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Total Eclipse of the Hex
Murder is on the menu in Cypress Grove... and the catch of the day is deadly.
When a celebrity chef dies after a dramatic event at the Crescent Moon Inn, innkeeper and part-time sleuth Amelia Matthews finds herself juggling magical mayhem, suspicious guests, and a daughter who’s suddenly back in town—and not happy about her mom’s witchy lifestyle.
What should have been a showcase of Cypress Grove's culinary scene descends into chaos during a violent summer storm, with tensions simmering among a wine bar owner with a grudge, an increasingly unhinged assistant, a suspiciously knowledgeable newcomer, and a city council member who won't stop singing � or drinking. All signs point to toxic pufferfish poisoning, but Amelia senses something far more sinister at a disturbing force that threatens not just her inn's reputation, but her daughter's safety.
With the power out, the storm raging, and the clues piling up, Amelia must uncover the truth before anyone else falls victim to the killer trapped under her roof. Can she solve the case while keeping both her magic and her family ties intact?
Total Eclipse of the Hex is a paranormal cozy mystery packed with charm, suspense, and a dash of magic! While it can be read as a standalone, the books in the Crescent Moon Mystery Series are best read in order.
When a celebrity chef dies after a dramatic event at the Crescent Moon Inn, innkeeper and part-time sleuth Amelia Matthews finds herself juggling magical mayhem, suspicious guests, and a daughter who’s suddenly back in town—and not happy about her mom’s witchy lifestyle.
What should have been a showcase of Cypress Grove's culinary scene descends into chaos during a violent summer storm, with tensions simmering among a wine bar owner with a grudge, an increasingly unhinged assistant, a suspiciously knowledgeable newcomer, and a city council member who won't stop singing � or drinking. All signs point to toxic pufferfish poisoning, but Amelia senses something far more sinister at a disturbing force that threatens not just her inn's reputation, but her daughter's safety.
With the power out, the storm raging, and the clues piling up, Amelia must uncover the truth before anyone else falls victim to the killer trapped under her roof. Can she solve the case while keeping both her magic and her family ties intact?
Total Eclipse of the Hex is a paranormal cozy mystery packed with charm, suspense, and a dash of magic! While it can be read as a standalone, the books in the Crescent Moon Mystery Series are best read in order.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
45 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lush
26books541followersTara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 13, 2025
I love the series so much. I’m always so sad when they end so quickly. Hot flashes and dead bodies. What more could you ask for?
April 1, 2025
"Total Eclipse of the Hex (Crescent Moon Mysteries #6)" by Tara Lush is a bit different from past books in this series. We don't have any of the usual characters that help Amelia out. Everyone is conveniently on vacation somewhere or tied up with other obligations. This one also gets solved pretty quickly as it follows the classic trapped at a dinner party murder mystery set up. There isn't any ghost action either, or is there? I have a theory that may end up being just that, my own theory.
Amelia's daughter has arrived early for her summer vacation with her mom. This works out because the Crescent Moon Inn is about to host the first in a series of pop up dinners around town. Amelia's daughter seems to be amazing at setting up dinner decor. However, they do have to navigate her daughter coming around to Amelia's new normal and abilities. The guest chef is not all he appears on his social media accounts and there is a literal and figurative storm brewing. One thing leads to another and someone is dead by dinner time.
Amelia's daughter has arrived early for her summer vacation with her mom. This works out because the Crescent Moon Inn is about to host the first in a series of pop up dinners around town. Amelia's daughter seems to be amazing at setting up dinner decor. However, they do have to navigate her daughter coming around to Amelia's new normal and abilities. The guest chef is not all he appears on his social media accounts and there is a literal and figurative storm brewing. One thing leads to another and someone is dead by dinner time.
