What do you think?
Rate this book
Starry Hollow Witches #6
Magic & Madness
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
New Jersey transplant Ember Rose finds herself in the thick of the action when a traveling carnival comes to Starry Hollow. Taking Florian’s advice to be more sociable, she ends up as a member of the Power Puffs—a team of middle school moms who’ve never met a baking competition they haven’t entered. Ember is only a passenger in their drive to win—until her sexy vampire boss’s girlfriend joins a competing team.
When a body is discovered in the seer’s tent, Ember swaps her rolling pin for a pen in her quest to uncover the truth. Can she find the killer before the fun and games come to an end—permanently?
Magic & Madness is the sixth book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.
This is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery novel.
Books in the series include:
Magic & Murder, Book 1
Magic & Mystery, Book 2
Magic & Mischief, Book 3
Magic & Mayhem, Book 4
Magic & Mercy, Book 5
Magic & Madness, Book 6
New Jersey transplant Ember Rose finds herself in the thick of the action when a traveling carnival comes to Starry Hollow. Taking Florian’s advice to be more sociable, she ends up as a member of the Power Puffs—a team of middle school moms who’ve never met a baking competition they haven’t entered. Ember is only a passenger in their drive to win—until her sexy vampire boss’s girlfriend joins a competing team.
When a body is discovered in the seer’s tent, Ember swaps her rolling pin for a pen in her quest to uncover the truth. Can she find the killer before the fun and games come to an end—permanently?
Magic & Madness is the sixth book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.
This is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery novel.
Books in the series include:
Magic & Murder, Book 1
Magic & Mystery, Book 2
Magic & Mischief, Book 3
Magic & Mayhem, Book 4
Magic & Mercy, Book 5
Magic & Madness, Book 6
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
About the author
Annabel Chase
181 books1,201 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 3, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring. -- I remove previously rated books to not give a false positive or negative, if books IMO got better or worse as the series progressed.)
(I do not read reviews before I read a book, I like to go in with an open mind.)
Best part in the books was Raoul.
Alec started to annoy me a few books ago, so I was fine with her going for Granger, until the previous book, when he became annoying. That was part of what got book 2 downgraded to 2 stars.
I'm now done with this series.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Not this series / world -- others of hers I still enjoy. -- Okay its now 3rd January 2023 and have tried other of her books. This series seems to be an aberration, both those read before and after, I've enjoyed!
Would you recommend?: Not this series.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked or DNF
I wish we could add 0.25 / 0.50 and 0.75 of stars to better show feelings towards books
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
(I do not read reviews before I read a book, I like to go in with an open mind.)
Best part in the books was Raoul.
Alec started to annoy me a few books ago, so I was fine with her going for Granger, until the previous book, when he became annoying. That was part of what got book 2 downgraded to 2 stars.
I'm now done with this series.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Not this series / world -- others of hers I still enjoy. -- Okay its now 3rd January 2023 and have tried other of her books. This series seems to be an aberration, both those read before and after, I've enjoyed!
Would you recommend?: Not this series.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked or DNF
I wish we could add 0.25 / 0.50 and 0.75 of stars to better show feelings towards books
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2018
Ok now I’m wishing I stopped after book 1 when there was hope for a wonderful hea and a great new start for Ember and Marley but it’s all gone down the drain and I’m done wasting my time with a series that has disappointed me from the start I kept hoping for so much more but never got it.
May 20, 2018
Mommy guilt drama
I loved the mystery and the deepening relationship. I am thoroughly enjoying that we get glimpses of her life outside the magic, outside the plot.
I loved the mystery and the deepening relationship. I am thoroughly enjoying that we get glimpses of her life outside the magic, outside the plot.
June 17, 2019
The more the series focuses on romance over mystery, the less I'm into it, I have to admit. Not just Ember's, but other people's business that she meddles in too.
April 23, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ember Rose
Nathan Speedwell
Artemis Haverford
Florian Rose-Muldoon
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ember and Marley go to the carnival that has come to town. Due to her having indecisiveness between Alec and Granger Marley talks her mum into seeing a fortune teller. The fortune teller leaves her confused so she sneaks back to ask her another question only to find the fortune teller has been murdered before she can ask her question.
