Book Review: A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

Juliet Blackwell's "A Cast-Off Coven," the second installment in her witchcraft-themed cozy mystery series, casts a delightful spell that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. In this mesmerizing tale, we are once again drawn into the whimsical world of Lily Ivory, a "natural" witch with an uncanny knack for finding herself embroiled in supernatural investigations, all while tending to her vintage clothing store nestled in the eclectic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. However, this time, the mystery leads her to the eerie halls of a fine arts college, where murder and haunting take center stage.

The choice of a first-person narrative works well here, as in many cozies. As a protagonist, Lily Ivory is a relatable and likable character, an outsider trying to carve out a place for herself after years of wandering and concealing her supernatural abilities. Her journey of self-discovery and building connections forms the emotional heart of the story.

One of my favorite aspects of "A Cast-Off Coven" is the supporting cast of characters. Bronwyn, the well-meaning Wiccan and Oscar, Lily's grotesque familiar who has an enchanting ability to shapeshift into a cute potbellied pig, add  charisma to the narrative. These characters, along with a host of others, bring vibrancy to the story, making it feel like you're part of an eccentric but endearing family. Another cozy trope, the small town community, is shrunk down to Haight-Ashbury. The romance is believable and takes up just the right amount of space in the narrative for me.

The plot, with its seamless interplay between subplots, keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Blackwell's ability to maintain a sense of mystery and suspense throughout the novel is commendable. The murder and haunting elements are skillfully woven into the storyline, creating an intricate web of intrigue that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

As a "real" witch myself, I found the worldbuilding of magical elements within the book to be both consistent and believable within the world of the story. Blackwell's attention to detail in explaining how magic operates in her fictional world adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. It's a testament to the author's skill that even readers unfamiliar with witchcraft will find themselves immersed in this enchanting realm.

A note for those who prefer audiobooks: I listened to "A Cast-Off Coven" on Libby and found the narrator to be quite competent. However, her narration pace might be a tad slow for some listeners, so I recommend speeding it up slightly to maintain a brisk momentum. I used at least 1.5 speed and sometimes 2x.