Heather Blake – One Potion in the Grave

The second book in the Magic Potion Mystery series, published October 7, 2014.
Genre: paranormal cozy mystery
Cover: pretty



Carly Bell Hartwell's love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South. When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family more than a decade ago. But she's not back for a social visit; she's come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son's high-profile wedding. But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she's forced to forever hold her peace.
After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue's family take the term "bad blood" to a whole new level? And why did the bride to be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception...

I am a big fan of Heather Blake/Heather Webber’s series, but when I read the first book in this series last year, I did not like it all that much. And that made me a bit sad as I wanted to love it as much as her other books. It also made me hesitant in picking up the second book, but I am so glad I finally did it, as I really enjoyed this one. This time, I really liked Carly and her extremely quirky relatives and friends. They were so much fun to read about. I don’t know what changed though, compared to the first book, perhaps just my mood?

The mystery was very good, and the real killer not somebody I had suspected. Katie Sue has been murdered, and perhaps it was the mighty senator who did not want her to upset his plans for his son and their careers in politics, but perhaps it was her own family? Her weak addicted mother and the sleazy stepfather who are after her money? Her older sister perhaps who carries a grudge?

It is really disheartening to read about how far a mother can go for the man she loves and the evil things she is willing to do to her own children because he asks it of her. And I know this happens in real life as well. Of course I was willing to believe it was the politician who could do this without blinking an eye, because, well, power corrupts and he wants more power. Yes I think Karma got him.

It is a really good book, a lot of fun because of the eccentric characters of mainly Carly’s family, but it just felt real, and engaged all of my emotions. And I love that in a book.
A good story, characters you like and to root for, a possible love story, and a good murder mystery. Bring on the next book Heather Blake!

9 stars.

© 2015 Reviews by Aurian