I think it's important to preface my review by admitting that I did not read the first book in the series - I saw this book was available as a READ NOW on NetGalley and the cover drew me in and I immediately downloaded it. I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series, but I don't think that not having read the first book took away from my experience...!

This story really started off strong! This was easy to follow and doesn't have complicated/flowery writing - the world was the fictional town of Hollowbeck in London so the world was easily created. I enjoyed the characters that we meet throughout the book and our main character Morgan was quirky and interesting as she is trying to turn her brother Ruiner back into a human (he was turned into a cat in the previous book!).

The first half of the book was incredibly entertaining, but I found the second half wasn't as strong and felt like it dragged a bit. I did enjoy the conclusion and I would continue on with the series to see how everything wraps up. I loved the magical carnival setting.

I recommend this to lovers of witchy fiction looking for a good laugh.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for making this ARC available!

It was sssoooooooooooooooooo good to be back to Hollowbeck!
But we won't stay there for long, as this second chapter mostly take place inside a spooky and enchanted Carnival, where the show takes its toll.
And when in Hollowbeck, the toll seems to be Ruiner...

Honestly? In the beginning I missed the cozy witchy town atmosphere so much.
I felt the change of mood in the story, where Morgan and Ruiner were facing all alone such a huge "monster" like the entire Carnival, with all its rules, secrets and powers.

It's pretty evident that both characters make a step forwards here: the plot gets more dramatic and sombre, Morgan is becoming more mature and conscious of her powers, and Ruiner... well, he starts doing something for others, too!
So, after the small bit of disappointment for not being in Hollowbeck the whole time, I was satisfied with this development in the story.

A praise - again - goes to the narrative ability of the author, which really make the whole difference: she is terrific when it comes to create expectations and delusions. All throught the book you can never be sure if our heroes will be safe and sound or if you will see them suffering again. And this is what really kept me glued to the pages.

Just a small defect of this novel: I think a detailed tale of the whole Carnival lore is lacking a bit. While reading you can feel there's a lot behind it (as in any proper Carnival!). More facts and stories would have added up to the epic of the plot!

You will love "One smart witch" if you are into witchy soft horror stories - this time with a little bit of shadows.
I did and, well, I'm waiting for the next book!

This was a cute paranormal cozy fantasy/mystery. I was unaware when I began this book, that it is the second installment of a series. I enjoyed this story enough to double back and read book 1.

The interaction between Morgan and Ruiner, her cursed cat brother is hilarious!

It gives EUREKA vibes but with a witchy feel.

Quick, cozy read.

Thank you Netgalley and Sterling & Stone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Morgan is still coming to grips with her new reality. Living in Hollowbeck, her brother turned into a cat and now the keeper of the grimoire, she has not yet accepted that she is, indeed, a witch. The arrival of a mysterious and sinister Carnival does not help matters. It seems the townspeople have accepted whatever doom the Carnival will bring to them and are neither willing nor able to defy them when Ruiner is accused of murdering the man who was trying to reverse the curse and return him to human shape.

There are a lot of strange and unusual creatures roaming around the Carnival and the magic that keeps unwanted visitors out does not stop Morgan. She is determined to rescue both Ruiner and her rat familiar, Josephine. Best laid plans of mice and men does not begin to describe the mess in which Morgan finds herself. She is caught and imprisoned and she is going to be burnt if she cannot figure a way out. The Carnival, a living breathing entity, needs to eat. And the grimoire could sate it for a very long time. All Morgan has to do is give it up the Ring Mistress. Morgan has no delusions and will not surrender even if it means her doom.

Very exciting and fast moving. I had to keep going to find out what was going to happen next. Will Morgan figure out what to do? And if she is this latently powerful witch, when will her powers kick in and to what degree? Can it save her, Ruiner, Jacqueline and the entire town? Is she really a smart witch or is she going to be fodder for the Carnival? I am not telling. You will just have to read it yourself. Five purrs and two paws up.

Ruiner is in trouble again and counts on his sister Morgan to help him. Oh, and he’s still a cat. Another thing to be solved. This Hollowbeck series is lovely. I really enjoyed the interaction between the siblings. If you like witchy things then you’ll like the series.
I received a review copy for free via Netgalley and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Just as delightful and entertaining as the first book, but with much higher stakes this time!

Morgan has somewhat come to terms with her new status as town witch, but is still struggling to find a counter curse for her brother, Ruiner. When a travelling circus comes to town with an advertised wizard "Legendary Lionel", Morgan is keen to enlist his help. However, things don't go according to plan when Lionels body shows up during a circus open night and Ruiner and his witchy sister are the number one suspects.

