It’s 2021, new year, new category. Today is the first day of my new series, Tales from the Backlog, where I review books that I read in 2019 and 2020 and didn’t get a chance to review. Please bear in mind, I read 580 books between those years and most certainly did not post 580 reviews.
Title Southern Magic (Sweet Tea Mysteries #1)
Author Ami Boyles
Release Date April 15, 2018
Date Finished January 21, 2020
Description
In less than twenty-four hours Pepper Dunn loses her job, her boyfriend, and her home.
It’s the worst day of her life.
But when Pepper discovers she’s a witch and has inherited the most important store in the magical town of Magnolia Cove, Alabama, she’s as happy as a pig in mud.
Too bad the shop is a familiar pet store and Pepper doesn’t like animals—not even a teensy bit. Determined to sell the shop and get the heck out of town, Pepper’s plans go haywire when a local storeowner winds up dead and Pepper gets accused of murder.
Thrust into a magical mystery, Pepper teams up with a mysterious private detective and a cat so traumatized by the murder that she’s not talking—and that cat could hold the key to Pepper’s innocence.
Now Pepper must avoid trouble, solve the mystery, and placate her new grandmother, who keeps a strict ten p.m. curfew that’s enforced by the talking end of her shotgun.
Sounds like a simple day in the life—as if. Can Pepper solve the mystery or will she become the next victim of the Magnolia Cove murderer? And most importantly, will Pepper learn to love the animals she’s in charge of?
Initial Thoughts
I stumbled upon this book on the audiobook service, Chirp. It’s actually available on Kindle Unlimited if anyone is interested. But, I listened to it. I was excited to try a shorter, serial listen.
Some Things I Liked
- Shorter listen. It may have been a while ago, but this was probably one of the first quick listens I found. I was excited to listen to a concise story that had a lot of sequels.
- Magic system and animal familiars. I loved this element. I also loved that the witches reminded me of the ladies from Charmed (the original series). They were fun, sassy, and determined to help people. Also, the beginning, with Pepper being down on her luck reminded me of how Alyssa Milano’s character ended up finding her way back home in the first episode.
Series Value
I would continue with this series. However, I can say that almost a year later, I have not read or listened to any other books in this series. I think the set up is interesting and if given the time, I’d continue.
Is it a drop everything, the sequel is out kind of series? No. Is it good enough that I’d keep reading? Yes, for sure.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. I liked the premise and I think there is a lot of potential for more storylines.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase – if you liked the idea of a southern inspired mystery, try this series.
- The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you liked the idea of witches but want a change of scenery to historical fantasy-filled France, try this series. Book 3 is coming out later this month.
Books Over Everything 