This author has done it again with a winner! Book 5, This Magick Marmot is a great easy read with well-crafted characters.

This cozy mystery finds Kailyn trending carefully as her 10-year reunion is coming up and to make matters worse one of her oldest friends is found dead. It keeps you interested until the very end. I hope the author will write a 6th book in this series and I enjoy reading about Kailyn and her familiar.

This Magick Marmot by Sharon Pape is the fifth installment of the paranormal cozy An Abracadabra Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book in this series has it’s own mystery that is fully solved with the books so each can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, there is character development that carries over from book to book for those that read from the beginning.

In the first book readers were introduced to Kailyn Wilde who had inherited her mother and grandmother’s centuries old shop, Abracadabra, when they were unfortunately involved in an accident. Coming from a long line of those with magical abilities in the small town of New Camel Kailyn does her best to keep the magic flowing in the shop while keeping her witchcraft under wraps.

Kailyn has her hands full between her eccentric Aunt Tilly and Merlin, yes that Merlin the wizard, who was accidentally summoned to Kailyn. Then there’s her mother and grandmother “popping’ in upon occasion to still visit her from the other side. Despite all of it though Kailyn has her ten year high school reunion to think about. Not really overjoyed Kailyn decides to go ahead and attend but before the night is over Kailyn finds herself with another murder to solve when an old friend is murdered.

The An Abracadabra Mystery series is another case of my finding a series that blurs the lines between genres and absolutely falling in love with it. Not normally finding witches, ghosts and a famous wizard in a cozy I wasn’t sure what to expect but these are hilarious and quirky fun which I’m always searching out. Merlin is a character that keeps me laughing anytime he’s involved and between all the fun there is always an entertaining mystery to be solved so of course I keep coming back to this one.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Another one of Sharon Pape's awesome book! I know I enjoyed the previous series and this one didn't disappoint. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book!

A really cute premise and I was hoping this would be a relaxing read to fall into even though it's not the first book in the series, but the writing style didn't quite click for me. I also found that I wasn't sure who was who and that I needed a bit more grounding as a new reader. It's a hard balance to find, so I may go back and try the first in the series.

I enjoyed reading this book.The mystery was interesting and was easy to follow. The characters are well developed and make you want to get to know them.

What a fun, magical series! The author did a wonderful job with her plot and filling her series with interesting, well fleshed-out characters. Our heroine, Kaitlyn Wilde, owns a shop called Abracadabra Potion Shop. She's reluctant to attend her 10-year high Sschool reunion where a old friend/classmate of hers is poisoned. It unfortunately seems to be related to the tragic death of one of her friends back in her high school days. Kaitlyn has since inherited a few extra powers and has assistance from Merlin along the way. An engaging, quick read. I definitely recommend it.

I would like to thank Sharon Pape, Kensington Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This Magick Marmot is the 5th book in the Abracadabra mystery series by Sharon Pape. Released 7th April 2020 by Kensington, it's 200 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a fun and lighthearted paranormal cozy with a whimsical ensemble cast, and punny titles. The setting is the fictional small tourist town of New Camel. Main protagonist (witch, amateur sleuth, and potion shop owner of the titular Abracadabra) is nearly 30-something Kailyn Wilde. When one of her best friends from high school is murdered at their 10 year high school reunion, she steps in to solve the crime.

The returning main characters - the trio of magic shop owner and telekinetic powerhouse Kailyn, her slightly dithery-but-sweet Aunt Tilly, and Merlin (yes, that Merlin) are back solving another murder.

I will say that for the paranormal cozy mystery subgenre, this one is well written. It's silly and somewhat humorous. It is well plotted and the dialogue is well written. Despite being the 5th book in the series, it does work as a standalone, and all the necessary backstory is written in. The series as a whole reminds me nos

I enjoyed the book a lot, but must admit that my suspension of disbelief suffered more than a few dings every time Kailyn's mother and grandmother showed up (as clouds whose color changes reminded me of some sort of afterlife mood rings). Readers in search of pure escapist fantasy could find a nice read here. The physics involved (or counfounded) over the paranormal parts of the plot (Kailyn is a telekinetic), will require some mental gymnastics to get around.

The language and plot are fairly clean (a few 'hells' and 'damns' but nothing worse), and there's a chaste and consensual romance subplot, nothing that would scandalize anyone's auntie.

Three and a half stars, rounded up because the author is quite adept and it's a fun read, it's got lots of cats, (and I love Merlin).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is such a fun series! I always enjoy a side of well done paranormal with my cozy mystery and this is exactly what this series is. This book had a great, really engaging mystery that kept the pages turning and as always, I loved the characters. Although you could probably get away with reading this as a stand alone I highly recommend starting at the beginning or some of the magick aspects will be a little confusing.

