Cover Image: To Catch a Witch

To Catch a Witch

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Member Reviews

A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

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The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .

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This was an enjoyable cozy Mystery. I was unfamiliar with the other books in the series so I had to catch up a bit but I found the writing well done and the story line was fun.

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Thank you netgalley and the publisher
I realized that at this point in my life cozy mysteries are not for me.
Thank you for the opportunity.

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Darcy Merriweather is running the concierge service As You Wish while her Aunt Ve continues to slide toward retirement. Abby Stillwell hires her to help with a charity fun run right in the Enchanted Village. Bad weather the morning of the race leads to Abby's disappearance. It's hard to tell at first if it was an accident, but Darcy is always tasked with investigating when Crafters die. The Enchanted Village is such a well thought out setting, and the Crafters/witches all embody various types of magic while living in plain sight among normal humans. And for fun, it took a bit of a rom-com twist, with multiple couples suddenly deciding to elope, or even be together. But that was ok, because it sure added up to a lot of red herrings and I was very surprised when the killer was revealed. There is a multi book arc that is coming to fruition as well, and it seems the next book may answer a lot of questions.

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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

To Catch a Witch is book 8 in the A Wishcraft Mystery series by Heather Blake. I have read a handful of books by this author and have always enjoyed her stories… and this book is no exception. I enjoy these books because the story telling is clever, characters are interesting and the whodunit is not easy to figure out until the very end.

In this eighth book of A Wishcraft Mystery series, the tale begins in the Enchanted Village, a tourist-themed neighborhood of Salem, Massachusetts. I like how the story gives you just the right amount of back story so that if you were joining the series at this book, you would be able to follow along:

“…It all seemed so familiar to me that it was hard to believe it was only my second February in the village. This coming June would mark two years since Aunt Ve had convinced my sister and me to move here from Ohio to embrace a heritage we had known nothing about until that point in time: the Craft, a hereditary form of witchcraft. My sister and I were witches.” OR “… I’d been appointed an investigator for the Craft-whenever there was a crime in the village involving a Crafter, it was my job to snoop around to ensure that the protection of the Craft and its witches synced with the mortal justice system.”

I also really enjoyed the names of the local businesses:

“The village was thriving with its various witch-themed businesses, such as the Bewitching Boutique, the Magic Wand Salon, the Witch’s Brew coffee shop, and the Crone’s Cupboard to name a few.”

And the names of the characters:

“Glinda Hansel and her mother Dorothy Hansel Dewitt (who is really not a ‘good’ witch)

Okay…. on to the story…. The opening scene has Darcy struggling to put up a banner for the upcoming Wicked Mad Dash. Unfortunately, she has nothing in her arsenal to make this job easy, especially since the weather outside is blistering cold. Finally, banner is hung and Darcy can get on with the myriad of chores she must attend to before the race begins seeing as she is managing this destination (and adventure) race (which draws competitors from all over the country) with its twenty demanding obstacles along a course that goes through the Enchanted Forest.

Darcy’s friend, Abby, is preparing for the race and goes to warm up… never to be seen from again (at least not alive). Darcy asks her sister Harper (a broken hearted Harper at that) to use a spell to locate Abby. Was Abby’s death an accident – after all – she was found dead at underneath the Aural Gorge footbridge. And so the hunt begins to figure out who and why this tragedy happened.

Being introduced to the many citizens of the village during the hunt for the killer was like meeting old friends. The descriptions were well rounded and at times, the towns folks were so funny (gotta love some of Vince’s antics). So many of them may well have had a motive to see Abby gone. The journey to the killer was windy but I found the journey entertaining.

Apart from the murder, there were a number of side stories which really enhanced my enjoyment of the book along with bonding with the village inhabitants. For example – what is Harper’s secret and how will it affect life as she knows it? Will Harper even talk to her ex? Whose alibi will hold up? And just as importantly…who loves who? Talk about convoluted … but in a good way. The reader also must ponder why so many threats to Darcy’s life? And who is the Elder.

