The Good, the Bad, and the Wichy by Heather Blake (Berkley)

Darcy Merriweather is the witchy sleuth in this new witchcraft mystery. She's a newcomer to the town of—where else?—Salem, Massachusetts. Any wannabe witches will delight in this book that has all the 'm' ingredients for a good mystery, i.e. Magic, Murder, Mystery, Moonlight, Midnight, and Motives galore. There's magic everywhere in the Enchanted Village with unique shops like Lotions and Potions, Bewitching Boutique, the Black Thorn, The Trimmed Wick, and As You Wish. 

Darcy is a "wishcrafter," a witch who can grant wishes for others. She's new to the craft and is learning, not only about her own magic, but also about others' magical talents. Hariette Harkette, a magical florist, decides to throw herself an 80th birthday party and Darcy's role in that celebration puts her right in the middle of mystery and murder. Much of the plot revolves around the Black Witching Hour Rose, the first all-natural black rose.

 

The plot becomes more convoluted when Michael, the young cake delivery man, is found dead. He once worked for Hariette, and his extra-curricular activities throw suspicion on others. The many witches involved in the story require extraordinary effort for Darcy, since she's the one who found the victim. Because she found him, his ghost imprints himself on Darcy, and they are bonded until she finds his murderer. Michael was a witch with extraordinary powers of light. His talents in creating the black roses are mysterious and

unknown to most people.

 

There are, of course, colorful and quirky characters in this paranormal mystery and the many detours taken by each one take readers on an unusual ride, weaving a pretty good plot. Of course, some of the detours are dead ends. (Ahem! Pun intended!)

 

This is a good read. Murder and attempted murder are some of the main ingredients,

making it fun, interesting, and quirky. After all, who wouldn't like to be vicariously in Salem, Massachusetts?

 

—Dian Esterly

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher.