A Spell of Murder
Becca, newly single and unemployed, wants to believe she has psychic powers. With nothing but time and a desire for empowerment, she’s studying to become a witch. What she doesn’t know is that her three cats, Harriet, Laurel, and Clara, are the ones with the real power. When Harriet, a cream-colored longhair with more fur than common sense, conjures a pillow for her comfort, Becca believes her spells are working. Could that be why Trent, the coven’s devilishly handsome leader, has been showing her special attention? Or why Suzanne, a longtime coven member, draws her aside to share a secret, confidence that may lead to murder?
Series: Witch Cats of Cambridge – Book #1
Author: Clea Simon
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Paranormal/Witch
Publisher: Polis Books
Page Count: 320
Rating:
Clea Simon can write a good story; her books are normally interesting and well put together. Unfortunately, A Spell of Murder from Polis Books isn’t a winner. Although a unique idea, the book is told mainly from the perspective of three magical cats, it simply doesn’t give the reader enough insight into Becca’s life and who she is. The story is a bit confusing, the action is practically non-existent, and Becca is far too meek to be a good lead or a likable one. There are times throughout the story when the reader has the urge to grab Becca and shake some sense into her.
The cats have distinct characteristics, but only the youngest, Clara, is truly stimulating. The other two cats are self-centered and downright “bitchy.” They don’t care about their human and care even less about their younger sibling, who appears to be the only one of the three that worries about their owner and what will happen to the three of them if Becca is sent away. If they were human, they would be the mean girls from high school. This might be a good combination for the story in the long run but can make it difficult for the reader to enjoy their antics and get past this first story.
The actual murder is interesting but was also predictable. It was clear almost from the beginning who the killer would turn out to be. However, the motive is a bit underwhelming. It is hoped that the first book in a new series would be stronger and more memorable. Many readers may well toss this book never to pick it up again. Regrettably, I cannot recommend A Spell of Murder. Perhaps the series, if it continues, will evolve and grow and become more exciting and more worthy of its author.
Follow the Cozy Review on Bloglovin’
Contact The Cozy Review
Leave a Reply