Now You See It by Carol J. Perry (Witch City Mysteries #13) 4.5 stars

After marrying in ‘Til Death (2022), Lee Mondello nee Barrett is settling into marital bliss. But a new work challenge brings a mystery into her life. A blockbuster exhibit is coming to Salem which emphasizes the Seafaring history of New England. Objects on loan from major museums and prominent New England families will be on display and Lee Barrett is tasked by her boss at WICH-TV to film a documentary on the exhibit. A murder of an armored guard transporting some valuable objects and a discovery of theft will keep Lee on the lookout for the culprits.
This was an enjoyable mystery from start to finish. Lee’s analytical mind, along with her psychic insight provide valuable clues to help solve the murder. I really enjoyed the dialogue between Lee and her husband, Pete. I can’t wait for the next entry, Death Scene coming out in August 2024.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

Lee Barrett is getting used to her new role as "Historical Documentary Chief Executive" for WICH-TV, gathering footage for a documentary about the Seafaring New England exhibit at a new museum. After the driver of an armored truck is murdered while delivering a shipment of artifacts, she becomes involved in the investigation. What's interesting about this one is how far removed Lee is from the murder. Her police detective husband provides her with details, but she didn't know the victim and her only ties to the case are as a television reporter. She does spend a lot of time with the suspects and the solution to the mystery is a satisfying one, with clues along the way that will make sense by the end. This is a well established series and obviously there's a lot I don't know about the characters and their history and relationships, but the author makes it easy to jump right in without a ton of back story. There are some fun supernatural elements, including the visions that Lee sees in reflective objects and a model ship that appears to be haunted.

I absolutely love the Witch City Mystery series. Lee is a newlywed and settling into life with her husband, Pete. I love that they live near Lee's aunt Ibby so that O'Ryan the cat can still play a major role in the series. The mystery was strong, and the characters and setting were amazing as always. This continues to be a strong series!

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Carol J. Perry

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Lee and Pete are enjoying their marriage and new house in Salem where Pete is with the local police and Lee is working at the local TV station, WICH-Tv. Lee has been picked to do a documentary for the local museum in Salem that will house a fortune in artifacts. When the delivery driver is found dead outside the museum the town helps Lee find the criminal. This is book 13 in the Witch City mystery series and it’s a good one.

Now You See It is a fantastic new entry in the Witch City Mystery series. This is one of my favorite series and this book does not disappoint. It perfectly blends a murder mystery with more history of Salem. Lee is such a great character. The author put in plenty of red herrings that really made it difficult to figure out who the killer was. The way the book ends makes me really look forward to the next book in the series because it's a possibility that Lee and Pete's family might expand in the future.

Lee Mondello has long worn many hats while working for Salem, Massachusetts’ WICH-TV public broadcasting station, but the latest role offered to her may be the most prestigious one yet. With the opening of the Salem International Museum, her boss wants her to produce and host a brand new documentary series chronicling the museum’s very first traveling exhibit, Seafaring New England. Salem will be the first stop for the show, which will feature treasures loaned from all over the world, including from their city’s own long-established families.

Covering the exhibit will allow Lee to add “historical documentary executive director” to her resume, as well as give her a sneak peek into the behind the scenes work that goes into putting on the glamorous affair. While she’s never tackled anything quite this ambitious before, she’s definitely up for the challenge, with a little help from her beloved family and colleagues.

Alas that their preparations are marred by the unexplained shooting death of an armored truck driver transporting artifacts for the exhibit. All the artifacts are accounted for, and the driver’s wallet is undisturbed, so it doesn’t look like robbery was the motive for his murder. His gun, however, is missing from the scene.

While Lee’s new husband Detective Pete Mondello works the case, she tries to concentrate on the documentary assignment. She’s quickly swept up in the excitement over the newly renovated space as the museum gradually fills with displays both gorgeous and historic. But when a ship model with a tragic backstory gives rise to rumors of hauntings – and other valuable pieces begin to disappear and reappear – Lee will have to rely on all her skills, professional and paranormal, to get to the bottom of these mysteries.

The thirteenth installment of the Witch City mystery series brings plenty of developments, both spooky and otherwise, for our heroine and her friends and family. Even as Lee is springboarding into her future, her beloved Aunt Ibby suffers an unexpected setback, while her new neighbor Mike Martell makes plans that will have repercussions for them all. The mystery too is multi-layered, with the question of why the poor armored truck driver was murdered proving as baffling as who might have wanted to kill him.

There were three recipes included here, and as I’ve had my fill of delicious savory goods over the holidays, I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Aunt Ibby’s Lemon Bar Pie

1 store-bought 8- or 9-inch graham cracker (or gingersnap) piecrust
1 medium lemon (Aunt Ibby prefers Meyer lemons)
1 ½ cup sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinch of salt
4 large fresh eggs
Powdered sugar sifted for the topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the lemon into four wedges, then cut each one across and remove all the seeds. Put all the ingredients except the crust and the powdered sugar into a good blender and process just until smooth. Pour this creamed mixture into the crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Place on wire rack. This pie sets as it cools. When it’s cool, dust it with the powdered sugar just like lemon bars.
END QUOTE

I love how easy this is to make, though I do recommend either blending the mixture for a little longer than you might think it needs or making sure to get a lemon with a tender peel. Due to some confusion with my extended family, I wound up having to use a slightly older lemon in this recipe, rendering the bits of peel in the finished dessert a little tougher to chew than I’d prefer. My mother, on the other hand, absolutely loved the bits of chewy peel, so if you do too, then absolutely follow the instructions here as written.