Fun easy getaway cozy. Sometimes a bit unbelievable but that’s what a paranormal cozy is about. Great read.

I didn’t pay attention to this being the fifth book in a series when I requested it, so I was a bit skeptical going into reading it. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the author gave enough backstory that I was able to jump into reading it without a problem. I loved Kaitlyn (the main character and resident witch’s) character! She had the greatest personality! The mystery was fun to try to figure out. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

This Magick Marmot is book five in The Abracadabra Mysteries and this is a series that I really wish I had discovered from the start! I loved the quirky characters, the setting and in fact I loved everything about this book.

Despite being book 5 I felt right at home reading this and fitted right in with the story and the lives of the characters. Kailyn is the owner of the Abracadabra Potion shop and i guess you could say resident witch in the town, and we start the story off with her dreading going to her ten year high school reunion and with good reason - one her oldest friends from high school is found dead in the ladies bathroom! Murder is afoot and a tragedy from the past relating to their prom night brings up ghost from the past.

Could both incidents be related so far apart? That is what Kailyn is determined to find out along with her journalist boyfriend Travis, I wasn't really sure how this was going to play out and when it all came together I was not expecting the outcome.

This was a great cozy mystery and even though I its book 5 I think this would be a great series for any lovers of magick and mystery mixed together.

This is one of my all time favorite series. It has everything - a great mystery, well written and funny making it a wonderful reading escape. Now, in the fifth entry, Kailyn is in a tizzy, unable to decide what to wear to the first event of her ten year class reunion. It's a weekend she really isn't looking forward to attending. But, as she says, if she refuses to go to the party, the fact that it's a small town, the party will come to her so she goes. While she attends the reunion, a murder makes an appearance.
What are the connections between the current death and the school prom ten years ago?
Kailyn, along with her boyfriend, her Aunt Tilly, Merlin and even a visit from her deceased mother and grandmother, will need some magic to track down the killer. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings and a lot of humor. Merlin is such a great character and now he is trying to conjure up a marmot. Too funny.
This can be read as a stand alone but, to be enjoyed to the fullest, I would encourage a reader new to the series to line them all up and read them in order. The series is that good.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This Magick Marmot: An Abracadabra Mystery
By Sharon Pape
Lyrical
April 2020

Review by Cynthia Chow

High school reunions are always a mixed bag. Abracadabra magick shop owner Kailyn Wilde is very much looking forward to seeing the girls who made up their own little three musketeers friendship, but their ten-year high school reunion also reminds her of the tragedy that occurred on their prom night. Scott Desmond accidentally drowned after a night of drunken antics, and his girlfriend at the time never recovered. Now Ashley Rennet is begging Kailyn to look into the death and find out why the straight-arrow boy suddenly changed his behavior, and despite her best to resist manipulation Kailyn agrees to look for some answers. That becomes very complicated when Charlotte Green finds their third musketeer Genna Harlowe dead in the bathroom, most likely poisoned to death by someone at the Welcome Back Dinner.

The new detective Mary Gillespie is not enamored with Kailyn’s involvement in the investigation, and that’s before her “eccentric uncle” lands in their midst. Inexplicably having traveled through time and being trapped in this one, the legendary wizard Merlin complicates his great-great-great granddaughter’s life with his addiction to sweets and flagrant use of unreliable spells. It is his attempt to conjure up a familiar for himself that literally has an elephant in the room, not to mention a bevy of marmots running through the town of New Camel (formerly Camelot). A mix between a chunky squirrel and a whistling groundhog, the newly named Froliquet must be glamored in order to avoid wildlife violations and city ordinances. Leaving her Aunt Tilly to hopefully corral in the wizard’s antics, Kailyn attempts to track down and question those who attended the infamous lake party full of unreliable, intoxicated witnesses. When one of the reunion attendees is nearly run down, Kailyn almost blown up, and Scott’s ghost seen around town, she knows that she must escalate her magick practices in order to stop a killer before the revenge plans continue.

This is a captivating blend of paranormal and practical detective investigation, with Kailyn and her friends tracking down those from Scott’s life while using a sprinkling of spellwork encouragement. The clock is on for Kailyn to learn new talents before her 30th birthday and her skillset cemented in, which encourages her not only to teleport into the police station for a little espionage but to delve into time manipulation. The dangers of both are obvious, and the ghostly presences of her mother and grandmother offer only limited guidance. Kailyn is metaphorically haunted by the death of Scott, and now she wonders if perhaps it’s literal as well. Merlin, his new familiar, and her own snobbish feline Sashkatu offer endless moments of absurd humor and complications, but the emotional connection Kailyn between her maternal family is never undercut. Her own future with new anchorman Travis is shadowed by her magickal abilities and her need to continue her family’s spellworking lineage, but their supportive relationship is admirable and unwavering. High school drama, spellwork and magickal seekers, and Kailyn’s delightful family all make this a charming series that continues to be innovative in its plotting and character development. Readers will be reciting the spells and believing that magick can happen if only one believes.

