Audiobook review: Witchy Whiskers by Danielle Garrett
Store owner Cora lives in Winterspell (the magical community introduced in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries). She is ready to have dinner with Clint, the handsome stranger who comes in to purchase a gift for his mom, when her ex-husband strolls in her shop after an 18-month absence. When Clint’s brother is found murdered a few days later, Cora reluctantly agrees to help Clint clear his name.
Although the setting is a little familiar, and I’ve read many paranormal cozies from this author, Witchy Whiskers has it’s own unique flavor. I love that Cora doesn’t want to solve mysteries and only gets involved because of her kind heart. I enjoy watching her weigh the pros and cons of getting involved with Clint, considering the impact to her clientele and her shop’s image, etc. Overall the mystery makes sense, and Cora eventually figures it out using some supernatural assistance.
One of the main characters is Selene, Cora’s talking cat familiar. Cora inherited her from her aunt Lavender, who is missing. While I think Selene is supposed to be a fun part of the world, I found her rude to the point of annoying. I constantly wondered why Cora keeps her around. I’m hoping her attitude gets a bit softer in future titles.
Narration: As per the other series by this author, Cora and her friends are brought to life through the delightful performance of Amanda Ronconi, who has consistently done a wonderful job with other magical series. The story is shared in the first person POV of Cora. Ms. Ronconi provides an upbeat voice for Cora, matching emotion fitting to the story. Ms. Ronconi alters each character’s voice based on age, gender, background, and species. Although I found the character and voice a little annoying, Selene the cat is actually well-done, a whiny voice for the whiny character.
Witchy Whiskers is a solid start for the new series written by a familiar author. I look forward to listening to more as Cora and Selene try to find out what happened to Lavender.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
Have you ever wished your cat could talk to you? If so, allow my story to be your cautionary tale.
My life was going just fine by most standards. I ran a successful business in a tight-knit magical community, and lived just blocks from a beautiful lake and series of hiking trails.
Then Selene showed up.
According to some magical code I inherit my aunt’s ancient familiar; a grumpy ten-pound cat with a broken filter. She fancies herself something of a saber-toothed tiger, and claims to have wrestled the thread of her ninth life from the hands of the Fates themselves — although, I’m pretty sure that last part isn’t true.
Almost positive.
I’m still looking into the magical fine print, but in the meantime I’m stuck as the guardian to a cat with the personality of Sophia from the Golden Girls. Oh, and by another cruel twist of fate, my ex-husband just moved back into town. I thought I couldn’t take any more, but when a murder rocks my small community, I wind up entangled in the investigation thanks to a handsome stranger.
If only life came equipped with a rewind button.
Author: Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Nine Lives Magic #1
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Audiobook Release Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 5 hrs 45 min
Source: Tantor Audio
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Purchase Info:
Audible/Amazon (affiliate link)