| Title | : | Doom and Broom (Wicked Witches of Coventry #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 247 |
| Publication | : | First published April 13, 2019 |
Doom and Broom (Wicked Witches of Coventry #2) Reviews
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Doom and Broom is the second book in the Witches of Coventry series. The feud between Brighton Longfield's family and the Skeenbauer witches continues. All Brighton really wants to do is fix up the home she inherited -- Hangman's House -- and mind her own business. But someone steals her protection amulet leaving her vulnerable to magical attacks. Things get steadily worse. It seems drama and danger are going to be par for the course as she tries to settle into her new life in Coventry!
I'm enjoying this series! The mix of supernatural, cozy mystery, and humor is entertaining and fun! I like Brighton as a main character and her kitty cat familiar is awesome as well.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The short length -- just a bit over 4 hours -- makes this book a quick, entertaining listen. I listened while doing housework at home on a Sunday.
The story had enough plot and suspense to keep my attention from start to finish, and enough humor to make it a very entertaining, relaxing listen. Rebecca Mitchell did a great job as narrator. Her voice acting skills really bring the characters to life!
I can't wait to find out what happens next in this cute, cozy series! -
Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
Brighton Longfield is the victim of theft. Someone has broken into her house and stolen a precious protection amulet. Ok, so it’s not hard to figure out who did it since the thief left a not very nice note and signed her name, Langoria Skeenbauer. Damn, that’s ballsy. Brighton reports the theft and shows the hottie sheriff the note, but he’s not buying it since Langoria is a well-respected member of the community. Boy, is he blind or what? Anyway, Brighton publicly confronts Langoria about her dastardly deed, so, of course the witch (yep, she’s a real witch) ends up dead later with Brighton the prime suspect. Except, well-respected or not, there’s a long list of people who disliked her. Maybe even enough to kill her. Brighton needs to find the killer before she’s the one doing the time for a crime she didn’t commit.
This is a cozy paranormal mystery with twists and turns that will have your head spinning. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Brighton and her familiar Meri are a kick and there’s a bit of romance in the air tossed into the mix. Brighton’s partner in crime, I mean, sleuthing, is Annika Skeenbauer, so at least she has a friend amongst the family enemies. Of which there are apparently quite a lot. I’m not sure how I feel about Remy, another Skeenbauer. He seemed great in the 1st book, but in this one he’s weird. Not sure what’s going on with him. I’m enjoying this series and will continue on with book 3. -
Since each of these "books" are basically novellas, I don't expect things to be fully wrapped up at the end of each one nor do I expect the characters to be fully developed, but I have a few issues with this book that I didn't with the first one.
****There will probably be spoilers in here, so beware.****
I like that Brighton has jumped, feet first, into her legacy as a witch and is learning things on the fly, but she is overconfident for her skill level at this point in time (come book 6 or 7, I would have been fine with it). She also has this very bad habit of breaking & entering that is annoying me to no end.
I do enjoy Meri and almost wish he was snarkier than he is. I'm also currently reading Heartless by Marissa Meyer which has the Cheshire Cat in it and I feel that I would like Meri more if he was more like the Cheshire Cat.
I like that Annika has basically become Brighton's instant bestie and has brushed aside all of the family history on both sides to be friends with her.
Remy, on the other hand, has became someone that I don't like. Brighton decides to date Thorn and he gets massively butt-hurt and kind of starts stalking her. I'm wondering where this is going to go in the future books.
In cozy mysteries, someone always dies and it's almost always someone that people dislike/hate and that is the case here, except that it's one of the witches that dies. She isn't a nice person and it bugged me that Brighton HAD to find out who killed her given that she wasn't a suspect and hadn't had good interactions with her.
Since I have the entire series on my kindle, I will continue on and see what kind of mess Brighton gets into next and if Annika recovers from being attacked. -
Unique, fun books
Quick pages turners, feel like your part of the town. Can't wait to read what unexpected things happens next. Characters have fun personalities. -
Brighton is always waking to strange noises in Hangman's House, sometimes it's just the house and others, like tonight, an intruder. Hearing the hall closet close and then the back door slam she hurries downstairs. She's too late to see the intruder she can't even tell if it was a man or a woman. Discovering her protection amulet gone and a threatening note from Langoria Skeenbauer she calls Thorn.