The plot for this book was alot stronger than the first in my opinion.The whole idea of the travelling circus and how it was explained was fascinating. The creepy atmosphere of the big top was palpable. While at least half of the book takes place at the circus, it does mean the Hollowbeck regulars do not play as significant role (much to my dismay, as I've really come to love those weirdos). Instead, you are introduced to a new gang of quirky characters from the circus, some friends, some most definitely enemies.

I can't wait for the third installment, although it's going to be difficult to say Goodbye to this world and characters that I have grown so very fond of.

Big Thank-you to Netgalley and Sterling & Stone publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Cozy mysteries are not my typical genre, but I am having such a good time with this series. It's nice for when you just need a palate cleanser or a nice and breezy story. It is packed with humor and snark and has just enough mystery to keep you guessing. I like the quirky town of Hollowbeck with it's even quirkier inhabitants. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

"One Smart Witch (The Hollowbeck Paranormal Cozy Mysteries #2)" by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt is maybe two thirds, at best, cozy mystery and a third cozy fantasy. Almost half and half. It starts out cozy mystery. Then a little over half way in feels all fantasy no mystery and wraps up like "oh, yeah, this is supposed to be a mystery." The story still really sucks you in.

The circus/carnival comes to Hollowbeck, think a tv show Charmed or Supernatural style one. It lures you in and there are all kinds of acts and side shows that couldn't possibly be real, but they are. Morgan and the gang go to consult the Wizard about how to fix her brother. Then, her brother shows up mid act sitting on top of the body of the wizard. He doesn't know what happened but the carnival has its own laws and they kick everyone out while taking him prisoner.

Morgan returns in disguise and acts like she wants to join the carnival so she can investigate. She makes a few friends and gets some answers. Unfortunately, this leads to another death that she is now blamed for. The ringmaster finds out she has a powerful grimoire and takes Morgan prisoner. One thing leads to another, and if I put it here it'll be major spoilers, Morgan saves most everyone and we're back to the mystery of who doesn't want Morgan in Hollowbeck.

More an adventure than cozy - perfect combination of tension, suspense, action, and humor with a fun cast of characters - you know, vampires, ghosts, witches, snarky brother now a cat, and the creepy carnival (yes, with clowns). Can't go wrong with this one!

This is the second book of this paranormal series. It is just as entertaining as the first book with engaging characters and an interesting plot. Humor threads through the book. Making it a fun, breezy read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for for giving giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is slowly becoming one of my fav paranormal series.

With weird characters and town, and the "witch" so lost in it, the authors really paint a picture.

As with the first book, this one is also very well written with a great flow. The way the authors kept pulling me back to the story was astounding, every time I felt that Morgan was winning, she didn't, and she kept going and I was glad to see a little more courage in Morgan, but I think it's time she accepts that she is a witch. Ruiner's character also showed growth by the end of the book and I hope he doesn't go back to his old self anytime soon.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the second book in a fun new series by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and really enjoyed this one as well. Morgan’s brother Ruiner is still a cat and they haven’t figured out how to change him back. A creepy carnival shows up on the outskirts of town so they decide to go check it out. One of the carnival workers is advertised as a wizard, they think he may be able to help. I’m not so sure I would have taken this route, but off the go. Problems ensue. Morgan doesn’t know who she can trust to help them and I’m not sure either! I highly recommend this series if you like witchy cozies. Thanks to NetGalley and Sterling &Stone for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the series and I find it's light humor to be appealing.
Morgan still hasn't figured out how to change her brother back into human form, so Ruiner is still a cat, and not at all happy about it.
A magical carnival is coming to down, which should bring fun to their town, but it brings darkness and danger and its up to Morgan and Ruiner to set things right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Magical vibes and a talking cat? This filled the Sabrina the Teenage Witch hole in my heart. A carnival is always a great setting and this is no different, it's magical and atmospheric. I loved the characters and the cozy mystery feel and I'll have to go back and read the first one

"One Smart Witch" is the second book in "The Hollowbeck Paranormal Cozy Mysteries" series by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt. This story is about Morgan who is a witch, and her talking cat, Ruiner, as they face new challenges in their magical town. The second book focuses on a magic carnival that brings mystery and danger to the small town. Morgan and Ruiner must work together to uncover the secrets of the carnival and protect their town.

Readers of the first book, will likely find "One Smart Witch" similar and continuing with an engaging blend of humor, magic, and mystery that is found throughout the series so far. The dynamic between Morgan and Ruiner adds a unique and entertaining element to the story, making it a fun and cozy read for fans of paranormal mysteries.