By Familiar Means by Delia James

By Familiar Means (Witch's Cat Mystery, #2)

by Delia James

After discovering her mystical heritage-and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair-artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.

After discovering her mystical heritage-and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair-artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.

But being a witch doesn't magically put money in the bank. When she's hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.

Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers' tunnels beneath the shop-and a dead body-Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer . . .

Reviewed by Silvara on

4 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Ghosts, magic, cats who can disappear and reappear at will, a killer, a mystery, and just a tiny touch of romance. This second book is just as engrossing as the first book. From the first pages it sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down until I had finished.

I really liked Grandma B.B. I hope we get to see more of her in the series. She was fun, and had no problems using her magic to find out what secrets people were hiding. Alistair is still one of my favorite characters. Always in the right place at the right time, and his appearances with Miss Boots were cute too. I want to know what happened when Annabelle gave Alistair catnip. From the passing mention, it sounds like it was hilarious!

I liked how Annabelle found the secret tunnel, and the ghostly interactions were done well without it being over the top. I also liked how the answer to where the other end of the tunnel was found. I had no idea who the killer was until towards the end of the book. And even then, I wasn't entirely sure as it could have been a few different people.

I like how each witch in the coven has a different specialty. And am curious to see if Val's baby inherits any magic, though of course it's way too early to know that! I'm also curious about why only Annabelle and Julia have familiars.

If you're looking for a good paranormal cozy, you need to try this series!

This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 September, 2016: Finished reading
  • 10 September, 2016: Reviewed