As I sit here, wrapped in my favorite cozy blanket with a steaming cup of tea by my side, I can’t help but reflect on the delightful journey I’ve just completed with Auralee Wallace’s “In the Company of Witches.” It’s funny how books find their way into our lives at just the right moment, isn’t it? For me, this charming paranormal cozy mystery came into my hands during a particularly stressful week at work, and I was desperately seeking an escape into a world of magic and mystery.
From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was transported to the quaint New England town of Evenfall, where our protagonist Brynn Warren helps run a B&B with her aunts. Now, I’ve always had a soft spot for small-town settings, and Evenfall didn’t disappoint. Wallace’s vivid descriptions painted a picture so clear in my mind that I could almost smell the crisp autumn air and hear the crunch of leaves underfoot.
The story follows Brynn as she’s thrust into the role of amateur sleuth when a guest at the inn, Constance Graves, meets an untimely demise. With her Aunt Nora as the prime suspect, Brynn must dust off her magical abilities – which she hasn’t used since her husband’s death – to solve the mystery. As someone who’s experienced loss, I found myself immediately connecting with Brynn’s struggle to reconnect with a part of herself she’d locked away.
One of the strongest aspects of the book, in my opinion, is how Wallace seamlessly blends the cozy mystery elements with the paranormal. The magic in this world feels natural and integrated, not just tacked on for effect. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Brynn communicates with ghosts – they added an extra layer of intrigue to the mystery and often provided moments of unexpected humor.
Speaking of humor, that’s another area where this book shines. Wallace has a knack for witty dialogue and situational comedy that had me chuckling out loud more than once. There’s a scene where Brynn accidentally summons a mischievous spirit while trying to bake cookies that had me in stitches – I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it involves flour, a very confused cat, and a ghostly food fight.
However, no book is without its flaws, and “In the Company of Witches” is no exception. At times, I felt the pacing lagged a bit, especially in the middle section where Brynn seemed to be going in circles with her investigation. Additionally, while I enjoyed most of the characters, a few of the secondary ones felt a bit one-dimensional and could have used more development.
One aspect that really resonated with me was the exploration of family dynamics. The relationship between Brynn and her aunts felt authentic and warm, reminding me of my own close-knit family. There’s a particularly touching scene where Aunt Nora comforts Brynn as she grapples with using her powers again – it brought tears to my eyes and made me want to call my own aunt for a chat.
Wallace’s writing style is engaging and accessible, perfect for a cozy mystery. Her descriptions are vivid without being overwrought, and her dialogue feels natural. I found myself easily slipping into the rhythm of her prose, often losing track of time as I read “just one more chapter” late into the night.
As I turned the final page, I realized that this book had left me with more than just a satisfying mystery solution. It had reminded me of the importance of embracing all parts of ourselves, even those we might be afraid to face. Brynn’s journey of rediscovering her magical abilities paralleled my own recent struggles with picking up old hobbies I’d abandoned due to fear of failure.
Would I recommend “In the Company of Witches” to others? Absolutely! It’s the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a supernatural twist, or for those who simply need a cozy escape from reality. I’ve already lent my copy to my best friend, with strict instructions to return it promptly – I have a feeling I’ll be revisiting Evenfall again soon.
In conclusion, “In the Company of Witches” is like a warm hug in book form – comforting, enjoyable, and leaving you with a smile on your face. It’s not without its imperfections, but then again, neither are the best hugs. If you’re looking for a charming read that blends mystery, magic, and a touch of personal growth, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a chance. Who knows? You might just find a bit of magic in your own life after spending time in the company of these witches.