Witchcraft Mystery, No 1
Heather Blake
Obsidian
Jan 2012/ ISBN 978-0-451-23552-7
Mystery/Paranormal
Amazon
Reviewed
by Laura Hinds
The Enchanted
Village in Salem, Massachusetts attracts tourists from near and
far. What most people don't realize, however, is that there are
real witches and actual magic afoot there. Sisters Darcy and Harper
Merriweather are 'Wishcrafters,' with a mandate to grant the wishes
of those who are pure of heart when they make a wish.
Darcy and Harper
have just recently moved to Salem from Ohio, following the death
of their father. They knew nothing of their craft before and their
Aunt Ve is now educating them. While learning, they also work for
Ve's temporal business, 'As You Wish.' A town meeting is held, with
the purpose of discussing a crime wave: Pick-pocketing that threatens
to ruin the tourist industry unless the thief is found quickly.
Yet the petty
theft is minor compared to what happens next. A young woman who
is about to announce that she has proof that she, too, is a crafter
is murdered. Aunt Ve's companion, Sylar Dewitt, chairman of the
village council, is the number one suspect, but the evidence is
circumstantial. Ve is despondent, and as Darcy sets out to expose
the true culprit, she finds there are more suspects, motives, and
clues then she anticipated. Just who did kill Alexandra Shively,
and why?
Author Heather Blake, (aka Heather Webber) shares
her incredibly rich imagination with readers in this first in a
new series. From a talking mouse, who is a familiar (an animal inhabited
by a spiritual being devoted to a witch or crafter), to Darcy dressing
as the tooth fairy (tiara and all), 'It Takes a Witch' is a delightful
read. The small size of the Enchanted Village allows space for the
reader to get to know several characters quite well. The main characters
are smart and fun. The secondary cast is unique and special, and
I found it interesting to try to ascertain who was a crafter and
who was a mere mortal. I loved the animals, including Missy, a dog
Harper rescued from a puppy mill and a cat named Tilda, who is Aunt
Ve's beloved pet. Darcy tries to discover if either of them are
familiars. She and Harper both begin talking to insects to see if
they answer as well! Archie, the macaw who lives next door to Aunt
Ve is most certainly a familiar·but to whom? Perhaps the
village·s secret Elder?
I live quite near Salem, Massachusetts, and must
say that this book made me wish for a real-life Enchanted Village
that I could visit. Blake has done a wonderful job creating a magical
setting that will spark the imagination of readers of all ages.
The mystery is solidly crafted, the whodunit well concealed until
the end, and she's added a touch of romance, a dash of humor, and
a healthy dose of magic as well. I recommend the book to readers
who enjoy cozy mysteries, and those who enjoy a glimpse into the
paranormal as well. Appropriate for teens and adults. Bravo, Heather
Blake, for a book well written!
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