Thorn seems to downplay this event and it annoys her, but he's been ghosting her so she shouldn't be surprised. She's been spending a lot of time with Remy investigating the cemetery she found across from her house. Thorn takes issue with that as well even though Remy is best qualified to help with that since he takes care of the courthouse archives.
She decides to confront Langoria as she heads into work the next morning. Of course, she doesn't get the reaction she wants instead she gets the threat of a tax lien on Hangman's House. A lien of ten thousand dollars. She doesn't understand how that's possible since her family has promised to take care of that for Maude.
Brighton waits a bit before entering the courthouse herself, she doesn't want to be accused of stalking Langoria. In the archives she finds Remy where he has a contract for her. The Historical Society is offering it to restore the old cemetery. The amount to do so ten thousand dollars plus two thousand for equipment and materials. She doesn't have to worry about the taxes now and Remy offers his help with that as well as determine if Langoria actually left the note for her.
Since it's still early for dinner, Meri suggests she take pictures of the cemetery to get an idea of the scope of the work and make plans. Arriving back home and about to start dinner Brighton sees a specter of Langoria she assumes is an astral projection since it faded quickly once Meri hissed at it.
Remy comes by after work, and she has his favorite dinner ready, when he burns his hand on the pan of garlic bread Meri talks her through healing him. After dinner the two of them go over to the cemetery to begin work and find Langoria dead. Remy is shaken by the discovery and even after Thorn arrives, he doesn't come back to Hangman House. Of course, now she's the prime suspect in the case, even though she has proof that Langoria wasn't in the cemetery when she was there earlier.
Thorn continues to be a bit of a jerk, but he does kiss her, and when Remy shows up later, he says he's had a vision about them. That isn't the reason he came by with pizza and wine though. He wants to tell her about his relationship to Langoria.
Things go downhill with Remy after Annika guesses his secret, but Remy thinks Brighton broke her promise to him.
The investigation into Langoria's death takes a turn when they find a sting on her, seems a scorpion bit her. The coroner recognized it having seen it in South America. However, it doesn't belong here in Coventry.
There are lots of ups and downs in this one, with both Thorn and Remy running hot and cold. A few more suspects but the actual killer is definitely a surprise.
Intrigue, Suspense, Romance and More!
As I'm reading the boxset I am already devouring the next book. -
Quite a suspenseful story. Who is Langoria Skeenbauer's murderer? There seems to be no clue in sight, the case a dead end... until the scene when that very person turns up on Brighton's doorstep. But then there is that statement about South America and readers are left wondering all over again. It really could be a number of people, even family members based on how on of them is acting. Definitely fun working the mystery out with the character.
Hopefully after this event, the stupid witch feud finally ends. And hopefully Brighton figures out what is up with Remy.
Rating is due to the following:
1. Every time there is major news, pages upon pages are spent with characters coming and going so Brighton can explain everything over and over until all know what happened. Sometimes the author just states that Brighton relaid the info, but other times readers have to forge through the ramblings of what they already witnessed/learned.
2. That scene where Brighton drinks the elixor and then calls Thorn feels forced, like the author is making sure the secret Brighton fails to keep gets out further while also fixing a hopeless relationship. Plus, it enforces the issue of #1.
3. After Brighton drinks the elixir, everyone she encounters, even Meri, are suddenly pleasant and happy. I figured this had to do with drinking too much elixir because it is super bizarre, but then nothing comes out of it. Eventually, all are back to their normal selves.
4. The characters pop from one place to another in the middle of conversations. I get they are talking about doing something or going somewhere, but they never initiate the actions to get to that point. For example, Karen shows up and says she has flowers for the cemetary, Brighton agrees to the idea and even comments where she will put them, and then the two women are setting the last of the flowers down just like that.
5. There is a scene where Meri tries to convince Brighton to stop the cemetery work for the day. The last thing he says, however, I think is supposed to be Brighton based on what happens next.
6. There is a comment about Thorn always wearing a cowboy hat. I don't recall this being stated before. In fact, when I type it into search, the word cowboy only comes up in chapter 9 of Doom and Broom. I have a box set, by the way.
