Amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is excited to host her first big author event at the Earl’s Study, her book and tea store. The author, Sebastian Marlow, is a famous birder excited to put Raven Creek on the map for his rediscovery of a presumed-extinct bird. When Sebastian is found dead before his planned bird hike, where he expected to prove the existence of the bird to fellow birding enthusiasts, it’s obvious someone wanted him to be extinct, too. Sebastian had a few unfriendly encounters with his staff—including his recently fired manager, who was seen arguing with him at the author event. Phoebe is determined to figure out who killed Sebastian, worried that it will negatively affect her store’s image that her biggest guest author got killed. With the clock ticking, she enlists the help of Rich Lofting, the handsome local private investigator, to help her look into the murder.
It’s not long before another victim is pecked off and someone close to Phoebe is the suspect. She’ll have to work quickly to uncover the killer and figure out who’s up to fowl play in the third charming book in this warm and witchy series.
I love this series, because the characters are just cleverly written and each has a distinct personality. It is one of the few series where the “amateur” detective, while not exactly appreciated, is not rebuffed or given outright antagonism.
The author gives readers a nice blend of cozy mystery and magic. She doesn’t make the magic seem like a snap of the fingers or a flick of the head. Instead, it requires concentration, focus, hard work, and plenty of trial and error. In a nutshell, the magic is living life.
I really want my own book shop, but I would like to steer away from coffee and tea. Instead, I agree with Phoebe about hosting adoptable pets. There are too many being put to sleep because of awful or negligent people. It is absolutely awful, so Bob’s Place in the novel holds a special place in my heart.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
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