I also think the pie might have used a little extra time in the oven: not too much longer, perhaps five or so more minutes to make sure the center set a little more firmly. And while Aunt Ibby might recommend serving this as quickly as possible, I’ve found that it actually keeps quite well in the refrigerator for a few days, if you wish to prolong the lemony magic.

Next week, a strange dog leads us right into the heart of a murder mystery, as we bake up delicious treats for humans. Do join me!

I liked this book. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked the characters and the setting. Things progress in each books, which is always nice.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now You See It, is another delightful book in the Witch City Series by Carol J. Perry. I love Pete, Lee, and O’Ryan the cat. Newly married and trying to settle into their after the honeymoon phase, the last thing they have on their minds is murder but… as is the usual case, Lee steps into a world of theft and murder while filming a documentary about the latest museum in Salem. This story is filled with everything fans love, and new fans will be delighted with. Read along as Lee and Pete solve another murder, while does her best to be everything she can be in the world of the paranormal, television news, and family life.

In this newest installment of Witch City Mysteries Lee Barrett and her new husband Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello are settling in to their new married life.

Lee likes her job as program director for Salem, Massachusetts’s local station, WICH-TV, but misses being in front of the camera. When her boss asks her to be the new Historical Documentary Chief Executive, she's happy to accept. Her first assignment is creating a documentary about the brand-new Salem International Museum.

Before the museum has a chance to open, there are a murder and a theft to solve. Lee, Pete and friends are determined to get to the bottom of the crimes before the museum opens to the public.

#NowYouSeeIt

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

Fun shorter cozy with fun witty characters.

Now you See It is the thirteen book in the Witch City series set in Salam, Mass. and following Lee Barrett. Lee is excited to take on a new project for WICH-TV that puts her back in front of the camera. A docu series surrounding the creation of a new historical museum in town. The mystery surrounds the death of a driver transporting some of the artifacts, although nothing seems to have been stolen. Lee's gut and her visions tell her there's more to this crime and the museum is at its core.
There's lots of great moments with Lee and Pete settling into their new home as newlyweds and we still get lots of interactions with her Aunt Ibby and their shared cat O'Ryan!
I love these series and I highly recommend this instalment.

This is one of my favorite series and so I was excited to get to the newest one! I really enjoyed it though I don't know if I am getting picky or it just now started annoying me but Lee grumbling around Scott all the times really got old. Other than that it was great!

Book Review: Now You See It by Carol J. Perry

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐ stars

In Now You See It, Lee Barrett, recently married to Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, takes on a new and exciting role as WICH-TV's "Historical Documentary Chief Executive." Thrilled about her first project, Lee eagerly delves into the world of the Salem International Museum, a fascinating institution that is about to open its doors to the public.

However, as Lee immerses herself in her research and documentation tasks, little does she know that danger lurks in the shadows. A shocking turn of events unfolds when the lifeless body of the driver responsible for transporting the precious antiquities is discovered beneath a seemingly harmless pile of autumn leaves.
Determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the deceased, Lee partners up with her supportive husband Pete, her ever-wise Aunt Ibby, their loyal friends, and the enigmatic clairvoyant cat O'Ryan.

Together, this formidable team embarks on an enthralling journey to unravel the mystery surrounding the tragic demise and the eerie circumstances that surround it. Their quest for answers leads them to the uncharted territory of a haunted ship model, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their already compelling investigation.

Set against the backdrop of Salem, Massachusetts, Now You See It captures the essence of this historically rich and supernaturally charged locale. Author Carol J. Perry masterfully transports readers to a world teeming with secrets, where the past intertwines with the present, and where paranormal phenomena intertwine with everyday life.

The characters in this installment of the Witch City Mystery series are not only likable but also highly relatable. Lee Barrett, in particular, shines as a captivating protagonist who skillfully balances her psychic abilities with her unwavering determination to solve perplexing mysteries. Perry's skillful character development makes it effortless for readers to connect with and root for these lovable individuals as they navigate through a web of intrigue.

Perry's writing style is both engaging and enjoyable. With a skillful blend of dialogue and descriptive passages, she effortlessly paints vivid pictures in the reader's mind, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story's unfolding events.

While Now You See It boasts well-constructed mysteries that keep readers guessing, some may find the pacing a bit sluggish at times. Certain scenes tend to be unnecessarily prolonged, which can disrupt the overall flow of the narrative and momentarily detract from the excitement.

Moreover, one notable drawback of this book is its excessive repetition of past events and character traits. While providing necessary context can be helpful for readers who are new to the series or may have forgotten certain details, the constant reiteration can become tiresome for those who have been following Lee Barrett's adventures since the beginning.

