A Charmed Death (Bewitching Mysteries, No. 2)
by Madelyn Alt
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Book Reviews of A Charmed Death (Bewitching Mysteries, No. 2)
Book Review: I just couldn't get into this series...
Summary: 2 Stars
I picked this book up between flights at an airport bookstore last January. I love witches, ghosts, murder mysteries and the like, so I thought this book would be a great read. After a few chapters on the airplane, I put the book down and opted to stare off into space. I couldn't stand the lead charater and I felt like many of the characters were sterotypical and predictable (ie, the angry, tormented goth girl, the hot hunk, the religious, meddling mother). I also found it odd that a store run by a group of witches would somehow fly under the radar of the townsfolk, even when the group NIGHTS is out hunting ghosts and performing spells.
When I came home, I gave myself a few weeks and tried to pick up reading the book again. After another few chapters, I just donated it to the library because I couldn't even get through it.
Don't waste your $$ on this one, go grab one of the donated copies at the library if you insist on trying to read it.
Book Review: Charming and Magical Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a fun story with just the right touch of magic. As this second book progresses, so does the character development in this series.
Murder, ghosts, a reluctant attraction to an unsuitable man, and dating someone who doesn't believe in her growing abilities are just some of the items Maggie has to deal with as she struggles to come to terms with her new abilities. I like the romantic tension and the story kept me interested all the way to the end.
I highly recommend Madelyn Alt's books to anyone looking for a fun, cozy-style mystery with great characters. I work in a bookstore and read 20+ books per week and Madelyn's books are definitely keepers.
I've loved all three books so far and I'm looking forward to many more.
If you've enjoyed Shirley Damsgaard, Victoria Laurie, or Yasmine Galenorn, be sure to try Madelyn Alt, you won't regret it.
Book Review: Not quite as charming
Summary: 3 Stars
A Charmed Death, the second bewitching mystery in the series, finds Maggie settling into the new life that fate has thrown her way. As a character, she has grown in terms of confidence and comfort, and her narrative reflects the positive changes in her life. When tragedy once again strikes her small town Maggie keeps her wits about her, and is ready to help in any way she's asked.
I was not as enthralled with A Charmed Death as I was the previous novel, and I found myself constantly bothered by Alt's use of dialects. The teenagers are wooden and forced, Felicity sounds a bit ridiculous, and the Amish member of N.I.G.H.T.S. had me rolling my eyes. I enjoyed the development of Maggie's character (and Marcus' character) much more than the two-dimensional "sidekicks" of the novel, and I'm hoping the third in the series will continue to flesh out the characters that really "matter."
Book Review: Enough
Summary: 3 Stars
Maybe I should finish the book before I comment, but I can't. I'm sick of it. I found myself skipping passages just to get to the end. I may pick it up later but for now I've had enough of this YOUNG woman. The voice is just too young for a 30 year old. It's not so much how she relates to her mother, it's everything. Her thoughts and feelings, especially about men. One useless scene at the doctor's office??? What was that for? Some wasted dialogue and really youthful approaches to things not worthy of a 30 year-old, as I recall being 30. Teens might find this book appealing. Check out the Psychic Eye mysteries. A Vision of Murder (Psychic Eye Mysteries, Book 3)A cut above this. Also look at mysteries by Shirley Damsgaard. Witch themed, cozy, but more mature.Book Review: Great 2nd Volume -- More Please!
Summary: 4 Stars
Like many of the reviewers, I think this novel is stronger than the first in the series. Maggie's path towards finding a belief system she can embrace is very well written, and likely something many of us can relate to.
Calling this a "cozy" though seems a bit of a dismissal. Don't get me wrong, cozies are wonderful, and I love reading them. But there's some meat to Ms. Alt's writing, with little of the cute touches of a cozy -- clothing descriptions, full meal menus, well-decorated living spaces, etc.
One tiny quibble, though, is that I thought the end was a bit rushed. Maybe in the next volume we'll read how the rest of the N.I.G.H.T.S. reacted to Maggie's summoning, see more of Liss, and learn more about Marcus' cousin. Otherwise, it was really really enjoyable!