The Fifth addition to the "Abracadabra Mystery "magical cozy series by Sharon Pape"., I have read the entire series and always love returning to this enjoyable magical based series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. The author has a talent for including authentic magic with fun , adventure and great charcters.

In this next in series we find a new familiar of Merlin's has arrived in the form of a Marmot which is adorable and leads to many antics. Kailyn's school reunion ends with the death of one of her oldest friends . She was already dreading the reunion and did not want to attend but the murder of her friend interest her to begin to investigate with her friends help. The red herrings throughout are not helping Kailyn's investigation as suspects and clues abound around each turn. She knows the motive but not who may be the killer. In the meantime the Marmot is raising trouble and she is trying to keep the peace with Merlin.

This cozy series is magical fun for all who enjoy paranormal magic in their cozies. The characters are done to perfection . I love the well crafted writing and fast pace of the mystery. A winning addition to this fun series and I look forward to the next in series. Very well done to the author. Review is cross posted.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s time for Kailyn’s 10-year class reunion. While excited to see her friends she knows a prom night tragedy is sure to be on everyone’s mind. The evening is well underway when a scream splits the air. Kailyn rushes toward the scream and finds one of her friends in shock at finding another friend dead. She quickly wonders if this death is connected to the one on prom night. Another eerie “accident” tells Kailyn that it is and she finds herself quickly absorbed in finding answers and catching a killer.

Along with the murder mystery, Kailyn and Tillie are also caught up with Merlin and his wizardry and his strange selection for a familiar.

The past revisits the future in this latest Abracadabra Mystery. A prom night accident has driven someone to commit murder and attempt another. Was it really an accident? Who all was involved? Why is someone now retaliating?

Ms. Pape has penned quite a mystery that is filled with plot twists galore. Thankfully Kailyn has a little magick to help her investigate this one along with a terrific boyfriend by her side. Aunt Tilly and Merlin help out too. Kailyn’s deceased mother and grandmother “pop in” a couple of times too. The final twists were surprising. This was a whodunit that kept me guessing the whole way.

I love the characters in this series. They are well developed and have really grown over the course of the series. Kailyn is still trying to get a handle on all of her powers and time is running out on her learning everything she needs to know. Her romantic life is in a comfortable place now that she has shared her secret with Travis. Tillie is a wonderful support and very wise. Then there is Merlin, he is my favorite. He always brings the funny and this time he almost brings the house down when he tries to conjure up a MARMOT!!!

Oh! my stars! I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! I started reading and read the entire book in one sitting.

This Magick Marmot took on something that had been brewing for 10 years and was written in a fun and entertaining way. Sharon Pape uses humor with such precision. I do believe this is the funniest book in this series yet and they have all been filled with humor.

I do recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment but they can all be read on their own. I believe once you have read one you will want to read them all.

Book 5 has protagonist Kailyn Wilde, owner of the Abracadabra Potion Shop nervous about attending her ten-year class reunion. She is fine, however, right up until she runs across Ashley still obviously mourning the death of her intended in an apparent accident on prom night followed by the discovery of another of her classmates newly deceased in the ladies' room.

In the meantime, Aunt Tilly is still trying to provide a home for their long distant relative Merlin, who accidentally time-traveled into their lives. Now the wizard can't seem to figure his way back and has decided he must have a familiar. He decides on a marmot but Merlin's spells tend to go awry--often.

Kailyn is still in witchy apprenticeship and needs to get with the program, as any untried magickal talents she possesses will go dormant after the age of 30. Her spells need some work too. She has leveled with Travis, her sweetheart, about her skills and he is keeping an open mind it, having witnessed some remarkable happenings.

Kailyn is great at ferreting out clues, interviewing those associated with the recently deceased and realizes the motive and tie to the ten-year-old accident that was never explored sufficiently to rest the case. It's character-driven while never losing sight of the mystery, infusing humor often, and mad-cap situations with an old wizard.

This is such an engaging series and wonderful to lose yourself, even temporarily, into the wonderful world of witches and magick with characters easy to invest in. I was given this digital download by the publisher through NetGalley and fully appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Recommended as a well-plotted, fast-paced and fun cozy mystery. Get your own copy, you'll be glad you did.

I really enjoy this series especially Merlin. He is a crackup and the shenanigans he gets into are priceless plus his interactions with Aunt Tilly are a hoot. This man does love his desserts.

When I first picked up the book, I was a bit puzzled about the title because I had no clue what a marmot could possibly be and of course I didn't go look it up ahead of time. A marmot is a rodent, similar to a squirrel is my best explanation and Merlin has decided this is what is going to be his familiar...that is after a rocky start with other possibilities.

