'Coven Mitt' took a little longer to get going than 'Resting Witch Face', the first book in the series but it picked up quickly after the first death.

This is pure 'make 'em laugh, make 'em smile, keep 'em guessing' storytelling. It made me laugh several times and never had me reaching for the fast forward button.

The tone is light but that doesn't prevent the action scenes from being tense or diminish the pull of the mystery around who killed whom and why.

This time around I particularly enjoyed Agnes, Marzie's cat and familiar who talks to her telepathically, choosing the colours for the house renovation (she has perfect taste) while warning Marzie to keep her hound (the werewolf contractor) under control.

I liked the way the pieces that solved the murder mystery gradually clicked into place (although I had to look up Popsockets and I still don't see the appeal). I loved the idea of racing outhouses down Main Street, especially when they're carried at speed by werebears. Then the was the slightly confused but still dangerous rogue vampire known mostly as NorthFace because of the jacket he wears.

The need to build a large coven to deal with an external threat suggests that there'll be some exciting action in future books.

I could have done without the "Which sexy supernatural should I hook up with, the lead vampire with the French name, the sombre manner and no sense of humour or the alpha werewolf who laughs at my jokes, is good with kids/pups and is handy around the house?' It was amusing but a little tiresome.

Still, I'll be reading the next book in the series: 'Late Broomers' when I'm in need of another comfort read. ( )