Final thoughts
This was a good read for me. I enjoyed the carnival side of this and I thought it was a fun way to have a murder in the book. It was sad though for why she was killed.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ember Rose
Nathan Speedwell
Artemis Haverford
Florian Rose-Muldoon
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ember and Marley go to the carnival that has come to town. Due to her having indecisiveness between Alec and Granger Marley talks her mum into seeing a fortune teller. The fortune teller leaves her confused so she sneaks back to ask her another question only to find the fortune teller has been murdered before she can ask her question.
Final thoughts
This was a good read for me. I enjoyed the carnival side of this and I thought it was a fun way to have a murder in the book. It was sad though for why she was killed.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
August 15, 2022
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
June 13, 2024
I've now read the first 6 books. All of them (for me) have hovered around the 3 star mark. More or less, they are short little mystery episodes that deal in a little bit of magic and a tiny bit of romance.
I like the "found" family dynamic and am happy to report the TSTL moments have lessened (but still exist) in later books. There is and has been a love triangle (in the very small amount of romance that exists) that probably should have been edited out. I think the existence of it made both relationships shallow.
I like the "found" family dynamic and am happy to report the TSTL moments have lessened (but still exist) in later books. There is and has been a love triangle (in the very small amount of romance that exists) that probably should have been edited out. I think the existence of it made both relationships shallow.
February 3, 2021
Nah, lazy writing. From not being able to read minds to suddenly doing it without hassle and with the one person she’s actively shielding her thoughts from no less! How come she cant read the sherriff’s mind?
Child used as tool to move plot along to show she will end up with vamp = BORING!! 🙄
Past 3 books harping and whining over wanting to be with the vamp. Sherriff’s too good for her. Previous book he said he wishes he could carry her pain. Excuse me!! You have someone worth your time and effort and yet you whine about the vamp. She’s become dislikeable. She was a strong, independent repo agent and now she’s a whiner.
12+ books in series and we already know that the vamp is the one. Its not a small town - cant she meet others to date? Why does she have to play match-maker and why cant she bloody move on? You’d think they are the only 2 bachelors there. And second series that the author has MC settle for the blonde guy 😑
Just another series totally ruined for me. Am honestly very disappointed ☹️
Child used as tool to move plot along to show she will end up with vamp = BORING!! 🙄
Past 3 books harping and whining over wanting to be with the vamp. Sherriff’s too good for her. Previous book he said he wishes he could carry her pain. Excuse me!! You have someone worth your time and effort and yet you whine about the vamp. She’s become dislikeable. She was a strong, independent repo agent and now she’s a whiner.
12+ books in series and we already know that the vamp is the one. Its not a small town - cant she meet others to date? Why does she have to play match-maker and why cant she bloody move on? You’d think they are the only 2 bachelors there. And second series that the author has MC settle for the blonde guy 😑
Just another series totally ruined for me. Am honestly very disappointed ☹️
June 6, 2022
Gosh there are some harsh reviews for this one posted here! I enjoy this series as an easy and engaging read that doesn't require a lot of brain power to follow. Is it rocket science? No. Does it follow a more formulaic route? Yes. I sincerely believe however that books are all about characters and stories. It doesn't detract one iota from my enjoyment that the book follows a predictable plot arc. Honestly, when you read as much as I do the majority of novels in the world follow predictable arcs, that doesn't make them any less enjoyable.
This was a cute story with nice characters. I do feel like at book 6 I am a little exhausted by the ongoing love triangle. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I like Ember less each book for her indecisiveness. I'll still be continuing with the series and hoping the triangle will soon pass.
This was a cute story with nice characters. I do feel like at book 6 I am a little exhausted by the ongoing love triangle. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I like Ember less each book for her indecisiveness. I'll still be continuing with the series and hoping the triangle will soon pass.
July 4, 2018
I just love these witches of Starry Hollow, especially Ember Rose. I was sad to think I was reading the last book, but then discovered there's a 7th book coming soon.
********************SPOILERS*******************
I can't wait too see if Marley will inherit her witch powers on her 11th birthday or if she'll end up human like her father. And the romance between Ember and Granger continues since she decided to close the door on her potential relationship with Alec. Aster's marriage is good and Linnea and Rick the Minotaur shifter are still having fun. No more unrequited love for Delphine now that she's found out the real life Florian isn't the same as the Florian of her dreams. It's so nice when a break up is amiable and leaves no broken hearts.