Well all of those questions will be revealed when you read this delightful eighth book, To Catch a Witch, in the Wishcraft Mystery series by Heather Blake.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

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This was a great read! I love the witch town/setting that has been created by the author. It is magical and enchanting and really draws you into the book. The murder was tragic and heartbreaking. As I read the book I wasn’t sure which character could’ve committed the crime. I did manage to figure it out before it was revealed in the book though. I also enjoyed all of the side characters’ stories

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I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase a copy here : https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Witch-Wishcraft-Mystery-ebook/dp/B078M3J5D1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537715562&sr=8-1&keywords=to+catch+a+wish


This is the 8th book in the A Wishcraft Mystery. I have not had the pleasure of reading the 7 previous books, There was a little bit of a story arc that I missed out on, but for the most part, I was able to read this and not be lost. We start this book in Salem, Massachusetts in February. We learn early on in this book that Wishcrafters cannot grant their own wishes or those of other Wishcrafters; can't make someone fall in love, or wish someone to drop dead. Basically, they cannot use the craft to harm or hurt anyone. We discover there are all kinds of different witches. Abby discovers there are two ledgers from last year and they do not match. Abby is concerned that she messed up. Darcy agrees to take a look at the books after the race and Abby heads off to warm up for the race, but does not return before the race starts. The plot thickens as Harper finds her sister unconscious on the floor. We get to see a lost and found spell up close and personal. We have a hexed cake and lots of drama including baby at risk. This book was so well written and packed full of action and drama. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series!

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Fun characters, a good puzzle and friends. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review.

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I couldn't find a reason to not love this mystery from Heather Blake. I have come to adore this series and the delightful characters and magic that they hold for readers. It is easily a light hearted and fun read to enjoy on weekend in the park or back yard. I imagine that I will be sharing it again and again in upcoming features.

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I really love this series! The author does a really good job of writing a mystery that you solve right along with the main character (Darcy), with the clues unfolding naturally, but usually there are also some surprises along the way to keep things interesting. The story is completely flushed out by an amazing set of supporting characters that are always up to some sort of high jinks or having drama. I like how the series blends the magical elements into the environment of a close knit village, so while at times it can feel a little over the top, it never loses its grip on reality. I've been reading this series right along, and can't wait to see where the author takes this battle for control of the Eldership!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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From the moment I read the first line of To Catch A Aitch, I knew I would be totally engrossed in the story.
Darcy Merriweather is a fun character and this series is my favorite in the cozy paranormal genre.
There are all sorts of appealing parts to the story, a good solid mystery, strong personalities and witchcraft, which are just a few of the things that appeal to me.

I definitely recommend this story (and the series) to all cozy mystery readers, you cannot go wrong with any of the books in the Wishcraft Mysteries.

I volunteered to read and review and ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

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This is a great book; this is the eighth book in the Wishcraft Mystery series written by Heather Blake. Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather might be a witch with the ability to grant wishes for others, but wishing isn’t going to help her catch a killer. When wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather’s personal concierge company is hired by elite runner Abby Stillwell to organize the Wicked Mad Dash, a competition that takes place in the Enchanted Village, Darcy is more than willing to help her friend. As blizzard conditions rage on the morning of the race, Darcy’s main concern is the terrible weather, until Abby goes missing…and is later found dead, buried in the snow. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book with humor and mystery, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.

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I enjoy this mystery series so much! It has a ton of charm along with a good mystery storyline. Darcy has been such a likable character from the very first book. Enchanted Village is a place that I wish really existed so I could visit. Ms. Blake writes so well you can visualize what it all looks like as you read. And it has been that way from book one. I look forward to reading more books from this series for years to come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

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Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather returns in the much anticipated eighth installment of the Wishcraft series. This time, Darcy's personal concierge company is hired by elite runner Abby Stillwell to organize the Wicked Mad Dash, a competition that takes place in the Enchanted Village. Darcy is thrilled to help her friend, but when the weather turns bad, and Abby disappears, things turn bad. Her body is later found dead buried in the snow.

As the investigator for the elder, the woman in charge of the magical world in the Enchanted Village, Darcy has to search for a killer. Her investigation takes her into a world where secrets abound, including hidden romances, a possible embezzlement scheme, and allegations of cheating against a top athlete.

