I BURIED A WITCH is a phenomenal sequel to MAINLY BY MOONLIGHT. Cosmo and John are back again with another thrilling paranormal mystery and a reckoning for the secrets Cosmo's been keeping. A page-turner from the start, Lanyon takes you on an emotional journey as usual.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series but then the Covid pandemic arrived and disrupted my reading, so I didn't have time to read the second book when it came out. It was really good to finally settle down with this second book in the series. It took me a bit of time to remember what had happened in book one and to catch up with all the characters but I was soon immersed in the detecting and spells of Cosmo.

I think Cosmo is one of my new favorites from the Lanyon characters. In this story Cosmo gets involved in the race to find a serial killer. He thinks this might be linked to another murder and he starts to carry out an 'under the radar investigation'. Of course his husband John (police chief) doesn't like this and refuses to consider Cosmo's ideas and suggestions about the case. This eventually leads to a major row and some deep revelations which turn their relationship upside down.

Of course Cosmo eventually discovers who the murderer is, but there are so many other questions that need to be answered and he goes through much heart rending. The main mystery is eventually solved but it is clear that there are a number of big reveals ahead. I am looking forward to some kind of big finale at the end of the series (which I am anticipating) and then I will need to read these books from the beginning.

Much as I loved Cosmo, I really dislike his husband John. He is too controlling and it is clear there is darkness in his past. I like all the little unanswered issues and questions because they are so tantalizing and provide a murky glimpse into the future. I think Big Things are going to happen because I can feel a build up but we can't tell where we are going just yet. These niggling feelings make the series gripping and give it a nice frisson of darkness.

I actually enjoyed the rift between John and Cosmo because it bought grit and tension to the story. I didn't like John in the first book and I still don't trust him. It makes a nice change to have a main character that I dont trust and a main character that I love (Cosmo of course and his cat). It is shaping up to be a thoroughly enjoyable series.

Many thanks to Just Joshin Publications for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Cosmo’s marriage has always existed under a thin veil of mishaps and secrets. First off, it was a love spell that brought him and Police Commissioner John Galbraith together. Then, after Cosmo had seen to it being removed, there was the forgetful spell he cast not once, but twice in order to make sure John had no idea exactly how bent someone was on doing Cosmo harm—as in the dead kind of harm. But the biggest whammy has to be that Cosmo is a pure bred witch—one with powers that he put aside more than two years ago in order to try and live a more normal (read human) life. When that cat comes out of the bag, things go terribly bad for John and Cosmo and that doesn’t even begin to cover who is going around killing wiccans and who may be targeting Cosmo as their next victim.

I Buried a Witch is the second novel in Josh Lanyon’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks series. As it picks up pretty much right after the first, it goes without saying that if you haven’t read Mainly by Moonlight, this novel will not make a great deal of sense. Even for me, someone who loved the first book, it took me a moment to recall all the characters mentioned in these first few chapters and their relationships to each other and Cosmo. However, the author does a good job of jogging the memory with brief recaps here and there, which really helped. The fast pace of this story and how the murderer tied into the existing characters was really quite good. There is no denying that Lanyon writes a solid mystery and often includes a slow burning romance in them that is usually fraught with poor timing, reluctant commitment, and miscommunication. This story, while paranormal, is no exception. I will also say that Lanyon continues to impress me with her foray into a genre that stretches her abilities in many good ways.

I really like Cosmo. He is well-meaning, if not a little foolhardy when it comes to his own safety, and he loves John—so much so that he allows John to begin to mold him into someone he really isn’t all due to the fear that once John discovers he’s a witch, their relationship will implode. He’s not far off the mark with that worry, I must say. But that doesn’t diminish how caring and kind Cosmo is to everyone—even those who mean him harm. No, if this review were only about Cosmo then I could end it here with the sure knowledge that Lanyon has once again created a man who tugs at the heart strings and makes you care, despite being a fictional person. However, the same can’t be said about John who, in my book, doesn’t deserve Cosmo and is pretty insensitive when it comes right down to it.

John wants everything on his terms—including how Cosmo acts. John makes very little attempt to compromise and when he does discover that Cosmo is a witch, it’s like he turns off every emotion that he feels and steels himself against his husband. I suppose it should help that things get resolved somewhat in the end, but I think the future is unlikely to run smoothly in the Galbraith household. And perhaps that is the true talent of this author—that she can create two diametrically opposed characters and make you feel strongly about both. I want to love John—I don’t–but still I want to because Cosmo certainly does.