Should be great.
********************SPOILERS*******************
I can't wait too see if Marley will inherit her witch powers on her 11th birthday or if she'll end up human like her father. And the romance between Ember and Granger continues since she decided to close the door on her potential relationship with Alec. Aster's marriage is good and Linnea and Rick the Minotaur shifter are still having fun. No more unrequited love for Delphine now that she's found out the real life Florian isn't the same as the Florian of her dreams. It's so nice when a break up is amiable and leaves no broken hearts.
Should be great.
May 6, 2019
The long haul
A wonderful entertaining read. Okay I guessed the culprit early on but I loved the plot. A nicely constructed tight plot that covered everything from love to envy to despair. Great to see her magical powers growing and glad she's finally starting to accept that the vamp will never let her in.
The carnival has come to town and there is a buzz of excitement. However when the fortune teller is murdered just after doing a reading for her and her daughter it turns into an investigation. Plus her favourite vamp has his girlfriend in tow constantly whilst the sheriff is slowly wearing her down. Throw in magic lessons, a daughter desperate to fit in, possible affairs and stir well. Will it open her mind to the identity of the killer?
A wonderful entertaining read. Okay I guessed the culprit early on but I loved the plot. A nicely constructed tight plot that covered everything from love to envy to despair. Great to see her magical powers growing and glad she's finally starting to accept that the vamp will never let her in.
The carnival has come to town and there is a buzz of excitement. However when the fortune teller is murdered just after doing a reading for her and her daughter it turns into an investigation. Plus her favourite vamp has his girlfriend in tow constantly whilst the sheriff is slowly wearing her down. Throw in magic lessons, a daughter desperate to fit in, possible affairs and stir well. Will it open her mind to the identity of the killer?
May 24, 2018
A murder at a carnival is the backdrop
Ember is confused. She likes Alex a lot but she is going out with Granger. Alex has a girlfriend now and she grates on Ember's nerves.
Ember takes Marley to the carnival and they go see a seer or future teller. Marley is trying to get her mum to date and preferably with Alex.
Ember is not happy with the reading. She returns to find the seer dead.
Another investigation happens this time without the interactions from the Sheriff.
The murderer was a little bit of a surprise.
This book didn't have the flow of past books. The humour was missing a bit but it was a good read.
Ember is confused. She likes Alex a lot but she is going out with Granger. Alex has a girlfriend now and she grates on Ember's nerves.
Ember takes Marley to the carnival and they go see a seer or future teller. Marley is trying to get her mum to date and preferably with Alex.
Ember is not happy with the reading. She returns to find the seer dead.
Another investigation happens this time without the interactions from the Sheriff.
The murderer was a little bit of a surprise.
This book didn't have the flow of past books. The humour was missing a bit but it was a good read.
May 24, 2018
A thoroughly solid and reliably good read, these cosy paranormal witch stories are such great fun. They do sum up for me everything that is good about reading. Pure, joyful entertainment. What more could I ask for in a book? Another great instillment in the life of Ember Rose and her daughter Marley and their eccentric family. I love the continuity of these series and how apt thread is never left hanging. I was slightly upset a the direction of the love interest but I have high hopes for things working out alright in the end! Great fun as always and guaranteed to have a many laugh out loud moments.
March 8, 2021
The longer the 'Starry Hollow Witches' series goes, the slower the pace. Six books in and it's like watching a glacier move, paint drying, or grass growing.
This time round Ember visits a local carnival, gets her fortune told by Madame Bovary - when she returns to ask a question about the prediction she finds the psychic dead, brained by her own crystal ball.
The solution to the murder pops out of nowhere and serves, as seems to be the case in each book, as a handy place to head for the finish line.
Ember finally makes a decision between the werewolf and the vampire ... or does she?
It's the last in the series I'll be reading.
2 to 2.5 Stars
This time round Ember visits a local carnival, gets her fortune told by Madame Bovary - when she returns to ask a question about the prediction she finds the psychic dead, brained by her own crystal ball.
The solution to the murder pops out of nowhere and serves, as seems to be the case in each book, as a handy place to head for the finish line.
Ember finally makes a decision between the werewolf and the vampire ... or does she?
It's the last in the series I'll be reading.
2 to 2.5 Stars
May 19, 2018
Emma Rose is human raised, witch born, living in a magical community. Yet, the problems she faces are the same as those found in the human world. Its not easy fitting in, when your years behind in your magic lessons, pining for a man you can never have and finding out those around you are straying from their commitments. Family and friendships are important but some times family members are disappointing and friendships get lost in the shuffle. Its an interesting story of learning the truth about one self, knowing what is needed and making the right choices to be happy.
November 8, 2018
The carnival is in town and Ember and Marley are excited
Paranormal carnival is a whole different kind of thing, the animals are quite a bit different than human carnivals. Marley convinces Ember to see a seer to predict their futures, Ember is left with more questions than answers. Once they leave they go to see the animals but Ember can't shake her feelings so she goes back and she finds the seer dead. Now she has to figure out who killed her and contend with her feelings for both Alec and Granger
Paranormal carnival is a whole different kind of thing, the animals are quite a bit different than human carnivals. Marley convinces Ember to see a seer to predict their futures, Ember is left with more questions than answers. Once they leave they go to see the animals but Ember can't shake her feelings so she goes back and she finds the seer dead. Now she has to figure out who killed her and contend with her feelings for both Alec and Granger
March 11, 2019
The carnival comes to Starry Hollow
The further adventures of our favorite New-Jersey-raised witch involves a fortune teller, a baking contest, her indefatigable familiar, murder, and a pretty good mystery that needs solving. And then there are the interesting relationships around her, including her own. Once again, the book leaves me wishing for more depth of character and an occasional twist in a plotline. But I enjoyed the story and will keep coming back for more, especially as Marley's most important birthday approaches. Recommended
The further adventures of our favorite New-Jersey-raised witch involves a fortune teller, a baking contest, her indefatigable familiar, murder, and a pretty good mystery that needs solving. And then there are the interesting relationships around her, including her own. Once again, the book leaves me wishing for more depth of character and an occasional twist in a plotline. But I enjoyed the story and will keep coming back for more, especially as Marley's most important birthday approaches. Recommended
October 12, 2020
Fortune teller's missed prediction..
As the carnival comes to Starry Hollow Ember and Marley are enjoying the new experiences. Marley insists on having her future told, desperately wanting to know if she will get her magic, and asks Madame Bovary to predict Ember's romantic endeavours.
When Ember sneaks back to clarify a point she discovers Madame Bovary's dead body. It appears that the psychic has been off the boil and been giving out dodgy predictions losing her 5* status. But who's dodgy prediction made her a fatal target?
As the carnival comes to Starry Hollow Ember and Marley are enjoying the new experiences. Marley insists on having her future told, desperately wanting to know if she will get her magic, and asks Madame Bovary to predict Ember's romantic endeavours.
When Ember sneaks back to clarify a point she discovers Madame Bovary's dead body. It appears that the psychic has been off the boil and been giving out dodgy predictions losing her 5* status. But who's dodgy prediction made her a fatal target?
May 21, 2018
When to close a door?
Ember is still hung up on both Alec and Granger. What is she suppose to do? She gets a reading from a seer and she tells her she will walk through a door and the other will close. She goes back to clarify the reading but instead she finds her murdered. Now she is all set to help solve this murder.
Can Ember figure out what path to travel and will she solve the crime?
Ember is still hung up on both Alec and Granger. What is she suppose to do? She gets a reading from a seer and she tells her she will walk through a door and the other will close. She goes back to clarify the reading but instead she finds her murdered. Now she is all set to help solve this murder.
Can Ember figure out what path to travel and will she solve the crime?
May 22, 2018
Entertaining series
Entertaining cozy mystery series. Little mystery with a supernatural twist in a fantasy world that has both our world and the supernatural world Mixtown. Single mother from New Jersey accidentally finds out that she is a witch and then family she did not know she has brings her back to a small supernatural town do you live with them. Follow along as they solve mysteries and murders and other adventures. A fun and entertaining read. Check them out
Entertaining cozy mystery series. Little mystery with a supernatural twist in a fantasy world that has both our world and the supernatural world Mixtown. Single mother from New Jersey accidentally finds out that she is a witch and then family she did not know she has brings her back to a small supernatural town do you live with them. Follow along as they solve mysteries and murders and other adventures. A fun and entertaining read. Check them out
December 19, 2019
Just read it!