Darcy's investigation takes her on a path that turns deadly, especially when someone threatens her life, and works to take the life of another resident of the Enchanted Village.

Oh how I have missed the Enchanted Village. Darcy and her friends are perfect, and I have missed them a great deal.

This installment is absolute perfection. Darcy is a great investigator, and she uncovers clues so smoothly that the pages seem to turn themselves as the story unfolds. The suspects are eliminated skillfully until Darcy finds out whodunit it, and, as usually, I was surprised by the ending.

In her personal life, Darcy is getting ready to marry her boyfriend, Police Chief Nick, and her sister, Harper, is facing an illness that makes Darcy very nervous. The characters all fit together so smoothly that a reader feels a great bond with them, which is why I missed this series when it was cancelled. I say a big thank you to Crooked Lane Books for picking it up and letting us revisit the Enchanted Village.

All the fun characters are back, including my favorites, Pepe and Mrs. P. There are numerous twists and turns in this story that made for a very satisfying read. And the ending shocked me, and sent me back to read it second time so I could absorb what had just happened. To say I am excited for the ninth book in this series in an understatement.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. But I also bought an audio copy, as that is the format in which I have the other books in the series.

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I am so glad that Heather Blake’s Wishcraft Mystery series is continuing with a new publisher. This is one of my favorite paranormal cozy series, and TO CATCH A WITCH is well worth the wait. The series gets better, if that is possible, with each additional book.

This time around, Darcy is hired to organize the annual Wicked Mad Dash by Abby Stillwell. Things go from bad with the blizzard like weather to worse when Abby goes missing and is later found deceased. When it becomes apparent that Abby’s death is murder, Darcy is tasked, as the appointed Investigator for the Craft, with getting to the bottom of things. In addition, Darcy is worried about her ill sister Harper and her family’s increasingly aggravating nemesis.

Heather Blake does a fantastic job building this whimsical world in the midst of Salem, Massachusetts. The magical atmosphere, different types of witches, and familiars all seem real. Why shouldn’t it be plausible that a Shakespearian actor turned familiar parrot over imbibe on rum? It really does all make sense and is endlessly entertaining. I enjoy all of the recurring characters, even the nasty ones, and reading TO CATCH A WITCH is like catching up with dear friends.

The mystery is well thought out and the writing nicely paced. I was a bit surprised by the killer’s identity, and that rarely happens. Though the story is indeed lighthearted, the timely undercurrent of racism and elitism is explored.

I adore TO CATCH A WISH and highly recommend it to any paranormal cozy reader.

I received and ARC of this title from the publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

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To Catch a Witch by Heather Blake is the eighth novel in A Wishcraft Mystery series. Darcy Merriweather runs As You Wish, a personal concierge service, in the Enchanted Village in Massachusetts. She has been hired by Abby Stillwell to organize this year’s annual Wicked Mad Dash. The proceeds from the race will help pay the medical bills for little Aine Bryant. The event gets off to a bumpy starts courtesy of Vince Paxton and his magical pranks. Abby asks Darcy to go over the bookkeeping ledgers for the race since they are off from the previous years. Abby then departs to warm up for the race, but she does not return. A search commences, and Abby is found dead below Aural Gorge bridge. As Craft investigator, Darcy teams up with her fiancé, Nick Sawyer (police chief for Enchanted Village) to track down Abby’s killer. Darcy is worried about her sister, Harper. She has been running herself ragged since she broke up with Marcus. Her health is in jeopardy and Dr. Dennis Goodwin has some shocking news. To top it off, Dorothy Hansel Dewitt is attempting a coup and the only person who can save the village from her reign of terror is heartbroken Harper. Can Darcy conjure up the killer before her suspects fly off?