7. Many errors. Particularly with "I" vs "me".
8. The timeframe issue still bothers me. I can't wrap my head around how Brighton and Kinsley are 30+ years apart and yet apparently grew up with the same experiences and technology. I am trying to tell myself Kinsley is from the future, but I can't imagine life being exactly as it is now 30 years from now. -
4⭐️
Synopsis:
When Brighton discovers another dead body (really, again!), she once again is the murder suspect. Not only did Longoria Skeenbauer have a huge fight with Brighton in the town square just before her death, but she was murdered in the cemetery next door to Hangman’s house where Brighton lives. Before she knows it, Hangman’s house is being haunted by Longoria’s ghost and Brighton is on the prowl with her friend Annika and her familiar Merri to find out who-dunnit this time and clear her name. Turns out, there are quite a few people in town with motive to murder Longoria…
What I liked:
-This book did much better with the pacing than the 1st book. The book is still not super developed, but I’m looking at each book as more of a chapter in a novel instead of a novel on its own.
-I continue to love Rémy and Annika this book and love how their friendship continues to develop with Brighton. I love Remy’s backstory and how that played out this novel.
-Merri is so fun. He gives off Salem from Sabrina the teenage witch (the 90s teen dramedy — NOT the chilling adventures of Sabrina from Netflix) vibes.
-I like how this book started to get more into the town people and how they interact with the witches without knowing witches exist.
What I didn’t like:
-I continue to completely dislike thorn in this book… he’s such a kill joy and general irritation. I really dislike their insta love relationship and how he gets in the way of what she wants to do. Not really sure why Brighton likes him (and neither does she other than the constant repetition of how she is attracted to him with literally no explanation).
Final Thoughts:
These books are super quick, very cute, light hearted Halloween reads. The audiobooks are about 3 hours each and I’ve been listening to them on 2x speed, knocking out 2 a day. There absolutely adorable, just not super developed. They remind me more of cute little short stories or like each book could be a chapter in a much longer novel. -
What a great continuation to the series. This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone, but this is a progressive series and is best read in order.
Brighton is beginning to find her way when it comes to her Witchyhood. She is learning the ways of the witch, but still has a long way to go. She is becoming more comfortable in her skin and is enjoying her newfound freedom. Thanks to her familiar, she is learning the ropes of being a witch and getting help out from one sticky situation to another.
As always, there is mischief, mayhem, and murder afoot and who better than Brighton to solve the case yet again. We are introduced to a few more unfriendly types that make things a little more chaotic for Brighton. The sexy and steady Thorn is back again and gets the surprise of his life. Annika and Remi are still hanging around but not as prominently as in book 1.
Written as a 1st person POV with a HFN ending. The mystery is solved but more mayhem is to come.
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
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. -
It seems that not everyone is ready to welcome Brighton to the community. Waking up during an early morning break-in at her home, Brighton saw that her protective amulet was stolen. Langoria Skeenbauer, outstanding pillar of the community, is Brighton’s biggest enemy. She has made it clear that Tuttlesmiths are not welcome in Coventry and she will take action to get rid of her. A public argument in the town square, overheard by many people, does not bode well for Brighton. When she finds Langoria’s body in the cemetery across from Hangman’s House, Brighton naturally becomes the main suspect. Even Thorn has trouble believing Brighton is innocent under the circumstances. How will she clear her name? The evidence is stacked up against her!
This is a wonderfully fun continuation of the Wicked Witches of Coventry books. We are given a very complicated mystery to solve with all the clues pointing to Brighton! The action doesn’t stop as the story line races to the conclusion – but what conclusions will they reach? Grab a copy and follow the clues to the bad guy(s)! -
The language of flowers
Awesome. A great plot full of magic, witches, ghosts, a sarky cat familiar and murder. Well written and the characters bring the whole thing to life as you follow their story.
She has had a break in and her protection amulet is gone. The police chief however is not convinced that the person she thinks is responsible actually is. Even though a signed note has been left for her to find. Now she's been told that there are back taxes to pay! Luckily a job for the amount quoted comes unexpectedly. A clean up of the old cemetery at the back of the house. The first visit to see how bad things are turn up a dead body. The same woman who stole her amulet and told her about the taxes. Add in lesser demons, killer scorpions, ghosts and a mixed up love life plus more secrets than she knows what to do with. Will she find the killer? Will the killer strike again? Will she and the chief get together? -
I loved the first book in the series and was finally able to grab some time to read the second which was just as good. Once again, Brighton managed to find a dead body, that of one of the rival witches in town. I just love her cat, Meri and how he's able to protect Brighton while she tries to hone her witch skills. Her best friends Annika and her brother Remy had all hung out together in the first book, but something seemed off about Remy this time. I'm guessing that will gradually be learned as we go. I like how the main mystery got solved, but this book leads into the next.
