Witch Trial is the second book in the Full Moon Mystery series by Cate Conte. It follows Violet a local Crystal shop owner and newly discovered witch as she navigates two worlds - magical and mundane, while dealing with family drama and solving murders. I really enjoyed book one of this series - which I would say is urban fantasy/cozy mystery and book 2 continued to develop the rich magical world/backstory. I would recommend reading book one first and this book ends on a cliffhanger, so I really hope book 3 comes out soon!
This book has at least 5 different mysteries going on at once and only 2-3 get solved by the end of the book, while the others started in book one and will carry throughout the series.
The main plot of this book centers around the disappearance of a local lawyer and client of Violet's as well as Violet navigating her new role on the Magical Council after her Grandmother's death.
I recommend taking a trip into this magical world!

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

In this second book in a cozy mystery series, Violet is a crystal shop owner with recently-unveiled magical powers. When a troubled customer goes missing, she sets out to investigate, uncovering sordid secrets in her hometown--even as other witches investigate her for an incident that happened in the previous book.

I didn't read the first book, but that didn't make it difficult to get into this one. The plots are fairly straightforward. I was left with many frustrations and questions as I read, though. So much of the book's prolonged drama is because people aren't engaging in basic levels of communication, which is exasperating. The magic here doesn't seem to have any rules. Witches can teleport wherever. Violet is treated like she's incredibly powerful, but I saw no evidence of that whatsoever. She's willfully ignorant about magic in general, and that seems to largely be the case to drag out the magical subplot. I was mystified as to why she was serving on a local magical-governing board.

Genies and their powers seem to be set up to be the big bad guys in this world, and though they aren't described here as having an origin here, it made me uncomfortable that the one Arabian/Middle Eastern aspect was elevated to such a dark role. I hope that more nuance comes into play in future books.

The mundane mystery at the heart of the book is the best part, but I couldn't turn off my author/editor mode to relax and enjoy the loose magical worldbuilding.

I enjoyed the second installment in Cate Conte's second Full Moon Mystery, Witch Trial. An interesting mix of paranormal activity intruding on the human world with a new witch getting comfortable with the fact that her family is magical. The pacing and story line were much easier to follow in this book, now that we have the characters and the family relationships down. I look forward to the next book in the series! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #WitchTrial.

It seemed like it'd been forever since I read the first book, so it took me just a little bit to remember what had gone on, but the author did a good job of reviewing without spoilers. I really do recommend reading the first book first because much of this book is a continuation of something that happened in that book.

There were a lot of different characters and possible suspects for both the continuing witchy situation and the murder of a mortal in this book. I loved Violet's references to Samantha and Darrin in one place in the book, lol. In this world, guys and girls are both just witches for simplicity purposes I guess, but it's still just as hard to get the nerve up to tell a mortal that you're a witch just like back in Samantha's day. We got to know Violet's sister Zoe a little better this time as well as their mom, Fiona. I really like Zoe, and I guess my liking of Fiona's character might be selective. I only like her sometimes or if I know she's trying to help one of her girls. She's growing on me, lol.
I wasn't sure about Blake's role in this, so I just kept an open mind and read on.

Toward the end, there was a surprise I didn't see coming, and I hadn't been able to guess whodunit. The ending after the killer was caught honestly seemed a little abrupt, but it did make sense and didn't really leave anything hanging. I do hope there's going to be another book so at least the conversation being had could continue.

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

Witch Trial is part of a cozy mystery series by Cate Conte featuring crystal shop owner and witch, Violet Mooney. Apprentice witch, Violet is taught by or has acquired ability from Violet’s estranged mother, Fiona, a sister she never knew she had named Zoe, and black cat, Xander. When a reporter out to debunk spiritualists is “genied” (her soul imprisoned inside a bottle) in Violet’s shop, Violet can’t prove she didn’t do it. Then one of her crystal shop customers at The Full Moon, Nicole St. James, goes missing and turns up dead. Could it be murder?

