Thank you Netgalley, Kiri Callaghan & Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. This book will be a perfect autumnnal read, I loved it.

When a rise in London's supernatural crime puts Fey society at risk of discovery, the Winter Council turns to an unlikely solution: Avery Hemlock. The world has changed drastically from the hundreds of years in captivity but she must solve the case or lose her probationary freedom. Avery meets Saga Hudson, a women trying to find her way in life after being dealt some harsh life cards. Together they work together to solve these mysterious deaths.

This book is a magical cozy murder mystery which keeps you guessing. The pace felt perfect for the storyline, it built as the mystery deepened and matched when revelations occured. The world building was easy going aswell, I loved the footnotes explaining magical terms providing an insight into Avery's world.

The relationship development between Saga & Avery was a great balance of self discovery and found friendship. Seeing Avery adjust to a new world and Saga navigate her abilities was key in their partnership. The way Avery was written especially around her reactions to modern phrases such as 'ghosting' had me chuckling.

Also adored the recipe part too, without giving too much away I want to try the Healing Lemon Tarts with Lavender Earl Grey Whipped Cream.

Overall, perfect magical murder mystery & will be great for a snuggle down in autumn with a tea and a cake with sprinkles (if you read the book you will understand the sprinkles)

I have also reviewed on my Instagram turningpages_lpr

Thank you for the ARC NetGalley and publisher.

I decided this year that I would try to expand my horizons and read books I may otherwise not consider. This was definitely one of them. I am so glad I was approved and I got to read this. I totally see why other people are mentioning Sherlock Holmes; this book is definitely best enjoyed if you have a little understanding of Sherlock, but it's not completely necessary. It heightens the enjoyment! The writing style was different and did take some getting used to, specifically the footnotes. They were so fun and informative once I got into the book. I loved Avery and Saga and wish more writers would take note of their dynamic. It was collaborative, supportive, healthy, and respectful. I would love to hang out with them both and have Saga bake for me.

This was a delightful, well-written, rich and warm read.

i really liked this book. admittedly, i am a sucker for this cosy fantasy genre, but adding in that element of mystery really tied the knot for me.

firstly, i adore the london that this author has created, and i wish it was real (there is free public transport… i am jealous). it felt as if the magic in this book was alive through the spells, the ingredients and just the different types of fey introduced. i love seeing the interpretation of all these creatures and their survival in the human world in comparison to how humans perceive them in folklore.

talking of lore, i loved avery’s background and one critique of this book is that i wish there was more. i wanted to see more of gideon and the winter council! but maybe this is for a future book… who knows….

the relationship between avery and saga was quite interesting to me! i particularly liked how slow they were yet how fast they delved into eachothers live. i think it balanced itself out quite nicely in the end and their chemistry is definitely that new love, jump in and think later, yet i’m scared and the butterflies are fluttering vibe (if that makes sense!).

saga’s rich knowledge in medicine combined with witchcraft was truly a marriage made in heaven (ah marriage, maybe a best avoided topic) but i really enjoyed how she could relay both diagnosis and spell at the same time.

i love riddle.

one of my favourite aspects of this book is definitely the footnotes. they give the story a whole other personality, and i love how funny and silly the author is. i am now the owner of many fun facts! and don’t get me started on the recipes… that’s pure genius.

all in all, i really enjoyed this book and i think a physical version would have been a much better experience so i will definitely be purchasing in the fall!

thank you to netgalley and poisoned pen press for giving me with this ARC in return for an honest review (which this is, i swear!)

This is a perfect read for fans of fantasy / mystery mash-ups! I was drawn to this one because I love any story about the fey, but I ended up really enjoying this quirky, fun book.

Avery Hemlock is a changeling from the Victorian era who has been given a period of probation from a 500-year long fey punishment. The catch is, she has to solve some ongoing supernatural crimes in the modern world to keep her freedom. Teaming up with her new neighbor, down-on-her-luck, medical drop-out Saga, the unlikely pair of detectives prepare to infiltrate the supernatural side of London to solve the case. How hard could it be?

I really enjoyed this witchy, magical murder mystery. Filled with footnotes contributing to the world-building and nods to other literary characters, it’s a really fun read that brings the fantastical into the everyday modern world. While this is a fun stand-alone, I hope that it will be the start of a new series; I would love to return to this story!

I would recommend The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic & Murder to fans of fantasy mysteries, urban fantasy, and fun detective duos.

Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.

When supernatural crimes plague London, who better to call than the changeling prisoner who knows the best of both worlds - Fae and Mundane. Or at least she did. Avery Hemlock has served 200 years out of her 500 year sentence and has been released into modern day London to solve the case. Balancing investigating a crime with acclimating to all the changes of the modern day, will she be able to solve the case before she loses her probationary freedom?

