by Dakota Cassidy
Series: Witchless In Seattle #5
Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Length: 4 hours and 47 minutes
Genres: Paranormal, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
It's Christmas, and I, ex-witch, Stevie Cartwright declare this my favorite time of year. I love the decorations! The food! The Hallmark Channel holiday specials! This year promises to be better than ever because for the first time in a very long time, I'm going to have more than just Cheez Whiz, Triscuits, and the wish to be surrounded by family and friends. My carefully planned holiday bonanza includes all the usual suspects. My bat familiar Belfry, my dog Whiskey, my ever-present ghostly spy friends-dashing Brit Winterbottom, stalwart Russian Arkady, and my parents. However, nothing comes easy for this amateur sleuth, not even a neighborhood decorating contest. You know, the one I've been painstakingly prepping for months? Something goes horribly awry with my Christmas display (think bikini-clad carolers, pink flamingos and real, live turkeys) to start. But the worst? The dead body of the famous Chef Pascal Le June in my nativity scene! It becomes clear someone's trying to ruin my Christmas, and that someone must pay. But when Belfry goes missing, and the danger takes on a paranormal edge, I find I have more to lose than ever before. . .
My wait for the audio release of HOW THE WITCH STOLE CHRISTMAS by Dakota Cassidy resulted in a Christmas in July review. This is the fifth novel in the Witchless in Seattle series a hilarious, paranormal cozy mystery narrated by Hollie Jackson. Wait until you see what new pet Stevie Cartwright invites into her home. Murder, a missing familiar and holiday shenanigans made this a hoot on audio.
So our ex-witch is all excited about the upcoming holiday. Stevie is taking part in the local Holiday Home Decorating contest, and she’s been cautious taking care to follow all of the rules. She even hired Chef Pascal Le June to make mouth watering pastries…only he ends up dead in her nativity scene. She comes home moments before the judges are scheduled to arrive, and her decorations have been replaced by half naked carolers, Mardi Grad revelers, a pooping Easter bunny and more. It was over the top hilarious. Of course, the judges are aghast, and Belfrey Stevie’s familiar is missing.
Her roommates the ghostly Brit, Winterbottom, Arkady a former Russian spy (now deceased), and her dog Whiskey set out to help her find Belfry. Along the way, they will try to discover what happened to the Chef and uncover who sabotaged her Christmas.
This series is a lot of fun with character development and growth as Stevie begins to get some of her powers back. Within the story is a clever murder mystery whodunit and a missing familiar. Stevie has become quite the armature sleuth and is learning to trust her instincts. Her friendship continues to strength with Winterbottom. I loved their back and forth banter and his protectiveness. There is almost an air of romance, but of course, he resides on a different plan. The motley crew Stevie has surrounded herself with make me smile.
The motley crew Stevie has surrounded herself with make me laugh. From cute names to advice they all care for Stevie but also add some humor and aid the investigation. The villain ties into the overall ARC, and I look forward to seeing it resolved. The current case was interesting with a few twists complicated by the paranormal factor. Stevie never has a dull moment, but she is growing on the town folks. I adore the name calling and snark between her and a certain local police officer.
Hollie Jackson continues to narrate the series, and aside from Belfrey’s voice, I think she is perfect for this series. Her Winterbottom and Arkady accents are fun, and she nails Stevie. Belfrey is a little high pitched, but the little guy was missing throughout most of the story, so we got a reprieve. He is, however, a cute little fellow.
Fans of light, humorous, paranormal cozy mysteries will enjoy HOW THE WITCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and the Witchless in Seattle series.
How the Witch Stole Christmas hilarious and suspenseful paranormal cozy mystery. #audio Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Darlene
This sounds like a cute series. I do love Christmas books!!
Anna
This is exactly what I need. Thanks so much.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Angie
Say it with me now…another author I’ve been meaning to try. LOL
Oh, this sounds like a wonderful, colorful cast of characters! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much.
Great review.
Geybie's Book Blog
Fantastic review, as always, Kim. Thanks for sharing. I miss paranormal reads. It’s been a while sin cr the last time I read one.
Carole
How is it that I have never heard of this series? It sounds like a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed it!
Angela Adams
I’m in the mood for a Christmas book. Thanks for the post.
Jenea
Awe, this sounds like such a fun read! I don’t think it is ever too early for anything Christmas too. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Ha! This one sounds fun and I love that it has a Christmas theme. I’ve read a couple of her books and she’s a hoot!
Barb (boxermommyreads)
I’m now convinced I need to start this series. Great review and it sounds like a blast!
sherry fundin
Great review and the series sounds like a lot of fun. Have to check, but I think I may have one or two of the series.
Crystal Book Snob
Awesome review. I had never heard of this series until now and since it sounds so funny, I just bought the first one on Audible! Can’t wait to get into the series.
Crystal Book Snob
Mary Kirkland
I read a couple of her books and enjoyed them. This sounds quite good.
Miranda
This book ( and entire series ) sounds absolutely hilarious and original! Your review has convinced me to read this!
Silvia
Sounds like a cute, fun read! It might still be a bit early for Christmas, but it’s never so for these kind of reads 😉
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kim this was the perfect post for the hottest week here in the midwest!! Great review and I’m so ready for a cool holiday read.
Sarah
This book sounds so cute. I am loving all the Christmas in July reviews I’m seeing in the blogosphere. Makes the summer heat a little bit easier to deal with! 🙂 Stevie Cartwright sounds like a fun main character. Might have to pick up the first book in the series and see how it goes 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
This sounds like a good mystery with humor and snark perfectly weaved throughout. I think a winter book in July is perfect. Let a book take your imagination to a cooler climate 🙂
Nadene
This sounds like a fun story. Witches and Christmas two of my favorite themes.
Melliane
oh witch and christmas, it looks like a lot of fun there! YOu made me curious!
blodeuedd
I have still have not tried her and I have meant to for aaaaages