Dakota Cassidy, How the Witch Stole Christmas

Title:  How the Witch Stole Christmas (Witchless In Seattle Book 5)  

Author:  Dakota Cassidy

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Sub-Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Keywords:  Witch, Spy, Cotton Bat, Medium, Afterlife, Ghosts, Murder

Page Count:  156                

ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital Services LLC

Price:  $3.99

Publisher:  Self-Published

Buy-Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5F4ITG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482587001&sr=8-1&keywords=dakota+cassidy

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug 

 Blurb/Summary:

The game is afoot in Ebenezer Falls, Washington, and this time someone is trying to ruin Christmas!

With twists, turns, and suspects aplenty, amateur sleuth Stevie Cartwright is determined to find a murderer and her missing familiar before the silver bells tarnish! 

USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up mayhem and murder in How the Witch Stole Christmas, Book 5 of her bestselling series, Witchless in Seattle Mysteries

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--!

Er, not so much. . .

It's Christmas, and I, ex-witch, Stevie Cartwright declare this my favorite time of year! I love the decorations! The food! The Hallmark Channel holiday specials! This year promises to be better than ever because for the first time in a very long time, I'm going to have more than just Cheez Whiz, Triscuits and the wish to be surrounded by family and friends. 

My carefully planned holiday bonanza includes all the usual suspects. My bat familiar Belfry, my dog Whiskey, my ever-present ghostly spy friends--dashing Brit Winterbottom, stalwart Russian Arkady and my parents. 

However, nothing comes easy for this amateur sleuth, not even a neighborhood decorating contest. You know, the one I've been painstakingly prepping for months? Something goes horribly awry with my Christmas display (think bikini-clad carolers, pink flamingos and real, live turkeys) to start. 

But the worst? The dead body of the famous Chef Pascal Le June in my nativity scene! 

It becomes clear someone's trying to ruin my Christmas, and that someone must pay! But when Belfry goes missing, and the danger takes on a paranormal edge, I find I have more to lose than ever before. . .

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance.

Review:

If you are looking for a good mystery to curl up with on Christmas Eve, then this is it!  The gang in Ebenezer Falls, Washington does not fail to entertain.  Stevie Cartwright has entered the Ebenezer Falls Christmas decorating contest and absolutely nothing goes according to plan.  The dead guy in her nativity scene doesn’t go unnoticed, but her beautifully planned Christmas decorations are ruined! 

How the Witch Stole Christmas is book five in the Witchless In Seattle series.  This book is not a cliff hanger and contains an entire story, but to get the most out of your journey with Stevie Cartwright you should read the previous stories.  Wonderful characters from the series play key roles in this book.

This book has a great plot with steady action and momentum.  Stevie Cartwright’s predicament will pull at your heart-strings and keep you reading.  Dakota Cassidy’s writing will leave you wanting more of Stevie and Winterbottom.  The cast of secondary characters and the level of snark are both highly entertaining.

Dakota Cassidy, The Old Witcheroo (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 4)

Title:  The Old Witcheroo (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 4)

Author:  Dakota Cassidy

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery

Keywords:  Witch, Spy, Cotton Bat, Medium, Afterlife, Ghosts, Murder

Page Count:  249              

ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital Services, LLC

Price:  $4.99

Publisher:  Self-Published

Buy-Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Witcheroo-Witchless-Seattle-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B01JQMKYZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470700047&sr=8-1&keywords=the+old+witcheroo#navbar

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug 

Blurb/Summary:

Ebenezer Falls, Washington…a sleepy burg or murder central?

The game is afoot...again, as amateur sleuth Stevie Cartwright plunges head first into another murder investigation. With twists, turns, and suspects aplenty, this one will keep you guessing from start to finish.

USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up mayhem and murder in The Old Witcheroo, Book 4 of her bestselling series, Witchless in Seattle Mysteries.

Just when you think you know your one-time International Man of Mystery turned ghostly confidant…

When last we met, dear friends, a man had come calling, claiming to be Crispin Alistair Winterbottom, my dead British ex-spy. A notion I'd find ludicrous, if the handsome imposter didn't, in fact, look exactly like my dead British ex-spy. But there's no time for that mystery when a quiet walk on our private stretch of beach turns up something far more pressing—another tragedy in my beloved small Washington town.

That's right. I, Stevie Cartwright, ex-witch turned amateur sleuth, have stumbled upon another murder. But this time it's closer to home, more personal, a victim who'd touched the hearts of so many in Ebenezer Falls, young and old. In fact, there's only thing more surprising than the victim…

The good man who's become the number one suspect.

Along with my Spy Guy Win, my bat familiar Belfry, our rescue dog Whiskey, and even an unexpected new friend or two, I'm jumping back into my Sherlock shoes to catch the cleverest killer yet!

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance. 

Review:

Every time I visit Ebenezer Falls, Washington I fall a little more in love with these characters.  Stevie Cartwright and her sleuthing antics will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can.  If this is your first trip to Ebenezer Falls don’t worry, Dakota Cassidy gives a tidy little summary at the beginning to help bring you up to speed.  However, it is a much more enjoyable journey if you know all the back story.

The Old Witcheroo takes up where book three left off.  The imposter spy is still pestering Stevie and driving her small posse nuts. Fakebottom as we come to know him is actually a sub-plot line. 

We are treated to a full blown murder mystery with a very memorable character from the previous books and a newer one.  This murder and the characters involved is well thought out and very emotional.  Ebenezer Falls’ residents are emotionally invested in this murder which makes the characters seem all that more real.

Book four is not lacking in action or sarcasm.  Readers are also treated to a little romance along the way.  Win, Belfry, and Whiskey as usual play important roles in Stevie’s life and a playful new man is introduced to the crew.  This new addition brings up old questions regarding Stevie’s nemesis and what he’s really up to.

This is a full length book with a beautiful cover, but as with all the Witchless In Seattle Mysteries we are left with a small cliff-hanger to bring us back and keep the sub-plot going.  Dakota Cassidy doesn’t keep readers waiting for long so check out this series and you may be up to date by the next release!

All of the books we receive at Siren Book Reviews are complimentary in exchange for an honest review. 

Dakota Cassidy, Dewitched

 Title:  Dewitched (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 3)

Author:  Dakota Cassidy

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Keywords:  Witches, Ghost, Spy, Murder, Mystery, Medium, Cotton Bat

Page Count:  209             

ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital Services LLC   

Price:  $4.99

Publisher:  Self-Published

Buy-Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Dewitched-Witchless-Seattle-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B01GDGWVB0?ie=UTF8&keywords=dewitched%2C%20dakota%20cassidy&qid=1464737337&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

"It's nice to meet you, Mr…er, stage, screen, and Japanese film star, but party…and thirty-two years, actually almost thirty-three now. And um, stuff…to do… So, talk later. I mean, you and me. M'kay? Gotta go."

Ebenezer Falls, sleepy fishing village or murder central? The game's afoot in Dewitched from USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy as Stevie, the powerless witch (or is she?), her bat familiar Belfry, and resident British ghost spy Winterbottom, hunt for a killer. Book 3 of the Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a thrilling whodunit, and this time, it's personal!

I, ex-witch Stevie Cartwright, do hereby solemnly swear to avoid future murder-mystery shenanigans, nosiness, tomfoolery, and any further crazy killer inflicted pain to my person, so help me goddess…

Hah! Like I could help myself? But after busting my butt (literally!) on the last murder case in my beloved hometown of Ebenezer Falls, WA, I could use a nice long break. I was determined to take the time to enjoy the company of my bat familiar, Belfry; my British ex-spy ghost, Win; our adorable St. Bernard rescue, Whiskey; and of course our gorgeous home, Mayhem Manor, freshly and lovingly renovated.

Until shazam—a dead man invites himself to our fancy housewarming party! When my mother's husband number five ends up deep-sixed in my parlor, it's not like I can't NOT try to solve this mystery, right? Especially if I ever want Mom to leave so I can get back to my semi-peaceful existence.

But our work is definitely cut out for us this time. With Belfry's rascally bat family visiting and the two hundred or so guests, acrobats, mimes, cooks, catering staff, orchestra members—and a surprise guest who throws me for a loop in the house—suspects sure aren't a problem.

Looks like it's time for another spirit-filled, witchless adventure in Ebenezer Falls!

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance.

Review:

Dewitched is a smashing good read!  It starts out with a bang and the fireworks just continue throughout the book.  There was non-stop action and sleuthing on Stevie’s part.  She is accompanied by her ghost spy, Win, as she tries to solve the murder before another innocent is sent to jail.  The reader is treated to plenty of surprises in this third book of the series.  

Readers finally get to meet Stevie’s mom the illustrious and illusive Dita Cartwright.  Dita’s part in this plot adds spark and controversy galore.  Belfry’s family drops in for a visit and adds to the chaos that is Mayhem Manor. 

This is a not to be missed addition to the Witchless in Seattle series.  The story can be read as a standalone, but you will get more out of the adventure if you have read the previous books.  Dewitched also adds to the series and builds up to the next book.    

Dakota Cassidy does a wonderful job of creating fun characters in a story tied together with humor and adventure that will have you glued to the pages. 

Dakota Cassidy, Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 2

Title:  Quit Your Witchin’ (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 2)

Author:  Dakota Cassidy

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Keywords:  Witches, Taco Man, Cotton Bat, Murder, Medium, Spy, Afterlife, Seattle, Witchless In Seattle Mysteries

ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital Services LLC   

Price:  $4.99

Publisher:  Self-Published

Buy-Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Quit-Witchin-Witchless-Seattle-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01EXXNZ4C/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462235050&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Dakota+Cassidy+Quit+you+witchin

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

"“Hands off, Sticky Fingers Louise. No touching evidence. You do remember how that went down the last time, don’t you? Think Montblanc pen and accusing someone unjustly.”


There's been another murder in Ebenezer Falls, Washington State, and Stevie, Winterbottom, and Belfry are on the case…sort of! USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy's newest addition to the Witchless In Seattle Mysteries, Quit Your Witchin' is a hilarious thrill ride of food trucks, suspects, and spirits for our intrepid spy-in-training. This whodunnit will keep you guessing from beginning to end!

Poor Tito the Taco Man…it’s “nacho” lucky day…

Yo quiero taco man!

Hello again! It’s me, Stevie Cartwright, ex-witch and new Madam Zoltar! I was fresh off the murder-suspect list and just settling into MZ’s psychic medium shoes-with the help of my bat familiar Belfry and spirit spy Win-when another death rocked sleepy little Ebenezer Falls, Washington State.

Tito Bustamante, my beloved purveyor of mouth-watering Mexican munchies, has been found dead in the food truck court! Rumor has it Tito was stickin’ his chimichanga where it didn’t belong, and my gut-not to mention his less-than-natural death-says murder.

No one is above suspicion. Not Tito’s own wife and daughter, not his arch food truck enemy Jacob…certainly not the son Tito didn’t know about, newly arrived in Ebenezer Falls and getting cozy with my hired help.

Do join me (and try not to point and laugh) as I juggle catching a killer with the home renovations from hell, snooping for clues about Win’s previous life, gabbing with and eavesdropping on the locals, and enduring a visit from my very unwelcome, very annoyingly gorgeous ex-coven leader-all while continuing to adjust to my new witchless existence!

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance."

Review:

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip back into Ebenezer Falls in the second book Quit Your Witchin’ of the Witchless In Seattle Mysteries.  Stevie Cartwright is settling into the town, becoming a contributing citizen, and dealing without her witch powers.  Winterbottom, Stevie’s ghost spy, is as charming as ever.  He’s become very protective of Ms. Cartwright and with good reason.

Alas, Tito the taco man has been murdered.  That’s the second murder in this small town in less than two months and Stevie is in the middle of all the action again.  She just can’t help it.

Never fear, Belfry, her cotton bat familiar is up for any challenge!  Between Belfry and Winterbottom they have to help Stevie solve the murder mystery and keep her alive in the process.

There is plenty of action in Quit Your Witchin’ to have you glued to the pages.  The characters and setting are full of small town charm and snark.  Dakota Cassidy portrays the small town gossip and cattiness well and will have you laughing and cheering on Stevie Cartwright as she finds her way.

