In a Witch's Wardrobe: Witchcraft Mysteries, Book 4

Well, Ms. Blackwell's done it again: She's written another book which is forcing me to pace myself so I don't gobble it all up in a few days.While I've enjoyed her creative plots that hold together well, I think that the new characters in this story are better written than in the last Witchcraft Mystery. I've been around many Bay Area Neo-Pagans & hipsters & her good characterizations ring true. I'm finding the plot intriguing & the victim a vulnerable, interesting person. I'm loving Sailor even more, even though I'm impressed w/Lily's patience toward him. Sometimes I want to roll my eyes at him & shake him at the same time! Still, he's the perfect foil for Aidan - & vice versa. Inspector Romero's evolving character is also one I've found realistic. I know a lot of people in law enforcement and he's very reminiscent of a few I've known - wary, intelligent, cynical but determined. I've garnered similar reactions from some of them regarding my interest in the occult & I like that she doesn't make him a bumbler, a bully or macho womanizer. He, along with her closer friends, feel like people I know. And of course, there's the adorable Oscar, goblin/familiar who still manages to be a bit mysterious.I love how the author always weaves in social justice issues in her books, as they are reflective of life in San Francisco, these hard economic times & a world rapidly changing due to technology & globalization. She intertwines these ongoing issues in a manner that is very true to life in San Francisco, using her signature humor & respect.I also enjoy how Blackwell uses real events, places & Bay Area fixtures to set a scene, create context or just provide local color - such as the Art Deco Ball, radio station KCEA 89.1, the history snippets of The Haight, what East Bay covens are like & Fisherman's Wharf history.Blackwell is a sensitive, creative writer with a great sense of humor & obvious respect for people that are often ignored or dismissed due to their lack of social status. She's also able to create a main character who's powerful & vulnerable, a bit socially awkward & more at home in her vintage clothing shop helping customers than as a single lady looking for the right man. I like Lily's honesty, her sometimes conflicting needs & how she's growing, often surprising herself with who she's becoming. I love "watching" Lily navigate through these murder cases, which in turn helps her better navigate her relationship w/herself & others.All of the above makes me look forward to more books in this series, to finding out about Lily's mysterious past, her even more mysterious father & if her well-grounded life in San Francisco is exactly what she needs in order to deal with both of these mysteries.

Up until now my favourite book of this witchcraft mystery series was by far the first one - Secondhand Spirits. However, 'In a Witches Wardrobe' has just banished the aforementioned book from top spot. Don't be fooled by the lighthearted covers. There is depth to these books and the subject matter can be quite dark.I enjoy Ms Blackwell's writing - her sense of humour, her character's views on life - I get so totally absorbed in their stories that time vanishes whenever I pay a visit to Aunt Cora's Closet. I was a little disappointed with the last book so I admit I started this one with a little apprehension. Totally unfounded as it turns out. The characters have become my friends and the author brings them to life so totally that they jump off the page and into my life seemlessly. I visualise them so easily that is a sign of a truly gifted writer.This tale reinforced Lily Ivory's acceptance of her new 'non solitary' life. Her bonds of friendship established in earlier books strengthen throughout this story and of course Oscar manages to steal many a page. I found myself twisting from Max to Aidan and ultimately to Sailor. Oh Sailor, where are you in real life? Ms Blackwell gives us strong, likeable characters that aren't far fetched and could easily be that guy or girl you see on the street.I particularly like the witchcraft aspect and find myself propelled into each spell Lily endeavours. I do find her lack of self faith frustrating and hope that she will overcome this in books to follow. Once again the author presents us with a respectful representation of a modern day witch.The mystery side of the book runs along smoothly with a somewhat expected conclusion but the journey is so enjoyable that you can overlook the predictable ending.I like how the end of each book gives us a tease of what's to come in the next one and I am eagerly awaiting the release of 'Tarnished & Torn'.

Listened/Read for Fun (Audible/Paperback)Overall Rating: 4.50Story Rating: 4.75Character Rating: 4.25Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell is my favorite in the series so far! That is saying a lot because I have enjoyed each of them.Overall Thoughts: This is one of those cozy mystery series where the characters are done right. Lily doesn't fight/look down on/snub her nose at the law. Instead she works with them. The supporting cast all play very important roles in her life and while flawed they are lovable in their own right. Lily isn't perfect either and that makes her totally easy to relate too. Her internal dialogue while witchy is very identifiable :) The mystery in this one stumped me. I totally didn't figure it out and loved the twists/turns it took a long the way. I like the new characters that were introduced and hope we see more of them. I even like her personal life (though still messy) now. All in all just a darn good read!Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Xe Sands / Length: 8 hrs and 16 minsXe does an excellent job with this series. Her male voices are strong and unique (something I sometimes have a hard time with) and her female voices are spot on. Even when I am reading these stories (because I often flip back/forth between audio/paper), I can hear her doing Lily. I love when a narration just sticks with you! I highly recommend these on audio.Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

Finally the fourth installment of the Witchcraft Mystery series is released in the UK! And it was well worth the wait. Lily Ivory is attending the Art Deco ball when she discovers a young woman who has been struck down with a mysterious illness that may have something to do with a cursed corsage. Before Lily can solve this mystery she is asked by her cop friend Carlos Romano to look into a string a poisonings affecting the Bay Area witchcraft community. Along with this there is a new and promising romance unfolding for Lily but will a certain person try to stand in her way? I was delighted with the romantic twist, the characters are like old friends and you really care what happens to them which make this book a fabulous roller coaster of intrigue, witchcraft, southern cooking and romance. Superb, I can't wait for the next one!

If you are reading this I guess you have read the previous books in this series. If not I recommend that you read them. Lily is a great lead character and is supported by a eclectic individuals. It's a great series if you like supernatural tales. Also makes a change from werewolves and vampires. The only criticism I have is that Juliet Blackwell can be a little condescending. Over explaining things, like we are all clueless. Other than that she weaves some great stories. It's also topped off with vintage clothes and fun. If u like this I can also recommend Annette Blair. Happy reading.

Very enjoyable read - apart from the creepy stuff the heroine, heroes and supporting cast are delightful. There are hints about Lily's own family background that will surely form part of subsequent titles. Don't think she has good taste in men though - of the men she is involved with the one she seems to be going for is the least attractiveLook forward to additions to the series. I am not really a fan of 'wichety stuff' and purchased this because I was given the previous titles in the series as a gift. I was surprised to find them enjoyable and had to read the latest in the series.

This is the latest in the series about Lily, the witch who owns a vintage clothes store in San Francisco. Its an excellent read, I finished in a weekend, just had to know what happened! This book sees Lily battling to save a girl trapped in a mirror and dealing with an unexpected romance. I can't wait for the next book, as is usual for this series, it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger.

Love all the Witchcraft Mysteries books. A great escape, an insight into life in San Francisco. Lots of humour and wit, it is a fun book and looks at the life of a modern witch with great characters and I LOVE the pig!