That Olde White Magick

Kailyn Wilde enjoys running her shop, Abracadabra, in the quaint New York hamlet of New Camel, where she lives with her six cats. Her family’s been here for centuries, and she’d like to keep up the tradition. The town may never be the same if a big hotel gets built. Kailyn does her civic duty and attends a town meeting along with her Aunt Tilly, and Merlin. Yes, that Merlin—though he gets introduced to folks as her “distant English cousin.” The wizard is pretty grumpy about being transported here, but there are things about the modern world he doesn’t mind—like pizza.

Kailyn was prepared for a heated debate about the hotel, but she wasn’t expecting murder. When Tilly finds the body of a board member outside the schoolhouse, Kailyn doesn’t want any suspicion cast on the wrong person. She plans to crack this case even if she has to talk to every living soul in town—plus a few departed ones.

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Series: An Abracadabra Mystery – Book #2
Author: Sharon Pape
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Witch
Publisher: Lyrical Underground

Rating:

That Olde White Magick, book two in the “An Abracadabra Mystery” series is a wonderful addition. The storyline is creative and entertaining. The characters are lively and fun to get to know. Ms. Pape’s writing is fluid, her charters are easily relatable, and the plot is smooth without any extra detail that is not needed.

The character of Kailyn is fascinating. She is a witch but prefers to be called a sorcerer. She takes most things in stride, except when it comes to anyone harming her animals or her family, including Merlin. Her store is a magic shop, and she doesn’t hesitate to let people know her magick is real when asked. She tries to remain calm, even under trying circumstance. Like when she has to give her boyfriend, Travis time to adjust to her being a witch. Or even when her mother and grandmother appear as clouds even though they are dead. Kailyn would be the perfect friend or relative, and readers are sure to love her ability to find out the truth and to risk everything for those she cares about.

Kailyn’s aunt Tillie is more motherly than an aunt. She takes care of Merlin and runs a tea time and cake shop connected to Kailyn’s magick shop. Tillie will remind readers of their favorite grandmother or aunt, the one that is frail physically yet strong emotionally and mentally. She is not the person a bad guy wants to tangle with. Other characters in this book are funny, loving, and even a bit odd, but they are all interesting and blend well with the main character and storyline.

The setting of New Camel is a mix of old and new, close to major cities without losing its identity. The tourist trade keeps the town going and helps keep it from becoming just another victim of industry and urban clog.

Reading this book will give the reader a sense of belonging, community, and friendship. That Olde White Magick is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit mixed with magick, ghosts, murders, and family. If the reader enjoys writers such as Madelyn Alt, or Bailey Cates, they will love this writer and series.