Quit Your Witchin’ contains a visit from a character in another related story.  Secrets are revealed that will have you stewing in anticipation for the next book.  Great story and beautiful cover art are not to be missed.

Dakota Cassidy, Witch Slapped (Witchless in Seattle Mysteries Book 1)

Title:  Witch Slapped (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 1)

Author:  Dakota Cassidy
Rating: Siren's Best Book Stone

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Keywords:  Witches, Medium, Spy, Afterlife, Seattle, Cotton Bat, Witchless in Seattle Mysteries

Page Count:  190             

ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital   

Price:  $4.99

Publisher:  Self-Published

Buy-Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Slapped-Witchless-Seattle-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01D9FW4QA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459380538&sr=8-1&keywords=witch+slapped

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

"Oh, good. Not a problem. I'll invoke the Gods of Pilates. I'm sure they'd be happy to help. Hang on just one sec while I dial them up. Oh, wait. I can't. Know why I can't? Because my hands are tied behind my back with zip ties, Win!"

A rib-tickling cozy mystery complete with an ex-witch, a dead British spy, a cotton ball bat and a cast of suspects that will keep you guessing right up to the end! Witch Slapped from USA Todaybestselling author Dakota Cassidy is book one in her new cozy mystery series Witchless In Seattle. Join the hunt for a murderer with Stevie, Winterbottom, and Belfry in a race against time as the local police prepare an eight by ten cell for our intrepid ex-witch.

What's a girl to do when she's a broke, shunned ex-witch with a very tiny, very hungry bat familiar named Belfry to feed?

Hello. My name is Stevie Cartwright, and I've been witchless for thirty days.

If only there was a support group for down-on-their-luck ex-witches who've had their powers slapped right out of them (literally). Just as I was licking my wounds after returning to my hometown of Ebenezer Falls, WA, and navigating my suddenly non-magical existence with the help of my familiar, the only friend I have left in the world--things got sticky.

Enter an ex-spy and newly departed spirit named Winterbottom, who's infiltrated my life with his sexy British accent and a couple of requests...

Thanks to Belfry's successful attempt to use me as a human antenna to the afterlife, I can somehow hear Win. I should be ecstatic; helping departed souls used to be my witch specialty. It's like I got the teensiest piece of my old life back. Except Win's dropped me right at a dead woman's feet.

Madam Zoltar, the town's beloved fake medium, has been murdered, and Win wants me to catch the killer.

My old life won't be worth much if it gets me whacked before my new life has barely begun--and that seems to be exactly what the killer has planned!

Content Notes: This cozy mysteries women sleuths series has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's popular A Paris, Texas Romance Series.

Review:

This was a fabulous paranormal mystery story.  I loved the characters, setting, and plot.  Stevie Cartwright is a character from the Texas Romance Series, but fear not if you have not met her before in your reading.  Dakota Cassidy properly introduces Stevie in her very own series and you will love her. 

Stevie ran into a bit of bad luck and a bad warlock in Paris, Texas.  She came home to Seattle to lick her wounds and try to make a new life for herself.  Unfortunately, she is without all her witch powers.  Fortunately, her little side kick/familiar Belfry, the cotton bat, came with her.  I love Belfry and immediately had to look up cotton bats on the internet.  They are so cute!

Belfry acts as her go between to the afterlife and brings Stevie to Winterbottom.  Winterbottom claims he is a spy and just happens to be dead.  He needs Stevie’s help to solve a murder and offers her so much more in return.

The plot moves forward at a great pace and the dialogue between characters had me cracking up.  Ebenezer Falls, WA is filled with some fun characters that liven up the tale.  As a reader, you will be on the edge of your seat as Stevie falls further and further into the thick of the mystery.

Dakota Cassidy chose Seattle as the setting and her descriptions had me wanting to curl up on Stevie’s bed with a book and that incredible view.  I’m seriously jealous of a fictional character right now!

Witch Slapped is Book 1 in the series, but you are getting a complete book.  The plot line plays out and the story is almost completely wrapped up.  There are a few questions left unanswered to bring you back for more, but no cliff-hanger making you want to pull your hair out.

I highly recommend Witch Slapped (Witchless In Seattle Mysteries Book 1).  You won’t be disappointed.