To Catch a Witch is an enchanting cozy mystery. It is well-written and has a steady pace which makes for an easy to read story. Heather Blake has created delightful characters for A Wishcraft Mystery series. Darcy has embraced life in the Enchanted Village. She is now running As You Wish, gotten engaged, a wonderful stepmom to Mimi, takes care of their numerous pets, is the Craft investigator, and helps her friends. Darcy has a caring heart and does not like to see anyone hurting. She has also taken to rehabilitating Vince Paxton who found his Craft too dull and has taken to dark magic. If Darcy can turn Glinda around, then Vince should be a piece of cake. There is a humorous scene with Aunt Ve and Archie that involves Magnum PI and Pina coladas. Two of my favorite characters are Pepe and Mrs. P. They are just adorable, and Pepe is a wizard with a needle (I would for him to craft me a dress). The author was creative when making up the magical abilities for her series. They are unique along with the names. The Enchanted Village is a charming small town outside Salem. Each shop is special and suits the owner (no big box stores in this hamlet). If you have not read any of the previous novels in A Wishcraft Mystery series, I do not suggest you begin with To Catch a Witch (you would be missing out on the backstory that is needed to understand the characters and the magic). Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. I thought the mystery was spellbinding and multifaceted. There are several suspects with motive to kill Abby plus it turns out that Abby had a few secrets of her own. There is active investigating and I appreciate that Darcy works with the police to help solve the case. Nick is happy to have her assistance and just warns her to be careful (Nick is a sweetie). You will need to be clairvoyant (or a master cozy mystery sleuth) to solve Abby’s murder. I could have done with less repetition (I do not need to be told the same thing multiple times), but that is my only grievance. To Catch a Witch is packed full of intriguing storylines, and it will keep you riveted until the very end. I wish we did not have to wait a year for the next bewitching installment in A Wishcraft Mystery series.

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“To Catch a Witch” earn 5/5 Magical Wishes...Delightfully Fun!

I love a little magic in my cozy. Then add a witch or two, wishes being granted, and a murder to solve, and it's a perfect choice for me! Starting with the eighth book in the series, with the storyline and characters already well developed, was not a disadvantage. There were enough references to background and character connections to keep me engaged, so newbies feel free to join in with this book! Having a magic theme can be tricky navigating a fine line between plausible and juvenile hocus-pocus. Heather Blake did very well providing a plethora of witches with their powers, their familiars, and their spells in a way that you can easily suspend disbelief and sit back and enjoy. Darcy Merriweather, a resident of Enchanted Village, is helping to organize the annual Wicked Mad Dash event, but things do not go smoothly. A few monkey wrenches are problematic, and entertaining, with pranks from a new crafter, a blizzard, and a missing person later found dead. The investigation puts Darcy on the hunt for one of their own with engaging twists and turns, nail-biting perils, and even a few giggles. But there are other issues and relationships evolving through the series making it very entertaining and popular with cozy fans!

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My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 8 in the series. This is another wonderful series that was saved by Crooked Lane Books when Penguin dropped most of their mysteries.

I love this series. It's fun and quirky, with likable characters. There's been kind of a secondary mystery running through the series, and it's been a little annoying, because so many things are being hidden from Darcy. But we finally get some answers in this book.

I honestly was more interested in Darcy and her family and all their secrets, than the murder, so I didn't put too much effort in to figuring out who the killer was. I was pulled in at the end though, and surprised at the way things went.

There's still so much that can happen and I going to be very impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

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I was given this ARC by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Heather Blake is back and I am beyond excited! Well, I don’t know if she ever left, but it felt like an eternity since the last <i>Wishcraft</i> story and I am very glad I got to read her newest book during the blistering heat in the middle of summer.
I am absolutely not joking. The welcomed break from the heat and humidity even if only imagined was bliss. The author’s skill at describing the beautiful scenery that has been the backdrop of this wonderful cozy mystery series put a smile on my face and had me looking forward to the season’s change.
The characters, like always, were delightful and quirky, and it was lovely to recognize so many recurring secondary characters that make this series so familiar. One character in particular the reader gets to know a little better.
The writing flowed nicely and had the reader transported back to the Enchanted Village within the first page.
Overall, as with all the other books in this series, I read it fast, because I want to hold on to that delicious cozy feeling the author creates (minus the murder, of course) and then find myself in withdrawal and longing for the next story. I highly recommend this book.

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