To help her with the investigation, Avery accidentally recruits Saga, a magical baker and tea maker. But it’s not just her baked goods that are magical. Saga has always believed in witchcraft but never realised just how true it was. Armed with her first year of medical school knowledge and a whole lot of enthusiasm, the pair of them set out to find the truth.

This book merges together my two favourite genres - fantasy and mystery. Mix in a little bit of slow burn romance and that’s the recipe for success. Or should I say spell for success?

I adored the split perspectives for the book. Avery is such an interesting character, she’s been thrust into modern day London when her last experience of living was the 1800’s. As the reader, we get to explore her journey of discovery, not just in her solving the case, but also learning how to use a mobile phone amongst other more modern inventions. Saga provides us with the medical knowledge, which as any mystery lover knows, is an integral part of the plot.

I love how the author uses footnotes throughout the story to provide information on historical discoveries, translations and mythological contexts as well. The recipes at the end are an amazing touch and I can’t wait to start casting my own spells!

The fantasy elements are really interesting and well-explained. The mystery itself evolved, and wrapped up incredibly well.

There are several Easter eggs for fans of a certain male detective and his partner, but I’ll leave that up for you to discover.

I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and cozy mystery books. I will absolutely be ordering copies of this book for me and my family/friends!

The first chapter really drew me in, but everything after that felt more like setup for a series. I enjoyed reading this, but I had a difficult time keeping the cast (aside from the two main characters) organized in mind. There are two main families woven together through a series of relationships, and I just could not keep them straight. Magic in this universe is interesting - I want to know more about it, fey society, Avery's background, and old friend group. If there are more books to continue the story, I will definitely read them.

This cozy dark fantasy was such a fun mix of magic, mystery, and murder! Kiri Callaghan’s writing feels warm and inviting, but don’t be fooled there’s plenty of danger lurking beneath the surface.

I loved the witchy vibes, the clever plot twists, and the way the story balanced lighthearted moments with darker themes.
Perfect for fans of magical mysteries with a bit of bite.

While I overall enjoyed this charming book with the unique addition of footnotes, I didn't care for the uneven pacing and felt like the mystery didn't get explored enough.

"You do not find yourself with magic. You become yourself, and the magic finds you."

Avery Hemlock was sentenced to a 500 year sleep as punishment by the Winter Council for treason. But she has been awaken only after 2oo years to help with an unusual death that effects the fey and the mundane world. She teams up with her neighbour Saga Trygge, who is nursing a broken heart. Avery now has to adjust to anew world, while helping Saga understanding the world around her, thats has been hidden even though she is a witch.

If Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson were reimagined as women, with a dash of fantasy and magic, this would be the result. I absolutely loved Avery and watching her navigate and adapt to the strange, enchanting new world she finds herself in. The hint of romance between Avery and Saga was intriguing, I only wish there had been more of it.

One of the standout features for me was the clever use of footnotes in nearly every chapter. They added a delightful layer of insight into Avery’s character, the rules of the fey world, and other quirky tidbits that enriched the reading experience.

Set in England, the story carries a moody, overcast atmosphere that makes it a perfect read for autumn. The murder mystery was compelling, and the unusual, imaginative deaths kept things fresh and interesting.

While I did feel the pacing lagged a bit in the middle, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this world and look forward to returning for more of Avery's adventures.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this title.

I requested this because it sounded like something I would like, but I actually hesitated to read it for a while. Now I wish I hadn’t. While there are a couple of things that didn’t suit my personal preference, overall, this is an enchanting read. I loved the dynamic between Saga and Avery; they make a great duo on a few levels. I also really liked the mystery and how it all unraveled, even if the book was a little slow at times where this is concerned. This is well-written, fun, and engaging, and I’m hoping there will be more installments. Recommend. I was provided a complinentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

"The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic and Murder" came into my life at exactly the right time.

I have just finished my read-through of all the Sherlock Holmes adventures, which meant I could really appreciate all the references that were woven into this adaptation. (This knowledge isn't a necessity. This story can be enjoyed without having read the classic first.)

I can't describe how much I adore Avery and Saga's dynamic, which is incredibly wholesome and fun to watch. Their communication was incredibly healthy, especially when their time struggles caused them to not immediately understand what the other person was talking about. This level of trust and respect was exactly what was needed to make them the well-working crime-solving duo they were.

The writing style was incredibly fun, and the footnotes taught me a lot of facts about both the fairy and the real world (did you know that a first version of the shower was first invented in 1767??? I certainly do now.)
The recipes in the back made this book all the more unique and really made me want to try my hand at making them myself.