Despite these minor flaws, Now You See It remains an entertaining addition to the Witch City Mystery series. It offers readers an enjoyable escape into the enchanting world of Salem's supernatural secrets, where questions beg to be answered and where danger lurks around every corner. With its captivating characters and masterfully crafted setting, this book is sure to keep fans of mystery and paranormal fiction intrigued until the very end.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Fun and interesting new addition to the series. Lee and Pete are now married, and settling into sharing their lives together. Lee's still at WICH TV, although she's now the program director (among other jobs), and Pete's still an officer. Aunt Ibby is living by herself since Lee moved out, and O'Ryan the cat familiar goes back and forth between their houses. And Lee is still helping solve murders.

I enjoyed this mystery so much! I like the paranormal elements, the mysteries, the characters, and trying to figure out whodunit as the author reveals each new twist and turn and red herring. Can't wait to read more in this series.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Another top notch book in one of my favourite series. Great characters and a well written whodunit keep you entertained and guessing.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I am always looking for new cozy series that are entertaining and fun, this book has all that and more . This is the first book that I am reading by this author but I feel that it can be read as a stand alone .

This book is a quick and easy read that will hold your interest from start to finish and I loved the idea of a clairvoyant cat .

I just reviewed Now You See It by Carol J. Perry. #NowYouSeeIt #NetGalley

Now You See It by Carol J. Perry has readers traveling to Salem, Massachusetts where Lee Barrett finds herself with a new job title. Of course, this new assignment is added to her other duties (you must juggle many hats when working at WICH-TV). I like the characters in this series. I have been reading it since the beginning which has allowed me to get to know Lee, Aunt Ibby, Pete, River North, O’Ryan, and the cast of secondary characters. The author brings Salem to life by including stores, streets, and attractions from the city. I was surprised at the slow pace of the story (not normal for this series). There are also repetitive details. The mystery has many elements, and it takes time for all the details to be laid out. Lee sees some visions and gets some help from O’Ryan. I wish that Lee would accept her gift. I like that Pete and Lee collaborate (a good way to start their marriage). They also consult with Aunt Ibby. Everything wraps up quickly once all the pieces of the puzzle are in place. The proposed museum sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit. I did feel that too much of the book was devoted to the setting up of the new museum (which did not help the pacing). It was nice to check in with the newlyweds and to see how O’Ryan was adjusting to his new home. It’s cute that O’Ryan can go between his new home and Aunt Ibby’s thanks to the cat doors. Now You See It is a witchy tale with a new museum, a dead driver, curious cat clues, a tarot card reading, an obliging aunt, and contented newlyweds.

Autumn in Salem, Mass for a magic-infused murder mystery seemed like a great time to try a new to me author and her paranormal cozy mystery series that has caught my attention in the past.

Now You See It is the thirteenth of the Witch City series and I had little trouble picking up and starting out at this point. The author gives the backdrop of the characters, setting, and world of the series so I had no trouble getting up to speed.

Autumn in Salem which initially drew me in was a big part of the story so I was not disappointed for the seasonal element. I had a blast meeting Lee with Pete her new husband just as they were starting out as a married pair shuffling their lives together. Sometimes there is some extra drama when amateur detective and professional detective share a case, but I loved how Lee helped and shared and Pete respected what she brought to the table. Lee sees visions and has psychic gifts and he accepts this- it is well into the series by now so I would have been surprised if it was all still unresolved.

But, the fun members of the amateur detecting crew are the cat with magic abilities, O’ Ryan, and Lee’s Aunt Ibby having some witch magic. Colorful personality, Ibby is like a mother to Lee and raised her.

So besides the fall activities going on, Lee’s work has her documentary for WICH TV (don’t you love it?) set at Salem’s newest museum for a maritime-themed, Sea-Faring Exhibit. Some of the pieces for the exhibit have disappeared and there is one piece that seems to be haunted and needs them to do something about. I enjoyed that the author took the time to paint in the historical backdrop of Salem in its heyday as big-time port city as noted with the artifacts brought in. The murder mystery is over the traveling exhibit’s cargo driver’s death.

The mystery took a while to get rolling and the plot focus is not one thread, but on many moving parts so that progress isn’t always happening. I was into the characters and all the descriptions of their activities and the goings on in Salem so I didn’t mind much. I really didn’t try to solve it though I did have my suspicions that lighted on the culprit, but not for sure.

All in all, this was a gently-paced and light cozy with some magical elements. I was in the right mood for it and for the fall setting so it worked well for me. Magical cats are a huge plus. Cozy fans are definitely the target audience particularly if they enjoy historical elements and magical artifact mysteries with their murder.

Pro:
* Maritime history of Salem - good angle instead of the expected Salem tropes
* Unique way of bringing in the current crime & set of suspects
* Familiar friends and habits without feeling formulaic, the series has settled in to a comfortable community.
*
Con:
* Audiobook narrator is so over-emoting and annoying
* I don’t buy that Pete will just start discussing cases with Lee.


Thank you to Carol J. Perry, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.