Erin Johnson

4.5 stars rounded up.

I am absolutely enamored with this series. I love the characters, the settings, the plots, everything. This latest installment didn't disappoint.

In this installment, many of our characters experience growth and changes in their lives. This is always great to continue to see in a series. When characters start to stagnate, it can spell the end of the series, so I'm thrilled to continue to see growth among the characters.

This installment took us away from the castle and into the Mermaid world. It's a great change in scenery and offers new locations for Imogen and her friends to utilize in their investigation.

The plot line moves along smoothly and at a steady speed. It's not so slow that you get bored, but it's not so fast that you can't keep up with the changes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the changes in various relationships and the characters themselves. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't elaborate on those changes.

Overall, while there's not that little extra pizzazz that's needed to push it up to a 5-star rating, it is a very solid 4.5 and I really enjoyed it. If you're just starting with the series, I do suggest you start with the first book, Seashells, Spells, & Caramels as there is important back story that you will need to understand things in the second and third installments.… (plus d'informations)

4.5 out of 5 stars rounded up.

This was an absolutely delightful read! It didn't quite have that magical touch that made it a 5-star read, but it's a solid 4.5 in my opinion!

Imogen is a wonderful character, full of spunk and makes the best of whatever situation she's in. She's well-developed, complex, and full of life. I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the other characters further as we get further into the series, especially Maple, Sam, Iggy, and Hank.

The setting was great. I thought the descriptions of Bijou Mer were delightful and magical (which is only fitting). I could imagine everything pretty well but yet could still use my imagination to fill in details.

The mystery was pretty good. I did have an inkling of the culprits, but I wasn't sure until closer to the end. It ended up that I was right, but it didn't spoil the rest of the story for me.

All in all, this magical mystery is a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to the sequel coming out later in November!… (plus d'informations)

4.5 stars rounded up.

Erin Johnson has done it again! She's brought us an absolutely amazing new story in the Spells & Caramels series! This one did not garner 5 stars from me though like the last two have. The sole reason it's a 4.5 instead of a 5 is that I feel as though the book was a little too suspenseful. Cozy mysteries don't usually have the suspense that Ms. Johnson put in this book. It even ended on a cliff-hanger. I felt as though that kind of detracted from the story line. In fact, I'm going to have to read it a second time because I feel like there are nuances I missed because I was so into the action happening.

Outside of that fact, it's a fantastic book. I adore the characters in this series and this book didn't disappoint. The characters were as quirky and loveable as they usually are. Hank even goes above and beyond to prove his love to Imogen. Horace even becomes more loveable in this installment.

I'm excitedly awaiting the seventh installment which I hope will be out soon since this one ended on a cliff-hanger! I do recommend that if you want to read the series, that you start with the first book in the series, Seashells, Spells, & Caramels. You'll understand the interpersonal relationships a lot more if you start with the first book.

Read them and enjoy them - it's a great series!… (plus d'informations)

4.5 rounded up.

I absolutely adore this series! I've been a fan of this series since the first book, Seashells, Spells, & Caramels. I look forward to each book coming out! Thankfully, Ms. Johnson writes them quickly so it's never too long of a wait!

A blogging friend of mine recently said that this was his favorite of the series so far. I'm at a toss-up between this one and the fourth book, Cookie Dough, Snow, & Wands Aglow as to which one is my favorite. I really liked this one, but I really liked the last one too.

I'm totally in love with the characters in this series. I relate to Imogen so much! Our personalities are similar and I can also understand her curiosities and her feeling torn between things. I don't want to give anything away, so I'm not going to say what she's torn over.

This book took us to the Fire Kingdom, which was a desert setting with high heat; draping, light fabrics, and good food. The setting descriptions were excellent. I was able to easily imagine all the locations as well as characters and other things.

The plot line was wonderful. It was complex, well thought out, and there were plenty of red herrings as far as whodunit. I was surprised at the end. I hadn't completely put two and two together this time.

All in all, another wonderful, magical book in the series! If you're going to read the series, you really do need to start with book one, Seashells, Spells & Caramels. Run, don't walk, over to Amazon to pick that one up and start enjoying this series! You won't be sorry!… (plus d'informations)