All in all, this is the perfect cozy crime read for everyone who wants to immerse themselves in a universe both similar and fantastically different from ours. I can't wait for this book (and all of the following ones) to come out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.

🕯️ A changeling on probation. A witch recovering from heartbreak. A murder mystery laced with fae magic and second chances.

If you like your urban fantasy with snark, spellwork, and just a pinch of murder, The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic & Murder might be your next witchy read. 🧙‍♀️🕵️‍♀️✨

The setup? Avery Hemlock—sharp-tongued, centuries out of date, and fresh off a 500-year magical punishment—gets one shot at semi-freedom by solving a supernatural crime in modern-day London. Meanwhile, Saga Trygg is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after a very public heartbreak… and definitely wasn’t expecting her odd new neighbour to be part of the literal fae.

🔮 What I liked:
— The magic system blends classic witchcraft with Fey lore in a way that’s whimsical but grounded.
— The friendship dynamic between Avery and Saga is the highlight—unexpected, tender, and refreshingly platonic.
— Strong vibes: cosy candles, arcane libraries, and magical coffee? Yes, please.

🪄 What didn’t quite enchant me:
— The pacing was uneven—it starts with promise, but the middle loses a bit of narrative momentum.
— Some moments felt a little info-dumpy or bogged down in exposition.
— I wanted more from the mystery itself—it got overshadowed by the world-building at times.

Still, there’s something charming and atmospheric here, and I can totally see this becoming a comfort series for the right reader—especially those who love fae, found family, and a slow-burning story about belonging and redemption. 🧝‍♀️🖤🕯️

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Unfortunately I am DNFing this book at 50%. This book started strong but once it got into the murder mystery aspect it slowed down. While I enjoyed the characters, I didn’t care for any of the POV chapters for Saga and by the time I was 40% into this book I found myself not interested any more. While I think this book will appeal to many other readers it just didn’t work for me.

It’s a new hybrid mystery/fantasy series. The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic and Murder shows great promise: a unique pairing, magical intrigue, and cozy detective vibes. If you enjoy delving into paranormal mysteries with emotional depth, you will love this!

This book will be a 5 star read for many people. It's clever and witty and engrossing. I really like the main characters, especially Avery. It's a 4 star read for me as it's way more of a murder mystery than anything else. I expected a bit more romance and a bit more fantasy, but it's set almost entirely in our modern world, and you have to squint to see the romance. I wanted more relationship development rather than multiple murders but I would still recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a fantasy murder mystery.
Thanks to @netgalley and @poisonedpenpress for the ARC!

Synopsis: Imprisoned in a suspended restless sleep for five centuries as punishment for treason, changeling Avery Hemlock is shocked to be released only two centuries into her confinement. The conditions? Help the Winter Council investigate impossible crimes indicating the fae world is recklessly intertwining with the Mundane mortal realm. With 200 years of technological advancements to catch-up on, Avery leans on Saga Trygge - her gorgeous neighbour who's rewriting her life after a devastating breakup. As Avery and Saga are pulled into the centre of a twisting web of supernatural crimes, and learn to navigate a new world, they must seperate friend from foe before they become the next victims.

Review: From the first chapter I knew this would be a 5 star read. Strong characters, a rich world, and an interesting mystery too! I loved Avery and Saga and their growing partnership, and how Avery was interacting with and interpreting this new world was so believable. The magic system was really well researched, and I loved that the foods they ate in the story were provided as recipes. All the little footnotes providing definitions and context were fun too and provided a deeper insight into the story. This will be one of my favourite reads of 2025, and I hope the next book comes out soon!

With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 🌟

This would be the perfect fall read!

I am loving the influx of fall reads lately and was so bummed I was unable to save this ARC for this fall. It was so fun to "watch" Avery come back after being locked up for 200 years and try to figure out how the world works. I loved the relationship between Saga and Avery. This will be a top read this fall!

I loved this! I thought it moved fast and had really good worldbuilding! I think I preferred Avery's narrative voice a little bit more but this was a solid fun read.

This was a lovely cozy mystery-fantasy blend with a wonderfully atmospheric tone that made it feel like the perfect read for autumn. The writing has a moody, seasonal charm, and the added recipes gave it a warm, homey touch that balanced out the darker elements really well.

The folklore and witchcraft aspects felt thoughtfully researched and added a lot of depth and intrigue to the story. My only issue was with the protagonist’s love interest, she annoyed me.

Still, the plot was engaging, and I really enjoyed following each character’s journey. It’s a charming and immersive read overall.

Magic and murder, what more could you want?
I guess you could ask for a good plot, loveable characters and a damn good time reading. In which case, this book delivers all that and more.