Kailyn has a rocky road with this murder. She has to remember the passing of her childhood friend, Scott, in a tragic accident in high school and then at the 10 year class reunion, another friend is found dead. This sets Kailyn off on the road to discover who might have killer her friend and what was the secret behind Scott's death. I honestly had no clue how this story was going to play out. There are many potential suspects but none of them seemed to be the right fit. When the truth is revealed, I was quite surprised and didn't expect it to turn out the way that it did.

Travis is still around and in a relationship with Kailyn and it is a good thing he knows and understands her magick abilities. They make a good team when investigating, but since Travis is a journalist, his investigative skills are quite different from Kailyn's. But it all works out in the end.

If you like magick and laughter, pick up this series and enjoy! We give this book 5 paws up.

This Magick Marmot by Sharon Pape is a fascinating cozy mystery that kept me on my toes. Merlin, by far, is the best comedy relief.

Who killed Genna? Is it the same person that murdered Scott?

Kailyn Wilde
Kailyn Wilde is our sleuth and point-of-view character like she has been for the past four books. She is a good witch trying to run her family's business while keeping her town safe. It also doesn't help when her grandfather Merlin, has caused trouble for her and Tilly. Merlin and Tilly are the funniest characters when they are together, and when they are apart, it's just Merlin. Kailyn is a great person for trying to do these cases.

What I like about Kailyn is that she tries her hardest to be an average person. Yet, she is trying to figure out what other magical powers that she possesses before her 30th birthday in two years. Another thing that I like about her is that she is so in love with Travis that it is generally cute to see, especially when they need that break from a severe case. Like with this case, they needed a lot of breaks.

The Mystery
The mystery is one that has been in the making for ten years, and, sadly, it has taken this long. Scott Desmond was a friend of Kailyn's in high school until he drowns on their prom night. One of Kailyn's other friends named Genna died at their ten-year class reunion, and of course, Kailyn and Travis are on the case. I admit I fell for a lot of the red herrings for it, but it all made sense when it was being told at the end why the person did it.

Five Stars
This Magick Marmot by Sharon Pape is the funniest cozy mystery series I have read. Merlin is the comedy relief, but the mystery is what gets the reader involved, you know, trying to beat the sleuth to solve the mystery. Ms. Pape has done an excellent job on this, and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. I am giving this story five stars and recommending it to any reader that is a cozy paranormal mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of This Magick Marmot by Sharon Pape.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I am always happy when a new book in this series comes out. I like Kailyn, her aunt, her boyfriend and all the assorted other characters. I love bringing Merlin, yes THE Merlin, into the story as comic relief, although he always seems to be creating some disaster down upon Kailyn and her aunt. This time he uses his magick to summon a new familiar- a sweet marmot. This is Merlin so it does not go well but it is entertaining.
Of course, the fact that there are lots and lots of kitties, including Kailyn’s own familiar only adds to the enjoyment.
The basic story is also good. At her 10 year high school reunion one of Kailyn’s best childhood friends is murdered. Then it appears another classmate is clearly the next intended victim not once but multiple times. With the sighting of the ghosts of another of her friends who drowned on Prom night, there is a definite connection between the deaths. Kailyn needs to discover the answer before the body count increases. And there is a good chance Kailyn may be one of them.
It is a fun read that will while away the hours.. If you like magic and mayhem, check it out.
Five purrs and two paws up..

THIS MAGICK MARMOT by Sharon Pape
The Fifth Abracadabra Mystery

Kailyn Wilde is apprehensive about attending her tenth high school reunion, but the jitters pass as soon as she sees her old friends Genna and Charlotte. The night is filled with memories and laughter, but soon tragedy when Charlotte finds Genna dead in the ladies room. Kailyn has to wonder if her demise is tied to the death of a classmate their Senior year. Although deemed an accidental death ten years ago, there were nebulous rumors that someone was to blame for Scott's death. Has someone decided to finally get vengeance?

Secrets, vengeance, and love conspire in the fifth Abracadabra Mystery. There's an intriguing storyline whereby past choices determine the present action. In addition, Kailyn is working on new magickal abilities while Merlin (yes, that Merlin) tries to correct the problem all of the Wildes have been having with their magick. There's a good puzzle, heart stopping action, and lots of laughs.

Family continues to play a big part in this series. We see trust, worry, and the lengths people will go to for each other. We see how they work together as well as how families change. While Kailyn's deceased mother and grandmother seem to be moving on, and possibly away, we see other ties bonding more tightly. I adore Merlin's new familiar while continuing to love Shashkatu, who has a commanding presence despite the limitations of age.

THIS MAGICK MARMOT is a magickally filled mystery with humor, love, and marmots! I absolutely love this series and the characters that live in its pages. I only wish I could take that two hour drive to the east and meet them in person!