So maybe this novel, which I didn’t want to like as much as the first, is actually quite good and the conflict in it necessary to make what are admittedly fantastical characters very real and approachable. I think you must decide that for yourself. Until then, I can assure you I am eager to read the final installment in this trilogy and, despite my reservations about John, these two men together are really quite wonderful at bringing out the best in each other.

gripping story line of twists and turns. well thought out characters and situations that hold your attention. coulndt get enough.

Even though he hasn't practiced his magic in a couple of years Cosmo Saville is a powerful witch. Duc of Westlands and second behind his mother in the succession line to the Abracadantes craft tradition, Cosmo's just not that into all the traditions. It's easier for him to blend into the non-magic world if he doesn't use his magic for everyday tasks, and he's mostly successful with the exception of portal traveling--that's just plain practical magic, so he can avoid traffic and what-not. Cosmo owns an antique shop in San Francisco and he recently discovered a grisly murder of a competitor in his field. Cosmo was under suspicion, but his relationship with the San Francisco police commissioner--John Galbraith who is now his newlywed husband--halted the inquisition. Plus, the mad wife of the deceased tried to kill Cosmo at his wedding. So, she got locked up.

And Cosmo's rather sure she's innocent...of murdering her husband, in any case.

Trying to get John and his colleagues to see his points, however, are driving a wedge between Cosmo and John. And, John's already cooling off when he learns that Cosmo is a bona fide witch. Did he ensorcel John? Because John's very much against witchcraft in all it's forms. His half-sister Jinx "pretends" to be into the craft, and John indulges her "fancy" but the more Cosmo digs into that relationship, it seems that a witch acquaintance of Jinx's might have information about the uncanny disappearances of several witches in the Bay area.

Unwilling to let go of his suspicions, Cosmo digs deeper into his own magical heritage. He's been warned against marrying a mortal, so he should know better than to expect one to stick around when the magic hits the fire, but Cosmo really loves John and is deeply heartbroken when John takes some steps back. Is Cosmo's investigation bringing the killer closer sealing his own fate, or setting fire to the only good relationship he's ever had?

I loved the story telling here, and how John's police instincts help him understand Cosmo's craft abilities. The intertwining of the families, and friends, that is only just beginning for this new couple is fraught with extra complications of historical witch hunters and a murderer who is clearly still at work. I really liked the way Cosmo sticks to his guns regarding who he truly is, and how John takes the necessary time to reconcile himself to the situation. There are a few scenes of martial bliss to balance the strife that awaits. In the end, I'm pretty sure John will fall even harder for Cosmo, because who couldn't, really.

The big conflict is coming, now that we know who's on the hunt for witches. And Cosmo's family has been shattered just enough to create extra havoc. With John and Jinx in the mix, plus some of Cosmo's dearest witch friends gone missing the tension is high. I'm really looking forward to the final installment.

Book 2 is where the inevitable happens.

I acknowledged in my review of the first book that the relationship is ridiculous and very shaky. That’s still true.

However, what’s also still true - there’s just something about the trainwreck of John and Cosmo that just works. Despite all the warning bells, I can’t help but root for them!

Because while their feelings for each other might be a bit mixed up and erratic, there’s very clearly a strong base there. It might not have been the healthiest set-up, but it doesn’t take too much effort to believe that Cosmo and John really are meant to be together.

In book 2, the two men have to learn to actually live together. And that doesn’t just mean the big things (like John’s police career and Cosmo’s witchcraft), but the more mundane things like personality.

On personality, I have to say - John’s a tool. Very much so a “my way or the highway” type of person. His behaviour left a bad taste in my mouth a few times, regardless of Cosmo’s dishonesty about the Craft.

Did I still want them to work things out? Yes - but with a serious attitude change on John’s part!

Cosmo and John’s relationship is driven by the murder mystery. It made for an interesting dynamic. Every twist and turn in the mystery was mirrored by a less-than-ideal change to Cosmo and John’s relationship.

I won’t reveal anything about the plot, other than to say it was very entertaining. I really enjoyed seeing more of the Craft and Cosmo’s secretive world.

The book ends on a bit of an uncertain note - the mystery is solved for the most part, but John and Cosmo still have a lot of work ahead of them if they’re going to make things work.

And I’m all on board for book 3! If you’re looking for a fun MM paranormal series, give Bedknobs and Broomsticks a try.

this book was a good, easy read. it flowed well and the characters were interesting and real. i did have a sense of foreboding that all the lies that Cosmo had told John were going to come back to bite him, which proved true. the relationship seemed slightly uneven with john seeming to hold all the power, but then not all relationships are equal..I really enjoyed this book, and want to read the rest of the series. It is one that I will recommend to others

Spectacular!

