I love cozy mysteries, especially ones with witches in the starring roles. Or, in this case, an ex-witch. No matter! The story is at times hilarious, other times very smart, and always engrossing.

One of the things I love about the author’s series is that while the series itself has an overall story arc, each book also has its own complete arc. Witch Slapped sets the stage for the whole Witchless in Seattle series by introducing that overall arc. And its own mystery is as twisty and turny as one could want in a great whodunit.

The characters are fantastic. The FMC, Stevie Cartwright, is strong and capable, maintaining her sense of fun and humor even as she’s embroiled in a obstacle-ridden time in her life. She’s imperfect and flawed and utterly real. And Belfrey… I love him. He’s a cotton ball bat and Stevie’s familiar and best friend. Even though she’s lost her witchy abilities, Bel is loyal and refuses to leave her side. He’s smart and the perfect companion for Stevie. I also adore Win, the ex-British spy who recently died but whom, inexplicably, can still hear. The author has also created supporting characters who are just as developed and interesting.

Note: This is not really a romance, although there are shades of it. But romance is definitely not the focus of this series. It truly is a mystery at its heart.

Berls

Written on Jan 3, 2017

3.5 stars
Witch Slapped was a fun cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the characters - especially the bat familiar Belfry. He was a great companion and the voice for him was adorable. The main character has a lot of great qualities - I like that she's struggling without her powers (and the reason she lost them makes her very likeable), I like that she has curves (her being not so thin and fit comes to play) and I like the empathy she shares with people. The mystery kept me on my toes, which is always fun. I just wish the story & side characters were a little more fully developed. There was a potential love interest and some people around town and I never felt like I got to know them at all. But there's more to the series so I look forward to getting to know them. I really enjoyed the narration and would give it an A.

EBookObsessed

Written on Aug 10, 2016

Since it is a quick read with a bit of mystery, I don’t want to give too much information. If you a looking for a compelling mystery or a dark dangerous Urban Fantasy, this is not the book you are looking for. Witch Slapped would in league with books by Molly Harper and Kerrelyn Sparks. This is a lighthearted paranormal series, and not even so heavy on the paranormal. The only paranormal we have is a powerless witch and the voice of a ghost.

It is sort of a blend of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and Scarecrow and Mrs. King (and if you don’t know what I am talking about, we can’t be friends). We have a spy ghost teaching Stevie the ropes on how to be a spy and the delightfully sweet Stevie who is trying real hard to sleuth but usually ends up in trouble or being accused of the murder herself.

On the dearly departed’s recommendations, Crispin Alistair Winterbottom (also affectionately called “Winter-butt”) has turned to Stevie with help investigating a murder. He has also managed to leave her all his worldly possessions including a dilapidated old Victorian and all his money, as long as she agrees to fix up the house to his specifications. Listening to Stevie try to agree on color schemes and furniture arrangement with the recently deceased is funny.

The fourth book in the series has just been released and I am up to the third audiobook. I am compelled to continue because I am having fun with it and I am also getting a little ghost boyfriend vibe. In this first book, ghost Win declares that he thinks he knows of a way back out of the ghostly waiting room and I am intrigued to see if he pulls it off, if we do get a romance between Stevie and Win and if he can, how will that change the series?

I’m hooked on this silly series. The mysteries aren’t that intriguing but I really like Stevie, Win and little Belfry. The narrator is doing a great job bringing the story to life. While I received a review copy of Witch Slapped, I couldn’t wait and picked up and finished the second audiobook. The third audiobook just came out yesterday and I had it pre-order so I started it last night. We will see if I can wait for the fourth to come out or if I give in and make time to read it.

See more at EBookObsessed.com

kimbacaffeinate

Written on Jul 7, 2016

Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy is the first novel in the Witchless in Seattle series. Narrated by Hollie Jackson this story provided laughter, and an interesting murder mystery. It was the perfect start to a fun new paranormal cozy mystery series!

We meet Stevie Cartwright a witchless witch who lost her powers, thanks to a warlock. Unemployed with little prospect things take a turn for the worst when her familiar Belfry leads her to Madam Zoltar’s shop. Here she finds the dead body of Madam Zoltar, and a spirit by the name of Crispin Winterbottom. She soon finds herself suspect numero uno, She will need to solve the mystery to clear her name. Welcome home Stevie!

Brilliant, well-paced, and absolutely hilarious Dakota Cassidy entertained me from start to finish. The tale is cute but filled with snark, humorous situations, delightful characters and a well-developed murder mystery.

Banter between the Winterbottom and Stevie had me laughing aloud and left me eager for the next installment. Belfry is the BEST FAMILIAR EVER! The synopsis does not mention what Belfry is and I will not either. I will tell you it is not a cat and Stevie carries Belfry around in her purse.

Hollie Jackson perfectly captured Stevie. I loved her voices for Winterbottom and Belfry. She added just the extra touch to this already fun cozy.

Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer