A Botanist Witch, a Drag Queen Ghost and a Deadly Coven
Ivy is the town's botanist and she can cure what ails you with a touch of magic. Her family lives near the lighthouse, which her uncle operates. Her cousin Blanche helps her at the botany store and a flaming drag queen ghost interrupts her on a daily basis. Moira, the ghost, was Marvin in real life. After death she barged out of the closet with a martini in one hand and a long sleek cigarette holder in the other.
When Ivy's regular customer ends up missing, she becomes entangled with a private investigator who is also searching for her. Everette has hot cars and a tight ass as Moira describes it. But Ivy's not that easily swayed by good looks and his weird charm.
Can they discover what has happened to the woman or will they be next on the missing list?
***Find out in the first book in the Ivy Botany Shop Cozy Witch Mystery Series***
Constance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
I truly enjoyed this book and all its characters. Moira was a real kick in the pants. She was so funny. Ivy and Everett were great as main characters in the book. The plot was great. I was stuck on my loveseat Constance, for over an hour as the plot thickened. I just could not tear myself away. I'm on to book 2. Good as time as any, because outdoors is freezing rain, so its going to be me , my dog Gizmo and a hot cup of tea. Thank you!!!😄 Happy New Year!
This book just rubbed me in all the wrong ways, unfortunately. I normally love paranormal cozy Mysteries, but this one set my teeth on edge just about as soon as I started it. I just did not like the cousin at all, and the banter that the book opens with fell completely flat. It seemed forced, unnatural, and awkward. The novella is too short to be a proper mystery. I don't think the novella form works for mysteries because more time is needed for blind alleys and red herrings that there just isn't the time for in that abbreviated form. I also felt the book started off slowly, which I have sometimes found to be a problem in a new cozy mystery series. I also didn't think the book had a good balance between the quirkiness factor (the “cozy�) and the mystery. The tilt was strongly toward quirky, which mires down the story, slowing the pace. To be an effective mystery, a cozy needs to be a balance between the two key elements. I thought it might be fun to have a drag queen ghost, but she seemed more of a two-dimensional stereotype with the “trappings� than a truly unique, funny, or interesting character. All in all, I found this book to be a disappointment on several fronts.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Constance Barker has a knack for her engaging characters and plots. This one is really no difference, it has a familiar appeal, It was a little slow to start but once the characters came forward and began to "speak" it got better. Ivy owns a plant shop and is a witch in touch with the earth and can speak and listen to her plants, meaning they can tell her what they need to flourish. She also uses the plant to make herbal "remedies" we know they are magic, her clients think the same but are unaware that a bona fide witch is making them they just know they work! When one of her long time clients Abigail goes missing and does not pick up her migraine potion as she has done every week for years, Abigail grows concerned, even more so when a PI comes into the shop asking if she has seen Abigail. Ivy inserts herself into the investigation, even using magic with her cousin Blanche (who's magic is centred around colour) to help make a difficult potion to trace Abigail, the results of this mean Ivy has no option BUT to work with Everett, he thinks as a concerned friend we know better!
As ever with Constance Barker her characters are well polished and the plot well worked out with the usual red herrings and magic involved, the conclusion is not what I expected, which is good it means it was not predictable.
I will say though that I did not like the character of Moira the transexual ghost I felt that there was no requirement for the transexual point nor her comments on the male characters.. I do not think there was a male character she did not make some kind of overly charged statement about. This viewpoint did not add to the story, though her nature as a ghost was required so she is an essential character I just do not like the way she speaks about the men in the book. (If she has been a male ghost and made the same statements about female characters then I think he author would have changed her mind fast)
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would going off the description.
The characters are likable. I especially enjoyed the drag queen ghost, Marvin/Moria. I'd like to know more about the cousin, Blanche. She seems interesting as does the landscaper, Julio. We never got a real feel for the relatives but that's because there is so much packed into this book. I suspect they will be further developed as the series continues.
My one tiny quibble is that Ivy's magic seems rather useless for somebody who is going to be sticking her nose into mysteries. Why even bother giving her any?
The mystery was good. I liked that it had a bit of Ripley's Believe it or Not mixed with anthropology in it. It was a different spin on this format and welcomed change.
The potential love interest, Everette, is intriguing. He's not a looker but he's got that bad/tough guy thing going on. That makes him very appealing in these types of books. The author needs to be careful though that this doesn't tip over into arrogant and boorish. There is a fine line there that is easy to cross.