April 11, 2025
“It's like Stars Hollow had a baby with Salem, Massachusetts, and then that baby moved to Florida and got really into crystals. And everyone wore flip-flops.� - Tara Lush, Total Eclipse of the Hex �
� Total Eclipse of the Hex by Tara Lush �
Freddie Purrcury is back in the 6th installment of the Crescent Moon Mystery series and it is absolutely meow-gical!! Amelia is living her best magical midlife when the Crescent Moon Inn is turned upside down! Magic, mayhem, murder and an unexpected guest send their cozy coven into chaos! Full of eccentric characters, hilarious moments, budding romance, the coziest town and the most adorable feline familiar - this may be my favorite installment yet!!
🔍 Mother Daughter Sleuthing
� Magical Midlife
📚 6th in the Series
🫖 Cozy Mystery
🐊 Florida
🐈 Freddie Purrcury
💖 Romance
👻 Paranormal Activity
🪦 Graveyard Recipes
The Crescent Moon Mystery series is one of my favorite magical cozy mystery series and I can’t wait to see what will happen in book 7!!
Ps how amazing does Cypress Grove sound?? Salem, MA + Stars Hollow?? Brb moving asap! 🧳
� Total Eclipse of the Hex by Tara Lush �
Freddie Purrcury is back in the 6th installment of the Crescent Moon Mystery series and it is absolutely meow-gical!! Amelia is living her best magical midlife when the Crescent Moon Inn is turned upside down! Magic, mayhem, murder and an unexpected guest send their cozy coven into chaos! Full of eccentric characters, hilarious moments, budding romance, the coziest town and the most adorable feline familiar - this may be my favorite installment yet!!
🔍 Mother Daughter Sleuthing
� Magical Midlife
📚 6th in the Series
🫖 Cozy Mystery
🐊 Florida
🐈 Freddie Purrcury
💖 Romance
👻 Paranormal Activity
🪦 Graveyard Recipes
The Crescent Moon Mystery series is one of my favorite magical cozy mystery series and I can’t wait to see what will happen in book 7!!
Ps how amazing does Cypress Grove sound?? Salem, MA + Stars Hollow?? Brb moving asap! 🧳
March 29, 2025
I loved getting to know Jenny! I am very interested to see more of her and find out where her story leads. This was a such a fun and different mystery format. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I just hate I read it so fast because now it’s over.
March 26, 2025
Total Eclipse of the Hex is Book 5 in the Crescent Moon mystery series by Tara Lush.
I absolutely LOVE this series and let me tell you about this book!
Amelia is shocked when her daughter Jenny arrives a month early and boy is she in for a shock with all the witchy going Ons.
Locked Room mystery during a storm that is keeping everyone inside, YES PLEASE!
Celebrity chef with so many secrets, one that got him killed.
Power goes out, poof!
I loved this mystery so much! Also, the mom daughter relationship is on point here and I absolutely LOVED it!!!!
If you're not reading this series, you're seriously missing out!!!
I absolutely LOVE this series and let me tell you about this book!
Amelia is shocked when her daughter Jenny arrives a month early and boy is she in for a shock with all the witchy going Ons.
Locked Room mystery during a storm that is keeping everyone inside, YES PLEASE!
Celebrity chef with so many secrets, one that got him killed.
Power goes out, poof!
I loved this mystery so much! Also, the mom daughter relationship is on point here and I absolutely LOVED it!!!!
If you're not reading this series, you're seriously missing out!!!
April 16, 2025
I received an ARC for free from the author. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it!
This is book six in the crescent moon series and it did not disappoint!
I loved that Amelia’s daughter was introduced and that she had a role in this story. The plot was great and had me guessing. I wonder how Jenny’s storyline will develop! Will she have some sort of power like her mom? I love the characters in this series and wish this town existed in real life LOL
I gave this one 5⭐️
This is book six in the crescent moon series and it did not disappoint!
