Description
It takes a lot for Salem locals to get excited about their historic Massachusetts town being known as “the witch city.” But when a major studio arrives to shoot a witchcraft-themed movie, folks go Hollywood. For WICH-TV’S program director and chief documentary-maker, Lee Barrett, however, the project may come complete with a real-life death scene.
Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .
When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act.
My Thoughts
This newest entry in Perry’s Witch City cozy mystery series includes all the usual characters and fun plot. It’s a simple, enjoyable reading experience that fans of the series will race through in one sitting. Pretty much what series fan expect.
Usually I have no complaints about Carol Perry’s books, which are always full of likable characters and satisfying mysteries. Here, though, I found the newly married Lee to be annoyingly uncertain about most everything. Not sure why that grated on me so, but it feels a lot like the tension has gone out of the Lee/Pete relationship, rendering it kind of boring, although the big reveal at the end promises some interesting new developments. I’ll still continue to read the series and hope this one was just a blip.
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Published By: Kensington Publishing
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy
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