Where There's a Witch by Madelyn Alt

Book Details
Where There's a Witch by Madelyn Alt
Paperback, 304 Pages
2009, Berkley
ISBN: 0425228711
Series: Book 5 of Bewitching Mysteries

Synopsis
Taking a break from her job at Enchantments, Stony Mill's finest mystical antique shop, Maggie O'Neill visits a carnival where she senses some bad spirits. And when a construction worker is suspected of killing a young woman, it's up to Maggie and the N.I.G.H.T.S. ghosthunting team to uncover the dark spiritual energy leaking into their town before it spoils everyone's fun.

Review
There are two totally different aspects of Where There's a Witch - the overall series story line and the book specific mystery. Just when long-awaited things start heating up in the series, the mystery in this book falls flat.

When asked which man she wants, Marcus or Tom, Maggie claims to be more concerned with not wanting to hurt anyone. This has been the problem from the beginning of the series. Maggie refuses to chose, therefore she hurts everyone, including herself. Thankfully, things finally start moving in the romance department in Where There's a Witch.

The solution to the mystery was painfully obvious from the very beginning. Maggie receives some ghostly clues that are very easily deciphered by the reader. Statements are made that basically name the killer and Maggie conveniently forgets them for chapters at a time.

Small town fear of the occult is rising at a brisk pace in Where There's a Witch. Much animosity towards Liss and all those who associate with her is brewing rapidly, with the occasional surprise show of support from certain townspeople. Things definitely seem to be building towards an exciting event in this area. The promise of this, plus the newly embarked upon romance are what keeps me excited about the series.

Maggie continues to be more than a little naive. She's overly caring, most likely due to her empathic ability. It's hard to sympathize for her when she seems blind to most other people's real motives. If Maggie could just become slightly more empowered, or if the mystery had been a lot more mysterious, the book would have been wonderful. The tension, romance and potential foreshadowing are what hold this book together. It won't be enough to draw new readers to the series, but it does give long-time fans hope for the future.

Rating