Since this romance doesn't even come close to heating up for the next several books, I'll probably hold off on reading the next one till I've run out of other books to read. I like a little sprinkling of romance and magic in my cozy mysteries and without that then the book doesn't interest me as much.
Ivy is the town's botanist and her mixtures can cure anything, especially with a little touch of magic added. The rest of her family lives by the lighthouse operated by her Uncle. Cousin Blanche helps out at the botany store. She also has a flaming drag queen ghost there who disrupts her life daily. The ghost, Moira, was known as Marvin in real life, but when she died, her new image was the flamboyant Moira with a martini in one hand and a long sleek cigarette holder in the other.
Abigail Weatherby, a regular customer at Ivy’s shop, didn’t show up for her herbal, homeopathic migraine remedy and Ivy was worried about her. Then a private investigator, Everett Klein, comes around to ask about her. He had been hired by the family when Abigail failed to show for her beloved grandmother’s birthday party. Ivy eventually asks if she can join him in the search for Abigail and he finally relents. Will they be able to find her? Will their search put them in danger?
The fun in this story is the interaction of the characters, crazy ghost included! Ivy talks to her plants and even to her grimoire. It was a nice start to a new series that I look forward to.
Ivy realizes that one of her customer has not shown for her migraine medicine. She tries to reach her and leaves her a message. Ivy spends the night with her brother and family before her brother leaves on his boat. She is worried about Abigail. She is just outside work when she sees a man looking in her shop. His name is Everett and his was hired to find Abigail. He has few questions for her and he doesn't leave the best impression. Ivy tries a spell to locate her, but is blocked. She sees her family about this. She goes sees Everett to see he will let her help him. He agrees. Together they go to every spot and learn so valuable information. Ivy will try to keep the magical aspect from him. It might not be possible with what they are dealing with.
This was really a cute and entertaining story. I really enjoyed the characters, the mystery and magic of it all. I like how Ivy and Everett are with each other. I am looking forward reading more of Ivy's adventures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Considering how many times I started this book and put it down again based on the first few pages, it's actually surprising how much I ended up enjoying it in the end. It settled in quickly and gave us solid characters and a solid mystery.
But we need to talk about Moira. Moira is described in the description here as a drag queen. Moira is not actually written as a drag queen. Moira is written as a flamboyant transwoman--she does not at any point identify as anything but female--who came out after death. And that idea there is amazing and I'd love to see it explored, but it is not. Moira is played for laughs, most of which involve her outfits (at times encouraging us to imagine them on the body that she had before death), and is just Too Much, especially in balance with the rest of the story (though it does a very good job of not misgendering her). I don't mean that Moira is the comic relief, which she is and that's totally fine and appreciated, but that her identity/appearance is supposed to be funny in and of itself. I don't know if it's the author conflating the two or someone else wrote the description, but yeah. I love the idea of her more than the execution.
Brewing up trouble is a good start to a new series. A bit slow to start, but over all it was an enjoyable read. This is a paranormal, cozy mystery that is a wee bit different where everyone lives and Ivy actually gets asked to help our PI to find a missing person.
I was hoping with a Cross Dressing/Drag queen ghost, that it would be funnier, but that part was rather stale. She was no Ru Paul or Jujubee.
Good story line, not super strong, but as the series progresses, I'm hoping for a bit more. Nice characters, good detailed descriptions. Written as a 3rd person, single pov with a completed mystery ending. A few continuity things that I noticed as well that threw me off a bit, but over all, I did enjoy this book.
Would I recommend this book? Yea
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really don’t know how I feel about this book, overall the story is OK, I found a ghost to be obnoxious and completely unnecessary, which is a little sad because I was excited for the possibility, but I just think that it doesn’t come across well in book format, maybe as an audio drama it would do well, I also think the magic is a little confusing, Ivy grow up around it she should be stronger than she is, why is she so weak? And why is it the older generation seems to be extremely limited in what they’re able to do? One of the things that stood out to me in this book is the fact that magic cleans up after it’s self more or less if the potion is done right, but in a non-magical consumes a potion it stays in their system and appears like they have magic in their blood, how does that make any sense? I don’t know I’m curious to see what happens in the next book hopefully it will be a little more interesting now that we have the backstory
Another great new series. Fun quirky characters that you are going to love. The references to things that I remember, like Nash Bridges, and the trivia. All of this wrapped up in a wonderful cozy mystery.
Someone you help with your non-allopathic remedy does not show up for their usual appointment. Now someone comes looking for them and you decide to help. Where the clues lead are interesting. The assistance that is available is even funnier. YOU GO MOIRA
I had the who done it but kind of missed the why, even though I made note of the clue. I kept waiting for more information. Make sure you do not make my mistake, lol.