I loved that Amelia’s daughter was introduced and that she had a role in this story. The plot was great and had me guessing. I wonder how Jenny’s storyline will develop! Will she have some sort of power like her mom? I love the characters in this series and wish this town existed in real life LOL
I gave this one 5⭐️
April 1, 2025
I am always intrigued by each book in the series. Amelia’s daughter, Jenny, is in town unexpectedly! I loved the mother and daughter team working together. This was a different setup as a lot of the characters are not present. There was still plenty of entertainment to go around! I do love a mystery where everyone is stuck together and on their own because things always get interesting. I am excited to see how things develop for Jenny.
Thank you to the author for my e-copy in exchange for a review.
Thank you to the author for my e-copy in exchange for a review.
March 25, 2025
Our favourite psychometric witch is back for a new adventure!! Amelia is hosting a dinner party at the Crescent Moon Inn, and a edgy, celebrity chef will be cooking the meal. However it soon turns into a murder mystery dinner party when the chef is killed and everyone is stuck inside the inn, while a typical Florida storm rages outside. It's up to Amelia, her daughter and a new friend to find the killer before they strike again.
The Crescent Moon Mysteries are one of my favourite series. They bring together my love of everything witchy with cozy mysteries, and every book is exceptional. If it's possible Total Eclipse of the Hex is even better than the previous stories. Imagine a murder mystery dinner party with magic? Doesn't that sound awesome?
The victim is a celebrity chef, who is famous for his Tik Tok's and throwing dough, among other things. Is that a thing? Honestly I'm too afraid of Tik Tok to go and check. Probably just like Amelia!! The mystery was great. It takes many twists and turns before the final denouement and I didn't solve it before Amelia.
This book brings Amelia's daughter, Jenny, to Cypress Grove, as she arrives early for a holiday. This creates a new dynamic and I love this storyline so much!!! Not just how Jenny reacts to finding out her mom is a witch, but everything after. I won't spoil it, but I loved it!!
If you're looking for a cozy mystery where women are ruling the world and kicking butt then you need to read this series. It's empowering and magical and everything that this Gen X reader loves.
The Crescent Moon Mysteries are one of my favourite series. They bring together my love of everything witchy with cozy mysteries, and every book is exceptional. If it's possible Total Eclipse of the Hex is even better than the previous stories. Imagine a murder mystery dinner party with magic? Doesn't that sound awesome?
The victim is a celebrity chef, who is famous for his Tik Tok's and throwing dough, among other things. Is that a thing? Honestly I'm too afraid of Tik Tok to go and check. Probably just like Amelia!! The mystery was great. It takes many twists and turns before the final denouement and I didn't solve it before Amelia.
This book brings Amelia's daughter, Jenny, to Cypress Grove, as she arrives early for a holiday. This creates a new dynamic and I love this storyline so much!!! Not just how Jenny reacts to finding out her mom is a witch, but everything after. I won't spoil it, but I loved it!!
If you're looking for a cozy mystery where women are ruling the world and kicking butt then you need to read this series. It's empowering and magical and everything that this Gen X reader loves.
April 2, 2025
This is only my second read in this series, and I'm already starting to feel right at home in eclectic Cypress Grove. I'm a sucker for paranormal mysteries, and I really enjoyed this one. Amelia is a witch, innkeeper, and amateur sleuth in a town where magic abounds. She must investigate the mysterious death of a celebrity chef under the watchful eye of her visiting daughter, who isn't very happy about her mom's witchy lifestyle.
The characters are quirky and interesting. I love that Amelia is a proud Gex-Xer. The dynamic between her and her daughter Jenny added depth to the story, especially as Jenny visit was unexpected and she isn't fully on board with her mom's newly discovered powers and lifestyle.
The mystery has a locked-room element, as a storm traps everyone inside for an extended period, including when the crime occurs. The plot was intriguing, cleverly crafted, and balanced by humor and paranormal elements. Its fast-paced and fun, making if a great escapist read. Cannot wait for the next one!
The characters are quirky and interesting. I love that Amelia is a proud Gex-Xer. The dynamic between her and her daughter Jenny added depth to the story, especially as Jenny visit was unexpected and she isn't fully on board with her mom's newly discovered powers and lifestyle.