I absolutely love - love this series! Wonderful characters, creative *magical* plots, hot romancin’, and beautifully written, as all of Josh Lanyon’s stories are.

Cosmo is a total doll, and John is all the good things a Lanyon dreamboat should be. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these guys.

Performed by Kale Williams, I adore what he brings to these characters in the audio version of I Buried a Witch. His smooth, sensual voice is perfect for the romantic scenes, and the light-hearted delivery of Cosmo is just perfect for this cutie.

It’s a wonderful story, made even better in audio.

Description
Something old, something new, something borrowed…something blacker than the darkest night. Antiques dealer (and witch) Cosmo Saville adores his new husband, but his little white lies—and some very black magic—are about to bring his fairytale romance to an end. Someone is killing San Francisco’s spell casters, and the only person Cosmo can turn to, the man who so recently swore to love and cherish him, isn’t taking his phone calls. The only magic Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith believes in is true love. Discovering he’s married to a witch—a witch with something alarmingly like magical powers—is nearly as bad as discovering the man he loves tricked and deceived him. John shoulders the pain of betrayal and packs his bags. But when he learns Cosmo is in the crosshairs of a mysterious and murderous plot, he knows he must do everything in his mortal power to protect him. Till death do them part. With their relationship on the rocks, Cosmo and Commissioner Galbraith join forces to uncover the shadowy figure behind the deadly conspiracy. Can the star-crossed couple bring down a killer before the dark threat extinguishes true love’s flame?

My Review
I Buried a Witch is the first book I have read from Josh Lanyon.

Cosmo needs to be careful if he wants to continue to have a relationship with his husband. Between his lies and magic something is going to happen if he does not get his act together. To make matters worse John is struggling with the fact that Cosmo deceived him and has magical powers.

The characters are well-crafted and believable. It did take me a bit to get into the story as the beginning for me was somewhat slow. That being said the story is one that I would definitely recommend.

I am liking this series even if Cosmo is a bit naive and I want to punch John most of the times. In this book some knots come to a head but therea re a lot of questions without answers, lots of doubts about people that used to be Cosmo's friends and a marriage that is hanging in the balance. I can't wait to read the next book to know who is behind the attempted murder and if in the end love is strong enough.

Funny story… this is my second read of I Buried a Witch. I read it at the end of last year, but it showed up on my TBR list on GoodReads. Now, I know that I could have backdated the read, because I definitely did read it, but I thought what the heck? It definitely wasn’t a hardship on my part to read the book again, so here we are. (This time I double checked to make SURE it was marked correctly on GR.)

You probably already guessed that I considered I Buried a Witch a great addition to Josh Lanyon’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks series. I have to admit that I went into this one a little leery after reading Mainly by Moonlight. Not because I didn’t like the book, but because John and Cosmo’s relationship was sorta doomed from the start and this book’s description is kinda ominous. I wasn’t wrong to be hesitant, but I’m glad I decided to dive in (twice). 😉

The mystery from the Mainly by Moonlight continues in I Buried a Witch, in a round about way. Much to John’s dismay, Cosmo finds himself playing amateur detective. John started growing on me by the end of the last book, but he lost some major points in I Buried a Witch. He had some definite old fashioned ways of thinking how marriage worked. Cosmo took it for the most part, mainly because he felt guilty for the secrets he was keeping from John. Eventually enough was enough and the inevitable blow-up happened.

Beyond the break-up, there was a mystery to solve and the danger was coming way too close to home. There were also some revelations about John’s family that threw and extra twist or two in the story. Things were looking a little bit better by the end of I Buried a Witch, so I’m not as worried about starting Bell, Book and Scandal. Even so, I’m also pretty sure that John and Cosmo haven’t gotten past all of their relationship hurdles. *sigh*

This series never disappoints. Definitely recommended to read the other books first. I suppose you could figure out what's happening if you hadn't, but you would be missing out on a lot. Lanyon's writing is fun and page turning. I love the characters and definitely look forward to more from this series.

I Buried a Witch is the middle book in Josh Lanyon’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks trilogy, a series of fantasy/mystery/romance novels set in and around San Francisco and featuring witch and antiques dealer Cosmo Saville and his husband, John Joseph Galbraith, the Commissioner of Police.

The books don’t really stand alone as there’s an overarching storyline, (and the previous book raised more questions than it answered!) so if you haven’t read book one, Mainly by Moonlight, then you’ll be a bit lost if you start here; and it also means there will be spoilers in this review.