I found Witch Trial to be a spellbinding, well written and enchanting read. Cate Conte's engaging cast of characters made North Harbor, Connecticut, a wonderful place to visit for a while. The narrative was smooth, the dialogue great, and there was just the right of magic and kookiness versus ordinary life. Violet’s two cats, Monty, an orange cat without magical powers, and Xander, who possesses some magical ability, add personality in spades. I was totally invested in the involved mystery. Fun and entertaining.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I’m a sucker for paranormal cozies and this second book in the series is even better than the first.
Interesting characters that I look forward to reading more about.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 2nd in a series. I think it might be better to read them in order-not as a stand alone. There are a lot of characters to try to know. I did like Violet-but I felt that no one was honest with her and that there was a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes that no one knew about. The mystery wasn't really explained well at least about the genie thing. There is a hint for a possible romance, but who knows... And to be honest, I really don't like cliffhangers. I did find the book interesting in parts and do want to know what happens. 3,5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to start this second one in the series. Poor Violet has been thrown into this new world, and she is assigned a “helper” by her mom, but she doesn’t trust her mom or the new guy. While dealing with that, one of her customers dies, and she feels obligated to find out what happened even if it leads to her death. This was an interesting and well-written story, but what really drew me in is that this is turning out to be an interesting story ARC that seems it’s going to span over a couple/several books with each book having its own mini story. I love when that happens. Both stories are interesting, and I’m excited to see where this is going to go. The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, is that I’m not fond of when not communicating leads to misunderstandings/drama/etc. You have to read to see what I’m talking about. This was a great book, and I can’t wait to read the next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I liked the first book in this series and had high expectations for this one.
I enjoyed it as it's a compelling and entertaining read but the cliffhanger at the end was a bit disappointing.
Cate Conte is a good storyteller and this story is more urban fantasy than cozy mystery as the mystery takes the backseat.
The world building is expanded and the magical system is interesting, the characters relatable (I loved the cats), the mystery part was well done.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Violet Mooney is still trying to figure out her new life. Her mother (and a half-sister!) are newly back in her life as is the knowledge that she is a hereditary witch. Part of that discovery is that Violet is taking over her grandmother's chair on the Magickal council.

Since Violet is so new, her mother wants her to have an advisor. Enter Blake Alexander, new legal council for the Council. Also a major hottie. He wants to lead Violet through the ways and means of her new community but she isn't sure why she needs someone to do something she can figure out on her own. And is he really trustworthy with his family background?
The story of a reporter genied in the first book continues in this one. This book also ends rather abruptly. An interesting series but there is so much going on it is hard to keep track of everyone and everything. We learn a little bit more about the magical world this series is set in and a little bit more about the people but it is a slow drip. I have a feeling this series would be better if you could read the books all at once.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out December 28th, 2021
Follows Witch Hunt
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I love a paranormal cozy mystery, and this one does not disappoint in that aspect. One great thing about this installment is we are on this learning curve with Violet and the author does an amazing job of showing us the journey into her witchy powers. I did feel the murder mystery was a little slow and drug out in this installment and then the ending was rushed. There are various subplots thrown in, so keeping track of everything can be a bit confusing. Readers really need to start at book one in this series to get a full understanding of what is happening. Had I not already read book one, I think I would have been completely lost since there is a major plot that carries over from book one. Which is why I am giving this a three out of five. The cliffhanger. It seems we will have to wait until book three to get any clarity on the plot from book one. This is hugely disappointing because this series has so much potential without dragging one plot out over three books. With that being said, I like the premise of this new series, so I will keep an eye out for book three and hope we can move on from book one and dig deeper into these characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

In book 2 of the Full Moon Mystery Series, Volet is being investigated by the Magickal Council. A reporter out to debunk spiritualists was “genied”—her soul imprisoned inside a bottle—in Violet’s shop, and she can’t prove she didn’t do it. Meanwhile, one of her crystal shop customers, Nicole St. James, goes missing and turns up dead, a victim of murder.
When I started to read this book for Net Galley I realized it was book 2 in a series and so I actually went and got book 1 through Kndle Unliited (can't promise how long it will be avalable to read for free that way but it was when I went to read it). I felt it helped me understand the series a lot better, since each book ends on a cliffhanger and the case isn't really solved.....each book just rolls into the next book. It is good if you have read them all, but if you haven't, then it can really leave you lost and take away from your enjoyment. I guess it is a good way to make sure you will read all of the series! If you are a fan of cozy witch mysteries, then you will enjoy this series. I do suggest starting at book one though.

Violet has two lives. Well, more accurately, she's got two sides to her life that she's trying to merge. The owner of a crystal shop she's just learned that her maternal line is filled with witches and she getting to know her mother, her half sister, and how to cast a spell, Oh, and how to deal with Xander, the cat who is her familiar. Then one of her customers goes missing and she delves into the mystery. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. The cozy part of this is less engaging (to be honest) than Violet's family (and her cat Monty). That said, I enjoyed it as a light fun read.

this was such a fun read! i really enjoyed this one. the characters were flawless and it was just such an amazing book to read during this time. thank you so much netgalley!!!!!!