The mystery has a locked-room element, as a storm traps everyone inside for an extended period, including when the crime occurs. The plot was intriguing, cleverly crafted, and balanced by humor and paranormal elements. Its fast-paced and fun, making if a great escapist read. Cannot wait for the next one!
March 30, 2025
Total Eclipse of the Hex is another great addition to the Crescent Moon Mysteries by Tara Lush. Once again, Ameila Matthews, innkeeper, new witch, and amateur sleuth, has a dead body on her hands, but this time it’s in her kitchen!
Unlike the other books in the series, Ameila must rely on herself and her magic to solve the crime and keep her guests and her daughter Jenny safe while trapped in the inn during a fierce summer storm.
I loved meeting Jenny and hope to get to know her better in future books. The mother-daughter relationship was well-written and believable.
As always, there’s just enough hijinks, mixed with thoughtful observations about learning to believe in yourself and your own magic.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unlike the other books in the series, Ameila must rely on herself and her magic to solve the crime and keep her guests and her daughter Jenny safe while trapped in the inn during a fierce summer storm.
I loved meeting Jenny and hope to get to know her better in future books. The mother-daughter relationship was well-written and believable.
As always, there’s just enough hijinks, mixed with thoughtful observations about learning to believe in yourself and your own magic.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 1, 2025
Total Eclipse of the Hex
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
� When a celebrity chef dies after a dramatic event at the Crescent Moon Inn, innkeeper and part-time sleuth Amelia Matthews finds herself juggling magical mayhem, suspicious guests, and a daughter who’s suddenly back in town—and not happy about her mom’s witchy lifestyle.�
Of course Tara Lush hits a home run again with this addition to the series! I just love this series! The characters are people I want to get to know and be friends with. I love the addition of characters in this book and whole mystery was a good one. I like the modern elements that were brought in. I just really enjoyed and would recommend all the books in this series! I can’t wait to see what happens to Amelia next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
� When a celebrity chef dies after a dramatic event at the Crescent Moon Inn, innkeeper and part-time sleuth Amelia Matthews finds herself juggling magical mayhem, suspicious guests, and a daughter who’s suddenly back in town—and not happy about her mom’s witchy lifestyle.�
Of course Tara Lush hits a home run again with this addition to the series! I just love this series! The characters are people I want to get to know and be friends with. I love the addition of characters in this book and whole mystery was a good one. I like the modern elements that were brought in. I just really enjoyed and would recommend all the books in this series! I can’t wait to see what happens to Amelia next!
April 6, 2025
I'm loving this series, and I've been excited to read this book since the last one's cliffhanger! When I first started reading, I became worried when I realized that all the usual side characters were off on holiday, and those that were still in town - Oliver, for example - weren't "invited to the party," BUT - yes, of course there's a but - BUT this was an excellent addition to the series. I loved reading about Amelia's daughter, Jenny, and Amelia's new friend, Clara. It was just so... warm and cozy.
I'm really excited to see where things lead with Jenny's mystery, as well as with Amelia and Oliver's love story. And I'm looking forward to, hopefully, "seeing" some of Cypress Grove's usual side characters again in the next book.
I'm really excited to see where things lead with Jenny's mystery, as well as with Amelia and Oliver's love story. And I'm looking forward to, hopefully, "seeing" some of Cypress Grove's usual side characters again in the next book.
April 20, 2025
Just when I thought I couldn’t love the Crescent Moon Mysteries any more another book comes out and I fall deeper in love� I was so excited to see how the cliffhanger from the last book would work out for Amelia. The mother-daughter relationship was perfect. I could see myself in Amelia’s conflicting desires to embrace her new life while still being the mother her daughter expects. Oh, and the mystery, of course perfectly choreographed twists and turns, like I can always expect from Tara Lush. My favorite aspect of this series is the strong female friendships and vulnerability each character brings to their relationships. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if there was a real Cypress Grove with these characters as my neighbors, I’d move there in a heartbeat!
April 22, 2025
Total Eclipse of The Hex by Tara Lush was an intriguing cozy mystery. This book in the Crescent Moon Mystery series has the death occur almost halfway through the story, but still involved Amelia's psychometry skills and introduced a few new characters. We finally get to meet Amelia's daughter and I enjoyed every minute of their mother/daughter relationship. The strong female friendships aspect from the previous books was still present, even without our usual friend group. The who behind the murder kept me curious as Amelia worked to solve the case. Overall, I really enjoyed this Crescent Moon Mystery!
April 16, 2025
What magical fun!
I loved the locked room feel of this mystery. It made it kind of fun and spooky. The inclusion of a psychic magical element added an extra layer of intrigue. Having Amelia’s daughter show up and having her own mysterious problems were great within the overall story. It showed a different side to her personality. I’m also interested in finding out what path the story is going to take with her daughter.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
I loved the locked room feel of this mystery. It made it kind of fun and spooky. The inclusion of a psychic magical element added an extra layer of intrigue. Having Amelia’s daughter show up and having her own mysterious problems were great within the overall story. It showed a different side to her personality. I’m also interested in finding out what path the story is going to take with her daughter.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
April 10, 2025
My favorite book of the series so far! I loved getting to know Jenny and the new backstory adds so much to the series. Lots of LOL moments along with a fun mystery to solve. I enjoyed the time frame of the murder (I don't want to give away any spoilers---you'll have to read it to see what I mean!) Looking forward to the next installment.
April 5, 2025
Worth the wait
Amelia's daughter coming early during a town festival starts this book off and it just keeps getting better.
New characters in this book make solving crime more difficult since we know nothing about them.
No spoilers here but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Amelia's daughter coming early during a town festival starts this book off and it just keeps getting better.
New characters in this book make solving crime more difficult since we know nothing about them.
No spoilers here but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 14, 2025
Really great book.
I have read all of the Crescent Moon mystery books and I think this is my favorite! Keep up the good work Ms Lush! This book has murder, mayhem, laughter, witches and psychics! So much fun! Can’t wait until the next book.
I have read all of the Crescent Moon mystery books and I think this is my favorite! Keep up the good work Ms Lush! This book has murder, mayhem, laughter, witches and psychics! So much fun! Can’t wait until the next book.
April 2, 2025
This was AWESOME! I LOVE this series! Already excited for the next one!
April 6, 2025
I adore the Crescent Moon Mystery series. And this one, is the best one yet!
April 12, 2025
✅My thoughts:
A murder mystery dinner party with a touch of magic? And, a major storm coming that’s knocking out the power?
Total Eclipse of the Hex is a paranormal murder mystery with fun, quirky elements. With suspenseful moments, you get an engaging, can’t put down read. And,�.I can’t forget to mention a cozy dose of magic.
I loved getting to know Amelia’s daughter, Jenny.
Though part of a series, each book could be read as a standalone. But, I highly recommend reading the books in order as there is much backstory to all the characters.
I thoroughly enjoy reading the Crescent Moon series.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
A murder mystery dinner party with a touch of magic? And, a major storm coming that’s knocking out the power?
Total Eclipse of the Hex is a paranormal murder mystery with fun, quirky elements. With suspenseful moments, you get an engaging, can’t put down read. And,�.I can’t forget to mention a cozy dose of magic.
I loved getting to know Amelia’s daughter, Jenny.
Though part of a series, each book could be read as a standalone. But, I highly recommend reading the books in order as there is much backstory to all the characters.
I thoroughly enjoy reading the Crescent Moon series.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The mother-daughter relationship between Amelia and Jenny was endearing and I loved the friendship that developed. Amelia’s world is growing. Enjoyable who-done-it storyline. Great pacing, hard to walk away from. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
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