Herbal apothecary worker and secret mermaid descendant Alex Daniels has to solve a puzzling serial killer cold case in this intriguing and magical cozy mystery instalment set in an endearing small coastal town during fall festivities.

It’s fall, and Aleksandra Daniels is settling into her new hometown of Bellamy Bay in North Carolina. She loves her job at her aunt’s herbal apothecary, and is enjoying getting to know her new boyfriend, local detective Jack Frazier. But she’s still trying to figure out her newly discovered magical powers, inherited from a mermaid ancestor.

Leaves are changing, pumpkins are being picked, and the small coastal town is caught up in the excitement of the approaching Oktoberfest and craft beer competition. But Alex’s good friend, local journalist Pepper, is more excited by the upcoming anniversary of a spooky cold case she’s helping her boss, Jonah, investigate. Back in the eighties, a serial killer nicknamed The Fisherman abducted ten local women. He was never caught, and the women never seen again.

Alex isn’t surprised when Pepper asks for her help, but she’s done solving mysteries. She’d much rather be strolling down main street with Jack, sharing a hot cup of apple cider, and that’s not going to happen if she keeps meddling in his investigations.

But when Jonah’s body is discovered on the beach, Alex is forced to reconsider. Soon, she’s caught up in a complex, troubling plot that places not just her own life, but the lives of everyone she loves, in terrible danger.

An intricately plotted, quirky and charming book that gives you an enticing genre-blend of cozy mystery, contemporary fantasy and a hint of sci-fi. Fans of Esme Addison’s An Intrigue of Witches as well as Iris Beaglehole, Amanda Flower and Ellery Adams shouldn’t miss this “enchanting read” (Kirkus Reviews).