Mainly by Moonlight introduced readers to the world of the Craft (as Cosmo and his fellow witches refer to themselves) and its hierarchy; Cosmo is pretty high up in the pecking order, being the son of the witch next in line to be Crone (chief witch!), the Duchesse d’Abracadantès. Cosmo is preparing to marry the man he’s fallen head-over-heels in love with in just a few short weeks, and to say that the duchesse is not at all happy about her son’s decision to marry an ordinary mortal would be a massive understatement. She drops a bombshell when she tells Cosmo that John is under a love-spell; Cosmo is furious and insists that the spell be lifted immediately, even if it does mean that there’s a chance he’ll lose the love of his life.

While Cosmo is looking for signs that John is falling out of love with him, he’s also dealing with a number of troubling incidents ranging from the murder of a business rival to the sudden disappearance of one of his oldest friends, to another close friend being put into a coma following a hit-and-run, and to top it all, discovers the existence of a secret organisation whose activities threaten the entire Craft. As the day of the wedding draws closer, Cosmo is relieved to discover that John doesn’t want to call it off, even though Cosmo can’t ignore the subtle changes that have started to take place in their relationship. He’s so deeply in love that he carelessly ignores the warning signs that perhaps entering into marriage without having told John the truth about himself is not the best idea.

At the beginning of I Buried a Witch, Cosmo and John return home from their honeymoon in Scotland and are starting to settle into their new home. Sadly, however, it’s not long before things between the newlyweds become strained and Cosmo is forced to admit that he has no-one but himself to blame for the tension between them. When he discovers that several members of the local Wiccan community have been murdered in various gruesome ways, Cosmo wants to be allowed to help with the investigation; his knowledge of Wiccan customs, together with his witchy insight and understanding of possible motives surely make him the person best placed to provide the sort of information the police will need, but John makes it clear, in no uncertain terms, that he doesn’t want Cosmo going anywhere near the investigation. Cosmo, of course, is having none of it, and the shit hits the fan when, during an argument, he tells John the truth about himself.

John, utterly stunned and furious at the deception, packs his bags and leaves that night.

Cosmo is devastated but not ready to give up on his marriage quite yet, even though John refuses to see or speak to him. While he tries to find a way to repair the damage, Cosmo can’t help continuing to look for solutions to the various magical conundrums that surround him. Who is the so-called Witch Killer and how are they connected to the murder (in book one) of Seamus Reitherman? Who is responsible for the hit-and-run that almost killed his friend? And worse, who is trying to kill him? Combined with some of the questions left over from the first book, there’s a lot to unravel here, and clearly some of these questions won’t be answered until the final book in the series, Bell, Book and Scandal.

I continue to like Cosmo as a character; he’s made mistakes and doesn’t always listen to good advice, but he’s smart and funny and kind-hearted, and I really want him to get the HEA he wants and deserves. The trouble is that at the moment, I’m not convinced that John is the man for him. In my review of Mainly by Moonlight, I said I recognised hints that there was more to John than meets the eye; the fact that he seemed able to deflect much of Cosmo’s magic appeared to be important, and I was eager to find out why, but the reason given here – if it’s the real reason – is almost an afterthought and does nothing to shed light on John’s character. In fact, he continues to be overbearing and dismissive of Cosmo; the scene in which John expects Cosmo to deal with the contractors coming to build a pool at the back of their house when Cosmo has said, explicitly, that he’s terrified of water and doesn’t want a pool left me wondering (again) what on earth Cosmo sees in him. But then, John will do or say something that indicates he really does care a great deal for Cosmo, and I’m rooting for them to find their way back to one another. In fact, there’s something of an epiphany for Cosmo when he finally realises that theirs has never been a relationship between equals and that if they’re to have any chance at a future together, he must stop trying to be someone he’s not and start to assert himself – and most importantly, be himself.

I dithered a bit when it came to assigning a final grade for this book. I was caught up in the story and in spite of my reservations about John, I ended up really wanting him and Cosmo to work out their differences and make a fresh start. But then perhaps that’s a testament to the author’s skill; she’s created two very different characters in John and Cosmo, and in spite of the fact that one of them is much easier to like than the other – I usually find it difficult to enjoy a romance in which I feel one character doesn’t really deserve the other – has written them and their relationship in a way that has me wanting things to work out for them. I might not love John, but I believe, honestly and truly, that Cosmo does – and that makes me at least want to like him. So it’s a low-level recommendation from me for I Buried a Witch; I’m invested enough to want to see all the mystery elements brought to a conclusion and to see how John and Cosmo are able to come back from their separation and make their tentative reunion into something solid, so I’ll be picking up the final book in the trilogy when it’s released in the Spring.

3.5 stars / B-

Cosmo and John are separated and magic is the one subject they absolutely cannot have a discussion about. But these recent murders are making Cosmo wonder about a magical connection and when John's sister might be a target they have to work together. I have to admit, I don't particularly like John, so this book was hard for me, but I definitely enjoy Cosmo and his world so I'll be back for more.
[I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.]

3.5 stars.
So first off, I’m totally immersed in all the magic and mystery. I’ve been constantly on the edge of my seat and trying to figure out exactly what is going on (in a good way!) There have been some theories I’ve been proven correct on, some I’m still waiting to figure out, and even some where I was so completely wrong. I’m hooked and can’t wait to figure out where it all ends up. I also love Cosmo, he’s kind-hearted and a little accident prone, and finally standing up for himself to everyone in his life.

But, and this is a pretty big but, John is the absolute worst. Like I keep waiting for someone else to come in and sweep Cosmo off his feet so I never have to read about John again. I see zero redeeming qualities in him and for the first time I can remember, I’m not rooting for a HEA. Lanyon is going to have to work some serious magic for me to change my mind.

I want to read more of this series. This is my 2nd Josh Lanyon book, which the first was not actually the first of this series. I wasn’t a huge fan of Holmes & Moriarty #1 but Bedknobs and Broomsticks was a huge improvement. So skipping the first book there was some mild confusion but not much because Josh Lanyon does a brief recap of the important events from Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1.

I Buried a Witch follows Cosmo and John, but mostly Cosmo, as Cosmo tries to figure out who is killing Witches and Wiccans. Brief recap for those who don’t know, Cosmo is a witch or Craft versus the Wiccans who are mortal and don’t have Craft. Sort of a born vs made idea. John is mortal. Cosmo is a really likeable character. John isn’t as much initially but I think that shows the conflict more between John and Cosmo because of their differences, plus it is from Cosmo’s POV. The whodunnit part of the story was well done and I am excited that this is a series and not just a one off. Now I have to go read #1 and then wait for #3 to come out.

I am so confused with how to rate this!!! Is it 3 stars or 4?? I will say 3.5 and round it up to 4 because I like Cosmo. I have major issues with John though. He’s overbearing, arrogant and a bully. I don’t understand what Cosmo sees in him and I don’t know if he’ll ever win me over. He’s a jerk, plain and simple.

The story itself I enjoyed. I am intrigued with what is happening in the witching world and I know things aren’t fully tied up. The “romance” part of the story does nothing for me and I wouldn’t care if John left and never came back.

I Buried A Witch was another well written book from Josh Lanyon. I liked what was going on here with the world building and the character development. The first book was a bit of a blur with a lot of introductions, so I was happy to settle in with this one and just enjoy the story.

I was looking forward to getting to know John better, but he's still mostly a mystery to me. Except that he's very judgemental! Almost to the point of being unlikable. Oh well, Cosmo sure seems to love him, so I will at least give him a chance to redeem himself. We'll see. As for Cosmo, being a bit out of practice leaves him fumbling his way through some awkward and dangerous situations. I found myself liking him more and more as the book went on. Especially when he finally opened his eyes and saw his and John's relationship for what it really was. It was a bit of a reality check for Cosmo, but I think it was needed for him (and for the readers.)

So far, this series is working for me. It may not turn out to be my favorite Lanyon series, but it has potential. I like that the relationships and characters aren't perfect. It seems like a lot of changes are going to have to take place for things to work out. Especially if Cosmo and John are going to get an HEA.

Part of the mystery was solved by the end, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions! I can't wait to see how things turn out in the next book.

A complimentary copy was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this better than the first book. This is a much fluffier story than JL's traditional library.

Spoiler! [John finds out the truth about Cos - that he is a witch with actual magic. He finds out that he was under a spell and that Cos has used magic (forgetting spells) on him.]

I Buried a Witch is about Cos trying to get John to forgive him, and at the same time help him solve a murder. Cos is kind of a doormat with John; John always gets his way and Cos doesn't feel like he can say no. I don't get that. Cos wants John, and it looks like he wants him any way he can get him, even if that means denying parts of himself. It looked like Cos was developing a backbone and was going to give John the what's what of their relationship dynamic, but sadly that didn't happen.

I did enjoy this and am excited to read the next book because now certain things have happened, I want to see how John reacts. :D I do recommend this but caution you it isn't going to be what you expect.

This title was amazing it picks up where book one leaves off and I just could not put it down! I loved every second of it and I can't wait for more. I think that this one didn't feel as well done as book one but it was still worth reading to follow the story. I was excited to see what happened and where the story went and I wasn't disappointed at all for the most part. I want the next book now though. The characters were all pretty well done. I loved learning more about everyone and again I need the next book like yesterday!