Pawsitively Poisonous is the first book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson.
Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand. Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer.
Pawsitively Poisonous is an enjoyable read that manages to introduce a town full of interesting characters without making the reader feel overwhelmed with the amount of information. I thought Amber was a great characters, smart and compassionate with a past that promises to be looked at more as the series continues. I really liked the slow reveal of the characters involved in the murder and investigation- and seeing the relationship develop between Amber and the police was engaging. I feel like I have a good handle on the majority of the town, and some of the important connections or challenges between people. I thought the mystery elements were very well done, and had just enough twists to keep me guessing. I was very happy to see that while Amber certainly was aware of the guys in the town, there was no romance in this book. I love me some romance, but it is nice to be able to focus on the mystery and getting the lay of the land without hormones and whatnot taking over. I also liked that while there are plenty of things I want to know more about, and a little opps moment at the end that have my itching for the next book, that there is also a satisfying conclusion. The important bits of the story are wrapped up, and there is a resolution to the story without a huge cliffhanger to make me grit my teeth. I am very eager to see where this series goes from here, and I will be following this one.
Pawsitively Poisonous is a great start to a mystery series, and I look forward to continuing to read it. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans that enjoy a touch of magic in their reads.
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