I did eventually guess the killer because of some hidden clues, but the showdown was still pretty cool. Brighton and Thorn had gotten off to a rocky start, but hopefully now they'll be good. I have the next in the series and hope I can work it in sooner than how long it took me to get to this book. -
Wow and I thought the first book in the series was good...this one just raised the roof!!
Loved it! A great cozy mystery with a witch, Brighton, whose hair keeps changing colours on its own
One of the Skeenbauer's wants Brighton to leave town, a long time fued between the Skeenbauer's and Tuttlesmith's, Langoria Skeenbauer wants Brighton out of town and will try anything to get her to leave...even steal Brighton's amulet.
But a murder has happened in town and Brighton takes it upon herself to try and solve it...will she?
You will just have to read the story when it comes out!
Highly recommend if you like books about witch's, ghosts, and mysteries!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review -
There are some major changes for Brighton in this book, there is a new job, her love life takes a new direction, her powers are changing, a new break in at home and oh yeah a new body! There were plenty of suspects for the murder and motives galore that it really was difficult to work out who it was, but while working out that I was very surprised with the change in Brighton relationship with a couple of people but one person has definitely falling out of favour with me after the way they started acting! I can't wait to read the next book as I have to know what happens next for Brighton!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
Great Series
A great witchy cozy mystery/urban fantasy series. Are young woman inherits her great aunts house and a small town and needing a change in her life she moves into the house to restore it and decide how she wants to live the rest of her life. Things start happening and she finds out soon she’s actually a witch from a family of witches that wants helped found the town. The town is inhabited by many witches as well as humans. She learns she has a cat familiar and some of the witches are not very nice. Follow along as she solves mysteries murders and Mayham. Very entertaining -
Doom and Broom (2019)
I appreciate that while this is a PN murder mystery, there is not gratuitous violence, foul language, or graphic sex. The main character continues her journey of self discovery and growing self worth.
"To clear her name, [of a crime she didn't commit] Brighton’s going to need to sweep away all of the lies and misunderstandings that surround the suspicious death. " of a local pillar of her small-town society in spite of the still unresolved grudges against her by the Elders of their community. She has made friends and the hope of possibly more.
This has been a voluntary review. -
Help! I'm Over My Head!
Brighton continues to come into her power with accompanying hair color changes. A prominent member of the community, and witch, has been murdered. Brighton, being new, is suspected by the community. She is liked by Thorn, the hunky sheriff, and handsome Remy, a Skeenbaur witch. What to do. What to do. How to choose. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to the next book. -
This was a good read, but it had me in my feelings. Remy is one of my favorite characters and I need to know what’s going on with him. Thorn took the news pretty good and the Sheenbauers have a heck of a way of exacting revenge. I love the interactions between Meri and Brighton, but I hope to find out more about Meri’s past.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
Fantastic cozy paranormal series
I am so glad that I found this series! I love the cast of characters, especially Meri! The storyline with this one was riveting to say the least. I felt like the murder mystery was very well done, and not easy to solve. The author wrapped up the story splendidly while also leaving me anxious to read the next book. Another great book provided by my Kindle Unlimited subscription. -
Longoria Skeenbauer broke into Brighton Longfield's house and stole her protection amulet. She even left a note telling her to get out of town. But Thorn, the town sheriff and potential love interest of Brighton's, doesn't believe her. So Brighton confronts her in the town square and Longoria threatens to get rid of Brighton's house so Brighton will have to leave. Too bad Brighton is also the one to discover her body the next day.
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The second Book in this great "Witchy" series.
This story follows on with more ups and downs of Brighton and her magic cat, more bodies and mysterious happenings.
I loved it and it ended way too soon so have to find out where Brighton ends up next an d how her magic powers will strengthen to help her in times of troubles in the next " episode" e.g. book 3.
An easy read and full of interesting charvcters. Good fun!
