A Spell For Trouble is the first book in the An Enchanted Bay Mystery series.

Alex Daniels is looking to turn her life around. Her company has passed her up for a promotion and she is still recovering from her father’s recent passing. Then she receives an invitation from her Aunt Lidia to come to Bellamy Bay, NC for a visit with her and her cousins. Alex hasn’t seen them for nearly twenty years, ever since her mother passed and her father didn’t want Alex to have anything to do with them and offering no explanation why.

Alex arrives in Bellamy Bay and while getting reacquainted with Aunt Lidia and her cousins, Minka and Kamila, Alex learns that Aunt Lidia and Minka have a herbal apothecary store. She welcomes the chance to help out at the store when Aunt Lidia asks her. One of the first customers she waits on is Randy Bennett who is looking for a potion that will bring him luck, it seems he is going through a messy divorce. When Lidia comes to
the front of the store she tells him to get and an argument breaks out and it soon escalates and finally, Lidia lifts him and slams him against a wall.

The next morning the body of Bennett is found in his home with the package of tea he had recently purchased from Lidia’s shop beside him. Early in the police investigation, Lidia is considered a possible suspect, but when they also learn of her confrontation and autopsy results showed he died from poisoning from the tea he had recently purchased, Lidia is soon arrested for his murder, but will soon be released on house arrest. Alex will now set out to clear her aunt’s name. She soon finds there is no shortage of suspects.

Shortly after arriving in Bellamy Bay Alex learns that she, her aunt, and family are water witches. She learns that her aunt’s coven has been warring with another faction for years and begins to wonder if they might be responsible for the murder and are trying to blame her aunt’s witches.

The book is well-written and has an enjoyable cast of believable characters. Witchcraft plays a good part in the book, but just lightly touches on the practice of witchcraft.

OᐯᗴᖇᐯIᗴᗯ: Alex hasn't been back to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over 20 years. But after an invitation from her Aunt Lidia and her cousins, Minka and Kamila, Alex decides to visit. Her aunt owns an herbal apothecary that is known for its potent remedies. Rumors swirl in the town that Alex's family is descendents of the mermaids and possess magical powers. Alex is quick to brush this off, but quickly learns there is more to the town than meets the eye. And when Aunt Lidia is arrested for murder, Alex is determined to figure out what role magic played in the death, if any, and prove her aunt's innocence.

ᗰY TᕼOᑌᘜᕼTᔕ: An enchanting start to a new cozy mystery series, I immediately liked Alex and her family. With several potential romantic interests in town as well, there is a hint of what may come in future books in the series. I'm intrigued by their power to hear each other's thoughts and communicate without talking. The mystery in this one was well done and the ending was satisfying!

ᖇᗩTIᑎᘜ: ★★★★

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Title: A Spell for Trouble

Author: Esme Addison

Chapters: 25

Pages: 336

Series: An Enchanted Bay Mystery book 1

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

A spell for trouble is the first book in the An enchanted bay mystery series by Esme Addison. And while it wasn’t my favorite cozy it was still an enjoyable read. I loved the small fictional North Carolina beach town. The coast of the North Carolina is one of my favorite setting for books.

Alexandra Daniels finds herself back in Bellamy Bay her mom’s hometown and not only discovers she’s descendent from mermaids and is a witch but finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. In which her aunt is a prime suspect she’s determined to clear her aunts name. But does that mean she’ll become the killers next victim?

This book was a quick read for charm and I’m not going to lie gave me Practical Magic vibes. I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.

This book is a good book for readers who like a little magic with their cozies.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

An excellent start for a new series. I appreciated the cast of characters, the storyline and the setting.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

What a fun and unique new cozy mystery series. It's a paranormal, which is one of my favorites. The characters are intriguing, the mystery is interesting, and the location sounds like it would be a great place to visit. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Alex may not have spent time with her aunt Lidia for twenty years but she's certain that she did not kill Randy. Set in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina and filled with a healthy dose of paranormal (go with it), this is an excellent start to a new series about a woman who discovers her past, her family and that she's actually a witch descended from a mermaid. Yep. Alex's father didn't want her to interact with Lidia, Minka, or Kamila but he never explained why. When he dies and when she loses a promotion at work in NY, she up and takes off to spend time with them and in Lidia's apothecary shop, Botanika. Small town stuff abounds, especially since the women have been the subject of much speculation over the years. Cozy readers know that there will be more than one suspect, that the detective (in this case Jack) will be either a good guy (yep) or a dope (not), and that Alex is going to help exonerate Lidia. This, however, is also about building your family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read and I'm looking forward to the next one.

“A Spell for Trouble” by Esme Addison the first instalment in the "An Enchanted Bay Mystery". What a great start to a new paranormal cozy mystery series.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over 2 days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I love that it included mermaids, witches and a fur baby . The setting of Bellamy Bay was no e too. I a sucker for a cozy set in North Carolina, I can see this series becoming a favourite.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.
The story about Alex's mom seems to be one that might be an intricate part of the series.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. I am looking forward to book two.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Family secrets sometimes are not best left buried in the past. Delightful mystery that was a joy to read.

A Spell For Trouble by Esme Addison is the first in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series. The story centers around Aleksandra Daniels (Alex). She is returning to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina after two decades away, to visit extended family. While there, she plans to mostly relax and help out at her Aunt’s apothecary shop. Everything goes awry when her Aunt is accused of murder. As she investigates what happened and whodunnit, Alex learns some surprising facts about her family and even herself. This book was generally fantastic. It does require some patience at the beginning as the author introduces all the characters, setting, and magical system. After that first portion, I felt like the pacing was really good and there were plenty of surprising twists throughout the book. I liked that Alex was not suddenly some extremely proficient magic user, although she seemed to forget an awful lot about the abilities that others might have. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what happens with the other mysteries that Addison left open. Thank you to Esme Addison, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for early access to this fantastic book!

Fantastic! I loved this paranormal mystery! This had a similar feel and tone to the Wishcrafting mystery series - primarily a mystery but with fantasy world-building and magic thrown in. I loved the characters and the mystery was well-crafted. I didn't even mind the hints at a love-triangle in this, and I usually hate those. I will definitely be keeping up with this series in the future!

Alex Daniels comes home to Bellamy Bay NC, after years away. Her father never wanted her to return. But with his death she has no other family and her aunt has always said she was welcome.
Aunt Lidia and her daughter run a herbal apothecary shop Botanika. It sells teas, herbal remedies and other things. Alex feels part of a family again.

Her aunt is arrested for murder. A customer is found dead and aunt Lidia is blamed. Alex knows that her family has some strange talents but she knows her aunt is no killer. So she starts sleuthing.

Of course her sleuthing gets her into trouble and Jack the police lieutenant it seems is always there. I was completely shocked by the killer and can't wait for the next book in this series.

Loved the magical story line of this book of the sea and mermaids.

Esme Addison gives the reader a magical mystery in A Spell for Trouble. Aleksandra comes back to her roots after her father dies and joins the rest of her family in Botanika, a store that sells potions and notions. There is a murder and her aunt is suspected. whodunit? Who is witchy? Light mystery

Oh, my, I love the mythical twist with this one, What an exciting and intriguing story. Most eager to prove her aunt is no murderer, Alex rushes in to help not being truly aware of who and what she was dealing with. As things began to heat up and her attraction to two guys became apparent her emotions went into a tailspin. She is in a race for time as bodies started to pile up, but the killer was right behind her trying to make her the next victim. A spellbinding intriguing and fun cozy.

I have gained a new love for cozy mysteries. Don’t get me wrong I still hands down love a good hardcore thrilling murder mystery. But having a book with a whodunnit vibe is nice and refreshing.
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This is the debut novel by Esme Addison and from what she’s told me it’s not her last! A Spell for Trouble had mystery, magic, mermaids, witches and a cute dog. All of the things I love. The main female character was tough and very likeable. So much I wish she was real so we could be BFF’s. There is a very strong family is everything dynamic throughout the book and that is something I can stand behind. Because to me, family is the most important. I love how it had my guessing up until the end who actually did do it. A fast fun read with a great storyline!.
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I highly suggest you put this on your radar for July 7th if you are a fan of cozy mysteries.
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Thank you to Netgalley, the author Esme Addison and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

While I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher, all opinions remain my own.

This book stars off when Aleksandra comes to her hometown of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina. She hasn't been there since her mother's tragic death when she was a child. As the book description puts it "on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves and folk remedies."

At first it seems like a perfect set up, but when her aunt is framed for murder, Aleksandra is determined to find out who really did it. While on the hunt to find a murderer, Alex uncovers long buried family and town secrets, family rivalries and even affairs. She struggles to keep herself untangled from the web of Bellamy Bay as plans begin to come up for her to return to New York. Will she be able to free her aunt before she has to go "home" to the only life she's ever known? Or will she stay in Bellamy Bay, her family's home?

This book has an element of magic to it. I love how it is woven into the story. The family values are very strong and I really love the strong female characters. I would definitely pick up another book in the "Enchanted Bay mystery series."

Alex Daniels’ arrival in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina was her first visit in over twenty years. After her father’s death she decided to visit her Aunt Lidia and cousins Minka and Kamila; her memories of the times she played with her cousins were sparse, but she knew she’d had fun as a youngster. Welcomed with open arms, Alex soon joined Lidia and Minka at their apothecary shop, Botanika and when Lidia started teaching her to make soaps and perfumes, Alex was content.

But when one of the small town’s residents was murdered, it all pointed back to Lidia and when she was arrested for his murder, the cousins were shattered. There and then Alex determined she would discover who the killer was and prove Lidia’s innocence. But there was much more to the town and its inhabitants than Alex had had any clue about. Her own history was brought into the mix along with a feud that went back more than one hundred years. What was happening in Bellamy Bay? What was it her family was involved in?

A Spell for Trouble is the 1st in An Enchanted Bay Mystery series by Esme Addison and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun, entertaining, intriguing and intense, the mystery was gripping and kept me enthralled from start to finish. My first by this author and I’ll be keeping my eye out for the 2nd in the series. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

From the description, “A Spell of Trouble” sounds like it would be an automatic go-to for me. A cozy mystery complete with returning home to a small town and an animal companion, add in a bit of mystical and the book should have been a home run.

Unfortunately, Aleksandra “Alex” Daniels is dull and the town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina, complete with mermaids, water witches, and a family business of an herbal apothecary remained flat. Now, with two deaths and Alex’s Aunt Lidia to blame for the first, Alex finds herself in the middle of an investigation while at the same time learning of her family history, the truth surrounding her mother’s death, her burgeoning talents, and a wish to return to the city and her safe life.

Esme Addison did try to spice it up with two separate suitors for Alex but they too provided no spark. There is a bit of stretching and a little “who is that again”, but for the most part, this was a forgettable entry into a new series.

As Alex Daniels once again finds herself mourning for the loss of a parent, and the loss of a job, she decides to take her misery to Bellamy Bay and the family she hasn't seen in years.  She figured that a bit of relaxing by the ocean and catching up with her aunt and cousins was exactly what she needed.  What she didn't need, however, was a murder.  Or for her aunt to be arrested for it.

Alex is an enjoyable character, even when she succumbs to the traditional cozy-lead syndrome and starts meddling even though she knows she shouldn't.  I do give her credit for at least trying to stay out of it at times, despite getting drawn back in immediately.  Can't really blame her, if a family member of mine was in Lidia's situation, I probably couldn't have kept my nose out of it either.  Her cousins, Minka and Kamila, are great sidekicks as well, with Minka being more of an enabler than Kamila.  I ran hot and cold on Lidia, however, but she loosened up by the end and I warmed up to her a bit before the end.  

The mystery was well-done and kept me guessing throughout.  I'm never been very good at guessing who the bad guy is, but I did have this one figured out early on.  To the credit of the author though, I started to doubt myself several times during the course of my reading.  Which is a good thing, in my opinion.  

I do have to wonder what it is with cozies and love triangles.  On the average, I don't mind them if they're done well.  In A Spell for Trouble, I think that it started out well and fell apart a bit once the mystery ensued.  Now, I have to admit, I have my favorite of the two and I'm already starting to wonder if I picked the wrong one.  Time will tell, I suppose, because there has got to be a sequel to this fantastic novel.  I'm excited to return to Bellamy Bay and visit all the residents once again.

I love coming across new stories that take place in North Carolina. There is something to be said for the hometown heroines and throughly believe in supporting local as much as possible. This is a nice blending of magic, medicinal herbs, and murder. Alex is an excellant character who is easy to relate to, after all how many of us have found ourselves in need of a fresh start in a loving environment. Such a central theme to all cozies is the sense of friends, family and loving support. This was a great start to a new series with just enough of an intriguing back story that hooks you. A nice set of clues and red herring distractions plus a little potential romance. Best of all, there are wonderful descriptions of Polish patries that I cannot wait to try my hand at making kolaczki with blackberry jam for the centers. Who doesn't like a sweet treat to indulge in while escaping into a world of mystery for an hour or so. The only thing that would have made this book complete is by having those tantalizing treats listed in recipe form at the back of the story.

When Alexandra Daniels returns to Bellamy Bay, NC, she is smarting from a hitch in her big-city career in risk management. Who would expect a visit with her aunt, cousins, and their herbal apothecary to be so -- risky?

Aunt Lidia plies Alex with Polish pastries and one of her soothing teas, hoping Alex will stay for awhile. Alex accepts, intending to return to Manhattan when a job offer comes through. She really isn't into herbs and potions, and she scoffs at the village gossip about the family. There's no such thing as witches, right?

Not so fast. No sooner does she begin to learn about the medicinal and sensual qualities of lavender, elderberry, sage, and violet, than a customer who has clashed with Lidia in the past is found dead. A bag of Lidia's tea and one of her signature fragrances is by his side. Lidia is arrested for murder. It's up to Alex to come up to speed on the magical secrets of her heritage, and the occult powers of many other townspeople if she's to save her aunt.

Like many first-in-series cozies, this one is stuffed with backstory. Unlike many, however, the backstories are filled with mermaids, Vikings, water witches, and land disputes that go back centuries. The author has constructed a little world of wonders and wars in Bellamy Bay, with unpredictable characters co-existing with "mundanes." It's a busy book, so busy that the reader has to avoid being distracted by all the folk-and-herbal lore - not to mention the obligatory red herrings. Think Practical Magic mixed in with a bit of A Discovery of Witches, against a background of dancing fountains in a sweet little town. It's a heady brew.

Of all the elements in this elixir, I found Alex herself a bit troubling. She may be an expert in risk management, but her common sense and logic sometimes go badly astray - especially in the enchantments of love. But whose wouldn't?

4 stars.