I enjoyed this book so much! It's a great series with an enchanting magical world, a witch from New Jersey trying to navigate her new life, and getting into a whole lot of trouble along the way. Ms. Chase knows how to develop her characters into interesting, relatable, and in some cases annoying people you can't help but picture. The plots and sub plots move along nicely too. You won't regret picking this series up!
I enjoyed this book so much! It's a great series with an enchanting magical world, a witch from New Jersey trying to navigate her new life, and getting into a whole lot of trouble along the way. Ms. Chase knows how to develop her characters into interesting, relatable, and in some cases annoying people you can't help but picture. The plots and sub plots move along nicely too. You won't regret picking this series up!
September 3, 2024
It’s great to see the side character developments such a Florian and Marigold! I love continuing to get to know the town of Starry Hollow, meeting its residents and learning about the history etc.
I’m still Team Alec but totally understand her decision here to choose Granger. It was a practical decision. Although I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Alec yet as this love triangle seems too sizzling to just close out in Book 6 of 19!
I’m still Team Alec but totally understand her decision here to choose Granger. It was a practical decision. Although I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Alec yet as this love triangle seems too sizzling to just close out in Book 6 of 19!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
One Door Closes; Another Opens
The vampire or the werewolf? Which will poor Ember choose? She visits a fortune teller to help know her heart. Unfortunately, the fortune teller dies shortly after telling Ember what she saw in her crystal ball. Can Ember find the killer before the carnival leaves town? Buy the book and find out!
The vampire or the werewolf? Which will poor Ember choose? She visits a fortune teller to help know her heart. Unfortunately, the fortune teller dies shortly after telling Ember what she saw in her crystal ball. Can Ember find the killer before the carnival leaves town? Buy the book and find out!
May 22, 2018
Good book
Fast read, good book. Always keeps me smiling. The characters are great, the mysteries are okay, secondary really to characters and their stories it seems. But I always look forward to these books and all of Annabel Chase's books.
Fast read, good book. Always keeps me smiling. The characters are great, the mysteries are okay, secondary really to characters and their stories it seems. But I always look forward to these books and all of Annabel Chase's books.
May 22, 2018
Trash pandas and more
Ok really enjoy this series. It's always a fresh plot line. The characters are developing quite nicely. Ember's relationship with her familiar cracks me up. Looking forward to the next book.
Ok really enjoy this series. It's always a fresh plot line. The characters are developing quite nicely. Ember's relationship with her familiar cracks me up. Looking forward to the next book.
May 27, 2018
Ember is so stong in this book. Although I's solidly team Alec I was pleased with this on-going storyline and the masked ball was a great resolution. I guessed at multiple murderers throughout this, which to me means the mystery side was well done.
June 3, 2018
Read in one day
I love reading anything by Annabel Chase, read this book in one sitting! Can't wait for the next one. I really hope Ember chooses Granger over Alec! Also I think Ember should be looking in to her Mother's story.
I love reading anything by Annabel Chase, read this book in one sitting! Can't wait for the next one. I really hope Ember chooses Granger over Alec! Also I think Ember should be looking in to her Mother's story.
June 24, 2018
Carnival comes to town.
Why people would go to an out of town fortune teller when Starry Hollow has an entire street of them is a mystery, one Ember looks into when that one physic ends up dead shortly after Ember and Marley seek their fortunes.
Why people would go to an out of town fortune teller when Starry Hollow has an entire street of them is a mystery, one Ember looks into when that one physic ends up dead shortly after Ember and Marley seek their fortunes.
July 3, 2018
What fun
This series was unexpected. Murder, a single mom, learning she's a which overbearing aunt new town, has all the tricks along with shifters and the wisest kid ( not sure she's a child really likes school?) Fun good read
This series was unexpected. Murder, a single mom, learning she's a which overbearing aunt new town, has all the tricks along with shifters and the wisest kid ( not sure she's a child really likes school?) Fun good read
October 14, 2018
Having read read the whole series one after the other I was strangely disappointed to finish them all,
I felt a bit like the last one wasn't the last one, but never mind onto the next book, hopefully I won't be as disappointed. Sorry.
I felt a bit like the last one wasn't the last one, but never mind onto the next book, hopefully I won't be as disappointed. Sorry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews