to read in exchange for this honest review.

I have always enjoyed Sarah Fox as a writer so I was interested in this new series. I was not disappointed. It elements of paranormal and magic in it that wasn't overwhelming but added just a bit of intrigue and whimsy. The characters were so well developed that it was easy to imagine them within the story. I was drawn into the book and kept guessing- which is a good thing! It was an excellent read and well worth my time.

“ Murder Most Owl” by Sarah Fox the 1st instalment in the "Magical Menagerie Mystery series”. I love Sarah’s writing style and totally loved her Sweet Confections series, Literary Pub Mystery series as well as the Pancake House Mystery series, so knew I wouldn't be disappointed!

Things are not always what they seem. Georgie Johansen returns to the charming, coastal town of Twilight Cove and quickly finds herself in a whirlwind of romance, magic and murder!

What a great start to a new series! I loved it! I really enjoyed visiting Twilight Cove, Oregon and the animal sanctuary owned by Georgie’s Aunt Olivia. Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking amongst the woods or walking main street and seeing the picturesque stores. I know I would love to live there.

Everyone knows I’m a sucker for furbabies in my cozies so when you have two magical dogs named Fancy and Flossie , along with a great horned owl named Euclid, I was okay I’m in love. Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Georgie and her aunt Olivia, as well her high school bff Tessa.

I wasn't surprised by what happened to Dorothy but having all those suspects drew me in and I had to find out what happened to her as she seemed pivotal to the story!

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Georgie did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Severn House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When her beloved aunt Olivia is injured, Georgie Johansen heads back to Twilight Cove to help her Aunt out on the farm while she recovers. It’s been a long time since Georgie has been back to see her aunt, and she find some old friends and make some new ones along the way.

When a rather reclusive neighbor is murdered in her cabin, both Georgie and aunt Olivia become suspects. Knowing that neither of them harm the woman, Georgie decides to clear their names before she heads back home. The question is whether George can clear their names, or if she’ll even be able to go back home.

This entry in a new, cozy series really knocked it out of the ballpark. There are quite a few suspects, quite a few red herrings, and yet a shocking conclusion at the end. This one has been added to my must read list.

Magical Doggos and a Mystical Owl! What more do you need in a new paranormal cosy? Oho, lets just give you a cinnamon roll farmhand, a seaside town, and a cracking mystery!

I must admit that I zipped through this cozy which isn't fair because it is absolutely fantastic! I wanted to give it more time! I will be putting it back on to my read again pile because I zipped through due to it being fun, well written and the character building was delightful as was the scene setting

Sarah Fox is definitely an author to follow and I recommend Murder Most Owl very highly!

Thank you to Netgalley, Severn House and Sarah Fox for this lovely ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

This is an exciting start to a new series. It is an idyllic seaside town, great side characters, and especially lovable cozy companions - two adorable dogs and an owl! The main character is likable, and we have an extra swoony love interest too! I recommend this to readers who enjoy reading about animals because the MC lives at an animal sanctuary and there’s lots of detail about caring for animals. Another unique twist is that our cozy companions have some special abilities and seem to help the MC solve the case. I think this series has so much potential and I look forward to more books

this was a great start to the Magical Menagerie Mystery series, it had everything that I was hoping for when reading the description. It uses the mystery elements in a way that I was hoping for and enjoyed as a overall feel to the book. Sarah Fox does a great job in making a interesting world and characters throughout that setting. I was invested in what was happening and getting to know the world and characters within. I look forward to reading more in this series, as this was a strong start.

A lover of all of Sarah Fox's series, I couldn't wait to read the first book in her new series. I absolutely loved it. She is a masterful storyteller. I immediately connected with Georgie and the mystery surrounding the mystery of the murder of Dorothy Shale, a woman not everyone liked or understood. Taking them under her wing during the murder investigation, Dorothy's dogs protect Georgie more than once. Not only that, but so does a great-horned owl. Amidst all of the suspicion, Georgie gets to know the new farmhand at Dorothy's animal sanctuary, adding a fun element of mystery and romance. I found myself rooting for Georgie in more ways than one. The storyline kept me guessing, and I can't wait for the next installment. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

In Sarah Fox's intriguing cozy mystery novel, "Murder Most Owl," protagonist Georgie Johansen returns to her Aunt Olivia's animal sanctuary in the coastal town of Twilight Cove after many years, finding herself entangled in a puzzling murder investigation. Upon her arrival, she encounters the enigmatic farmhand, the eccentric Dorothy Shale, and the rumors surrounding her alleged witchcraft. When Dorothy turns up murdered and suspicion falls on Georgie, she embarks on a quest to clear her name and uncover the truth behind the escalating murders. With the assistance of Dorothy's two dogs and a great-horned owl, Georgie delves into the secrets of Twilight Cove, encountering an array of colorful characters and navigating the tensions between the townspeople and the animal sanctuary. As the body count rises, Georgie must race against time to expose the real killer before becoming the next victim. Fox skillfully weaves a captivating narrative that blends mystery, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Her vivid descriptions of Twilight Cove and its inhabitants bring the setting to life, while her well-developed characters add depth and relatability to the story. The mystery is cleverly crafted, keeping readers engaged with its twists and turns, and the introduction of Dorothy's magical presence adds an intriguing element to the plot. Georgie's journey of self-discovery and her growing connection with the animal sanctuary provide a heartwarming subplot, adding emotional resonance to the story. Fox's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making the novel a delightful read for cozy mystery enthusiasts and those who enjoy a blend of mystery and magical realism.

Georgie, a screenwriter living in LA, has returned to the small Oregon coast town where her Aunt Olivia lives. Olivia needs help with her animal sanctuary while she heals from a broken ankle. Georgie meets the handsome sanctuary manager and a mysterious old woman who lives in the woods behind the farm. When the woman is murdered, Georgie and her aunt take in the woman’s dogs. Georgie becomes one of the suspects and begins to snoop into the circumstances. The dogs (and an owl) begin to show very special abilities. All of her questions soon land her in danger.
It’s a fun twist that the animals, not the people, have special abilities. I liked the setting and the characters, with a touch of romance.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC.

Murder Most Owl by Sarah Fox is the first book in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series.

Sarah Fox is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, I love all her series and was very excited for this new series.

The main character, Georgie Johnson moves back to Twilight Cove, and it doesn't take long for
her to get busy with a mystery and romance, and a murder.

I loved the characters in this book. Georgie's Aunt Olivia has an animal sanctuary which is such a nice addition to this story. I love Euclid, the great horned owl. All the characters, human and animal are so well written. I love the relationships that the author has built. Tessa is a great character as Georgie's' best friend.

This is such a great mystery with great characters.

I can't wait for more books in this new series.

Sarah Fox does it again! I enjoyed this first book in the new series so much! I was curious to see how the magical elements were going to be incorporated and it was SO well done! Something I really enjoy about Sarah’s writing is how her stories flow so seamlessly. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and I already can’t wait for book 2!

This was absolutely so good! I didn’t want it to end and loved how everything even the small side mysteries were nicely wrapped up and explained. I really love the dynamics that developed between Georgie and her new love interest. Olivia was an awesome character too, as I’ve found all the characters I’ve read in this author’s various series.

I loved the idea of the animals having special talents rather than the other way around. It was a fun change from the usual witch and talking familiars. Those dogs were just amazing and so lovable. I do love cats but having the dogs being the magical ones was extra fun. I’m not a fan of birds in general, but Euclid was a pretty awesome owl, and I’d sure never turn down his help in ditching bad people lol. I can’t wait for another book in this series! I sure hope the author and publisher have one or more planned!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Severn House via NetGalley , and my opinions are my own.

When I found out Sarah Fox was writing a new series I knew I had to read it, and let me tell you it did not disappoint! It has all your classic cozy elements and with an added touch of magical mystery, and it is absolutely wonderful!
I love all of the animals, particularly the inclusion of Euclid the owl, that’s not something we usually encounter in a cozy.
I also enjoy the addition of the smaller side mystery, sometimes they can be a distraction, but this one is very well done.
Looking forward to my next visit to Twilight Cove and another adventure with Georgie and friends.

Thank you NetGalley for the e~arc which I voluntarily reviewed.

Murder Most Owl is the start to a new cozy mystery series by Sarah Fox. It's a Magical Menagerie in Twilight Cove. Georgie Johansen has returned to help out on Aunt Olivia's animal sanctuary farm. Things have changed in the years away. There's a new farmhand who's as mysterious as he is handsome. Then Georgie encounters the eccentric Dorothy Shale, an older woman who lives in a cabin in the woods. There are rumors that Dorothy's a witch, but Georgie doesn't believe that. When Dorothy is murdered Georgie becomes a suspect. Can she find the real killer? Maybe with the help of a couple magical dogs and a great horned owl.

What a wonderful start to a new series! There is a lot to love about Murder Most Owl. Alpacas. A man that bakes. The best name ever for a stationery shop. The most well-behaved dogs I've ever seen. I'm not the biggest fan of owls but i wouldn't mind having Euclid around. So many delightful little things here!

But it's the story and the writing most of all. I really appreciate the description of the town. I was able to imagine the layout and the look. Sometimes I have difficulty with this but it's done really well here.

The mystery is good, and I loved the fun, crazy stuff that happened along the way to solving it. The side characters are charming and make for a great supporting cast. I was worried about how I would feel about the magic, but I shouldn't have. It's a charming element and I liked Georgie's reaction to it.

From beginning to end Murder Most Owl is a wonderful story with great writing. You will finish reading with a smile on your face and ready for the next one in the series. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read. Murder Most Owl will be published April 2.

Murder Most Owl
(Magical Menagerie Mystery 1)
Sarah Fox



Georgie Johansen is finally back in Twilight Cove, Oregon. This little seaside town holds Georgie’s most cherished childhood memories. Georgie is a successful screenwriter living and working in Los Angeles. She drops everything after a call for help from Auntie O. Aunt Olivia had an accident and broke her ankle, because of this Georgie returns to the only home she’s ever known.

