Series: A Magic Potion Mystery, #1
Publisher: Signet
Released: November 5, 2013
Source: Purchased for my Kindle

As the owner of Little Shop of Potions, a magic potion shop specializing in love potions, Carly Bell Hartwell finds her product more in demand than ever. A local soothsayer has predicted that a couple in town will soon divorce—and now it seems every married person in Hitching Post, Alabama, wants a little extra matrimonial magic to make sure they stay hitched.

But when Carly finds a dead man in her shop, clutching one of her potion bottles, she goes from most popular potion person to public enemy number one. In no time the murder investigation becomes a witch hunt—literally! Now Carly is going to need to brew up some serious sleuthing skills to clear her name and find the real killer—before the whole town becomes convinced her potions really are to die for!

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I’ve been waiting on this book to come out for many months! I bought it early on release day and gobbled it up. A POTION TO DIE FOR had all my favorite elements: a puzzling mystery, surprising plot twists, a cast of colorful characters, a little woo woo, and the beginnings of a second chance romance to boot!

Carly Bell Hartwell is a healing witch and owner of Little Shop of Potions, located in Hitching Post, Alabama. The tourists and townsfolk are always in need of her magical potions, especially when a seer predicts an upcoming divorce. On the same day as the prediction, Carly finds a dead body in her store’s break room. It’s a local lawyer, obviously murdered and clutching one of her potion bottles. Bad news for Carly and her livelihood!

Carly is soon wrapped up in an intriguing, multilayered mystery. Her ex-fiance Dylan is the investigator on the case, which makes for some nice romantic tension. (Yep, there’s still something between them, even if they don’t want to admit it – yet.) Being that Hitching Post is a very small town, Carly is able to see and hear things that may help with the investigation. With a little help from her arch nemesis (also known as her cousin Delia), Carly is able to piece together what really happened to the murder victim and bring the killer to justice. By the way, I loved Delia.  She owns the hex shop across the street from Carly, and she only deals in the dark arts. There’s an interesting family squabble going on there, with lots of history behind it.

A POTION TO DIE FOR is an enchanting start to Heather Blake’s new series. Fans of paranormal cozy mysteries are sure to be delighted. Looking forward to more!

Rating: 5 Stars