I mostly enjoyed this book. The mystery of who genied Mazzie is a bit wearing as apparently it has no answer. This is a cliffhanger which is disappointing. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story. #WitchTrial #NetGalley Only giving it a three due to the cliffhanger.

While I am not a fan of power inhibiting by means of chocolate, I am a fan of this storyline! Witch Hunt introduced us to Violet and she in turn was introduced to the world of magic. A witch with ability to read an aura like a book, although I think she is pretty good at getting a read on a person without her powers. Such a necessary skill when dealing with rival council members, an unusually attractive mentor, a relationship beyond its "best by date", death by genie, getting burned, dealing with Fiona/Mom, cooking with Zoe, and encroaching shadows. Violet isn't the type to shrink when there is someone who needs her help. The story flowed nicely intertwining the mystery from Witch Hunt and progressing that story while also solving the new mystery. After reading it I am now looking up recipes for risotto, I'll need something to do while waiting for the next book...

A light fun read! Violet is an enjoyable character. In this the second book of the series her character is developing nicely. Good story for a light read. Thanks #netgalley and #Keningston for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Witch Trial is book 2 in A Full Moon Mystery series by Cate Conte. I hadn’t read book 1 at time of requesting and had no problem following along, but might be wise to read in order.

Crystal shop owner and witch Violet Mooney, the murder of one of her customers launches her into a case that conjures up both supernatural and mortal enemies...

The characters were engaging and I loved her 2 cats one normal and one magical. The setting and overall story was good, but I am struggling on how I want to rate it as I feel the main mystery wasn’t solved but it was a continuation from book 1 so maybe that was what author wanted as it will be resolved in book 3. With that said I do want to read book 3 to find out what happens. Next for Violet.

I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Kensington Books and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


This is the second book in the Witch Trial Cozy Mystery series. It was just as enjoyable as the first one. The characters are fun and entertaining.

I hadn't read the first book in this series, but I don't think that's necessary to read this book since the author does a great job giving context on what happened previously.

Sadly, I did not find much to be excited about in this book. I think the problem for me was that I treated it as a book that could stand on its own. But it really feels more like it's setting things up for the rest of the series. The romance wasn't there yet, the intrigue wasn't very intriguing, and the mystery left much to be desired. So I'd only recommend it if you want to jump into a new witchy series with Sabrina the Teenage Witch vibes and some mystery.

The book has about 4-5 different plot lines. The overarching plot is that Violet Mooney recently finds out that she's a witch and now needs to navigate the political vista of this new world. Hoping it'll help, her mom asks another witch, Blake, to show Violet the ropes. In the meantime there's an unsolved mystery from (I'm guessing) the previous book that might implicate Violet, there's the mystery from this book that only Violet seems interested in solving and finally there's the boyfriend that no one seems to want around.

All these different plotlines would have been interesting on their own. The premise is definitely something that I'd usually love to read. I love the setting, the idea that Violet is a new but powerful witch trying to navigate this new world, with a hot tutor. I'm really intrigued by the witchy world of the book. I even like the mysteries themselves - one human, one witchy. Both interesting on the surface, however, with all these different plotlines none of them really feel like they get properly addressed. As you continue to read, it doesn't feel like you're making progress in any of them. And because of this, as the reader you don't get fully invested in any of them. The only one that gets anywhere near being resolved is the second mystery I refer to. Does the mystery get solved by the end of the book? Yes. But do you feel any satisfaction from its resolution? I know I didn't.

The main issue with the mystery is that, while it does get solved, you don't feel like the protagonist did much to deserve it. There is no real hunting of clues throughout the book, partly because there are so many other things going on, and partly because Violet continuously seems to make the bad choice, trust the wrong person, and ignore helpful clues. Things seem to happen to her instead of her making it happen. At the end, when the stakes are finally raised and it feels like maybe we might get something interesting, the danger is gone just as quickly as it came. This doesn't feel satisfying to me.

My favorite part of the book was finding out more about the witch world. There were some pretty solid imaginative bits in there. For example I loved the potion cafe, I liked that these two worlds were overlapping but also independent in many ways. Going as far as some witches being completely clueless about what goes on in the human world.

I also found some of the characters quite charming. My favorite was Blake, the possible future love interest. I wish we got more of him and Violet in this book. Also, the coffeeshop owner Pete and Violet's sister Zoe were pretty great too.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this eARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinion.