Ghost of a Potion by Heather Blake

Ghost of a Potion by Heather Blake, 323 pages

From the MARC: "...it's Halloween in Hitching Post, Alabama, and potion shop owner Carly Bell Hartwell has an especially spooky customer to handle... With all the ghosts that haunt her at this time of year, Carly doesn't exactly rush to celebrate Halloween. Even a costume ball organized by her boyfriend Dylan's mother, Patricia Davis Jackson, holds little allure. But to please Dylan, who wants peace between the two women, Carly reluctantly agrees to go. Gossip around town is that architect Haywood Dodd plans to make a big announcement at the party. But before he can address the crowd, he's found dead with Patricia standing over him, holding the murder weapon. Anxious to clear Patricia's name and perhaps broker a truce with her, Carly would love to use her snooping skills to find the real killer. Only she has bigger problems to deal with-ghosts are flocking to her for help, including a very persistent Haywood Dodd..."

This third installment of the Magic Potion Mysteries might be my favorite. Blake's approach to ghosts felt novel, the mystery was well woven, and the Dylan reveal was actually surprising. I sincerely wish Blake hadn't abandonded this mystery series, because while this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it does end in a way that tantalizes me with what-could-happen. 

 

One Potion In the Grave by Heather Blake

One Potion In the Grave by Heather Blake, 325 pages

From the MARC: "When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.

 

But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? And why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.…"

Unusually for a second-in-series, I enjoyed this book as well, if not more, than the first.  Slipping back into the world of Hitching Post was comfortable and comforting. 

 

A Potion to Die For by Heather Blake

A Potion to Die For by Heather Blake, 327 pages

From the MARC: "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."

I really enjoy magical realism, witchy comfy reads, and Blake's world was a comfortable, entertaining place to be. 

 

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore Presents #2) by J.K. Rowling

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore Presents #2) by J.K. Rowling-63 pages

I like that Rowling explores Dolores Umbridge's biography and past in more detail and that she explores the foundation of the Ministry of Magic, including a short biography of every witch and wizard to hold the office of Minister for Magic. Additionally, she explains the founding of Azkaban and what it was before becoming a prison. Another interesting biography is that of Horace Slughorn. I like her biography of him and her explanation of his personality in more depth. She also explores potions and potion-making in more detail. Finally, she explores Quirinus Quirrel and Peeves the Poltergeist more fully. I really enjoyed J.K. Rowling's thoughts on different characters, events, and other things throughout these three collections of short stories and her explanations/thoughts on the reasoning behind the names of many characters.