Aunt Olivia has turned her hobby farm into an animal sanctuary. Since breaking her ankle she has had to move from her farmhouse to her small Carriage house. She is also unable to help with the animals any longer. After the ranch manager retires, she hires Callum as an interim manager. Georgie is suspicious of him, but she also loves how he’s so great with the animals.

While chasing after a trespasser in the woods, she runs into an old lady and her dogs. They are soon joined by the great horned owl she had admired earlier. After admonishing her to be careful, she tells Georgie she’ll see her later. While taking a walk in the woods later that day one of the dogs show up in front of her. She decides to follow the dog which leads her to where the old woman is being accosted by a man in a suit. After intervening, she is invited inside for tea, Dorothy introduces herself and her companions, Flossie, Fancy & Euclid. Afterward, she receives an Amethyst stone to help with her migraines.

When Flossie and Fancy show up at the farm alone, urging her to follow them the next day, Georgie is worried.

Few things have changed in the small town she fell in love with years ago… until she comes upon a Murder!

This amazing book pulled me in from the first chapter. Trapping me between the pages and ensuring I never wanted to leave for even a moment. Beginning to end the only negative I have is that it ended! Even with every question answered, and every secret told I still wanted more. This book is going in my top five for 2024!

5*****
Amazing book I can’t wait to see when book two is coming.

Location: Twilight Cove, Oregon
Aunt Olivia - Carriage House
Georgie – Farmhouse
Euclid – great horned owl
Flossie & Fancy – English Springer Spaniels dogs
Callum – Cottage
Tessa Ortiz – Bestfriend
Byron Szabo – Reporter
Isaac Stratton – Police Chief



#MurderMostOwl #MagicalMenagerie #AnimalSanctuary #SarahFox #Mystery
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Fox, and the publisher for the ARC.

Author Sarah Fox’s new cozy mystery series Magical Menagerie Mystery starts off strong with this first installment Murder Most Owl. Georgie Johansen, a screenwriter from Southern California, has come back to Twilight Cove, OR to help her injured aunt Olivia with her animal sanctuary. Shortly after arriving Georgie meets her aunt’s neighbor Dorothy and the two click quickly over their love of animals but just a few days later Georgie finds Dorothy dead in her cottage. Our amateur sleuth must relearn the town from her youth and figure out who could possibly be a murderer, with the help of Dorothy’s loyal, and as it turns out magical, pet dogs and a rather special local owl.
A brilliant start to a new cozy mystery series. I love the way Fox was able to make the town of Twilight Cove feel both new and familiar to our main character, Georgie, mainly through the other characters in this novel. I loved how Flossie & Fancy were incorporated into Georgie’s life to give her a closer connection to the murder victim, plus the reveals and reactions to the dogs’ magic was delightful. The mystery kept me guessing all the way to the end, and the eventual reveal was quite crafty. Overall a fantastic start to a new cozy mystery series and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first whodunit in a long time that made me go "WHAT?!" when all was revealed. That's impressive since I can usually figure it out about halfway through the book.

Georgie Johansen has returned to Twilight Cove, OR to help on her aunt's farm while Auntie O recovers from a broken ankle. Memories from her high school days in the small town come back in a flood and she realizes how much she has missed what she had there. In her ramblings through the woods to the beach from the farm, she meets Dorothy, a woman who is rumored to be a witch by some of the townsfolk due to her preferences of living alone in the woods and communicating with animals including her two dogs and a horned owl named Euclid. Add in the nasty developer who keeps hounding Dorothy to purchase her land and when Dorothy dies under mysterious circumstances, he is the prime suspect... or so one would think.

This is a charming new cozy series from Sarah Fox, who has written multiple other cozy series I adore. I liked the supernatural aspect of this cozy because it was subtle but I am certainly intrigued to see more from this series. I look forward to returning to Twilight Cove, OR, hopefully very soon!

My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC.

It's not often I get attached to the murder victim so quickly in a cozy mystery, but I was genuinely sad even though I knew from the summary who died. Sarah Fox has written a vivid story that I just didn't want to end! I've never read a cozy mystery with just a hint of magic before and I have a feeling that Murder Most Owl may have spoiled any I read in the future because it set the standard so high. I do hope that there are many more sequels to come! Murder Most Owl had characters both likeable and despicable, a fantastic small town setting, and a comforting mystery.

Murder Most Owl is book #1 in the A Magical Menagerie Mystery series by Sarah Fox.

This was such an interesting story. Georgie is back in Twilight Cove to help her Aunt Olivia while she is recovering from a broken ankle. I could relate to Georgie’s past. The characters are people I’d like to be friends with, at least most of them. The dogs, Flossie and Fancy, and the owl, Euclid, added an interesting twist to the story. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Georgie!

Thank you to the author, Severn House, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A new series from Sarah Fox that I know that I am going to love...I already can't wait for the next one.
For those that enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this is going to be right up your alley.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, are mine and mine alone.