Audiobook review: Corpses and Cauldrons by Allie Katt and Tasha Oakwood
Corpses and Cauldrons kicks off the new small town, Witches of Willowbark Cozy Mystery series. Shared in the first person POV of Aurora (Rory), the reader learns how Rory was raised by her grandmother in Boston, away from their magical roots. After Nona passed, she left her apothecary in the magical town of Willowbark to Rory, and now Rory is trying to connect to her witchy side.
Willowbark is home to witch covens, a vampire clan, and several humans. There is an uneasy truce between the vampires and witches which protects the humans, who do not know about the existence of the supernatural surrounding them. WIllowbark has all of the quintessential small town features like a bakery and a book store, rampant gossip, festivals, and an “in-crowd.”
The primary story features Rory discovering the corpse of an exsanguinated human one night, and despite being warned not to investigate, she’s driven to do so based on a message from her late Nona. The mystery is interesting, but unfinished. What is frustrating is that the clues don’t really add up. I like when I can piece together bits to solve the case; however, Rory doesn’t really solve the mystery. She stumbles into the who and never finds out why.
The secondary plot revolves around Rory trying to find her way as a witch. She’s all alone, with no immediate family left to guide her. She struggles to fit in, is frustrated with her lack of magic, and wants to be accepted. Luckily she realizes she has a true friend in Maeve and doesn’t back down from the challenge. I like that she’s finding a home and making friends. There is a hint at a future love interest, but I think it will be very slow burn.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Aurora. Kelly uses a soft-around-the-edges, calm voice to narrate Aurora. She alters each character’s voice based on gender and age with success, although the voice for the magical cat/dragon sounds like a more mature female despite the character definitely being masculine. Every time it speaks, I think it is a granny speaking to her. Kelly has a specific speech pattern that rises and ebbs in a manner that sounds a bit off-putting. Her speech is slow and sounds like I’m being talked at, so I increased the playback speed almost immediately.
Corpses and Cauldrons has good moments and a potentially interesting setup for future titles. However, I found that I struggled to stay engaged for the entire listen. I’m curious to find out what happens next.
My Ratings
Story: C
Narration: B-
Jen
About the Book:
The first hint that this magical town is teetering on the edge of supernatural disaster? The corpse in the cauldron.
Not attracting attention in Willowbark is a little hard to do when your inherited apothecary shop is brimming with magic, your cat might be a dragon, and someone just turned up dead in the middle of the Halloween festival . . . inside one of the decorative cauldrons. Festive, right?
Add in local witches, vampires with attitude problems, and a coven watching my every move, and yeah—blending in isn’t exactly going well.
I’m Aurora Hart. Middle-aged apothecary. Occasional spellcaster. Reluctant untangler of magical messes. I came back to Willowbark thinking I’d heal some hearts, keep my head down, and maybe brew a few calming teas. Instead, I’m knee-deep in a murder, a centuries-old pact no one wants to talk about, and a broody stranger whose very presence seems to be ticking someone off in a very murdery way.
The town may look quaint, but don’t let the cinnamon-sugar smiles fool you—magic here is hidden for a reason. And someone’s willing to kill to bring it to light.
Author: Allie Katt and Tasha Oakwood
Narrator: Meghan Kelly
Series: Witches of Willowbark Cozy Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Audiobook Release Date: July 14, 2026
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins
Source: publisher
Audio Speed: 1.35-1.5x