Title: Charmed to Death

Author: Shirley Damsgaard

Year Published: 2006

Why did you buy this book?

I loved the first book by Ms. Damsgaard, “Witch Way to Murder”, so when I finished it I immediately went out and got this book.

Do you like the cover?

Yes, it’s intriguing and eye catching. After reading the story, the cover really fits the storyline.

Did you enjoy the book?

I loved the story. In the last story Ophelia was starting to get past her resentment of not being able to use her gift to save her friend Brian from being killed by a madman five years earlier. Now she’s pulling herself out of her protective shell and spreading her wings. Not only is she opening herself up to new friendships but she’s also accepted her gift and her heritage. With the help of her grandmother Abby (a practicing witch with gifts of her own), she is learning more about her gifts and about being a witch.

Unfortunately the past is not yet settled. When Abby tells Ophelia she must deal with the death of her best friend Brian, Ophelia resists at first. She didn’t want to have to face detective Comancho, who thought she was guilty of murder or at least hiding something about the murder. After loosing another friend in the same fashion as before Ophelia realizes she will not only have to face the past but the detective that has even more questions about how she seems to find dead bodies and knows too much about the crimes.

This was another quick read because I became so engrossed in the story I found it hard to put down. Ophelia’s growth not only in her magick but in her inner strength helps make this story a wonderful read. It’s filled with deep emotions as well, you feel the love she has for her grandmother Abby and for her mother as well. And once again Darci is ever helpful not only with her deep well of knowledge but also with her friendship for Ophelia (whether Ophelia wants it or not). You see the subtle changes and growth in their friendship as well. This story was filled with lots of mysteries and mishaps as well but in the end everything is revealed. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?

I read the first book in this series “Witch Way to Murder” and loved it. I knew I had to have this book because I enjoyed the first one so much. After reading this book, the author has become an auto-buy for me and I’m looking forward to her next book “Trouble with Witches”, due at the end of this month (August 29).

Are you keeping this book or passing it on?

This is a keeper and the author is now an auto-buy as well. I know I’ll enjoy re-reading this story snuggled up on a chilly winters’ night…or on a hot summers’ day…*G*

Anything else?

I’ve really enjoyed the cozy mysteries and I especially like the paranormal twist I have found in several I have recently read as well as several more I have in my ever growing “To Be Read” pile. I think this is a new favorite genre of mine and I look forward to finding more paranormal cozy mysteries…please post any suggestion you have on authors of this genre.