Fun, easy to read, could be done in a day. Since it appears to be first definitely a standalone.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
I really enjoyed this first book in this new series. It was a bit slow at the beginning but soon found its pace. It had a good plot & it made me laugh, i liked the characters & hope for more fleshing out in the books that follow, i don't know why but i expected more from the drag queen ghost but all in all it was an enjoyable read with a different take on the paranormal world which I liked. So I would definitely recommend this book & I'm really looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
I’m already enthralled with this series! So much wonderful magic, a ghost, strange beings, a mystery and it all happens in St. Augustine Florida! That’s so close to where I live and I recognized so many of the streets and exhibits there. Makes me want to go for a visit and a ghost hunt! I love Ivy and her family! And Moira, the ghost who was Melvin at time of death, is so funny! The way she kept popping up and surprising Ivy, just great! Hurry with the next book! ;)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great news supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. A young woman who owns a botany shop and makes homeopathic potions on the side. Lives in Saint Augustine Florida with her family. A family of witches. One of her clients/friends disappears and she helps a private investigator search for her. Read on to find out what happens and meet all of the characters in this new series. Even a drag queen ghost that hangs around and pester her. Check it out a bit quirky and entertaining.
Brewing up Trouble was delightful. I liked it partly because nobody died, and partly because the PI works with Ivy and doesn't seem to have major control issues! Marvelous. I liked the crazy spells, the oddball family members (blue food?) and the unusual magical creatures. It was quirky and delightful, and unlike any witchy story I have read before. Don't miss this delightful new series! I'm ready for book 2 already!
Humorous and entertaining. Ivy has a wonderful family. Ivy only has plant magic so when a customer/friend named Abigail goes missing she has to help the Detective hired to find her. But she needs the help of her aunt’s, mom’s, and cousin’s magic. And with the help of their friendly ghost they just might find her friend. But to do so they have to keep their magic abilities from the detective. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Ivy is a witch who also owns a botany shop. When one of her best customers goes missing, she pairs up with handsome PI Everett to find her. Throw in some wacky family members and a drag queen ghost and the fun ensues. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Left me wanting to read the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I gave this book four stars because although I like it a lot it had one thing that I’m getting tired of. I’m getting tired of the main character getting involved with the hot law officer or detective. She hasn’t done it yet but I know it looks like it’s coming. However, i’m glad she wasn’t smirking all the time I’m getting tired of that too. I liked everyone and will read the next book.
When a long term client and friend goes missing, nature witch Ivy gets swept up in the hunt
Her extended family, some creepy magic types, a ghostly drag queen, and a very mundane hottie of a private detective make a macabre scene and team for murderous magical mayhem
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy is a botanist who becomes involved in a mystery of a missing person. She attracts the attention of Everett, a P.I. hired by Abigail’s family. Brewing Up Trouble is a solid mystery, but what makes it outstanding for me is the character of Moira, who says what she thinks, no matter how outrageous.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suspense, action, family, and friends what more could you ask for in a book? This series will be a good one. Moira is a hoot and I think that Ivy has a lot to learn. Growing with Ivy in this series will be a pleasure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had a lot of potential. I liked Ivy and her wacky family, and sympathized with her desire to keep her detective friend from finding out about magic. But overall, I wasn't a fan of the writing. The story seemed rushed and shallow. I think if she'd expanded on the story and made it a little longer it would have been a much better book.
The story line was great, the character work was fantastic and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was a terrific way to start a series. This book kept me laughing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A new series that promises to be an exciting and intriguing! I loved the mechanics of the magic as well as the unusual and curious evil creatures, the Legagyafúrtabb. I enjoyed Ivy’s family and their unconventional relationship. I think this will be a series I enjoy immensely!
This is my favorite book I've read by Constance Barker. The characters were interesting and likeable. The mystery plot was unique. I loved the Light family wih lots of fun characters.
Love the characters. Next adventure should be much longer. Learning about the Biddies and cousin will be fun. The ghost has a back story I’d like to know it too.
It was a different and interesting tact to take, Ivy working her magic/potions with plants. I was entertained throughout the entire book. There was mystery and humor. Moira the ghost was very funny. Terrific book. I will look for the next one in the series.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed Ivy and her potion makings. I loved that she was determined to find her missing friend no matter what anyone said. It was quite the adventure and I can't wait to see what she stumbles into in the next book.