A Cast-Off Coven

Witchcraft Mysteries Series, Book 2

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Students are spooked at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts, and Lily is called in to search for possible paranormal activity. In return she's been promised a trunkful of Victorian-era clothes recently discovered in a school storage closet.

But Lily finds something else: the body of a wealthy patron of the school. In between running the store and seeing her new boyfriend, Max - a "mythbuster" who is uncomfortable with her witchcraft - she uses her sleuthing skills to try to solve the murder. Soon Lily senses something from the school's vintage clothes, but it's not the smell of mothballs - it's the unmistakable aura of evil intent.

©2010 Juliet Blackwell (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Set in a vintage clothing store and starring a sensible and entertaining witch, this series will please paranormal fans." ( Romantic Times)

Paints witches in a positive way!

Fun and entertaining! A young adult novel even some of us older adults can enjoy.

Not as good as the first

I like the characters, for the most part, but I feel like it is lacking in the witchcraft area. She is supposed to be an untrained powerful witch, but all she does is brew and rely on spiritual support. Also too much emphasis on ghost and demons.

I like this series

Lily is blunt and straightforward and I love it! no beating around the bush with her. Max is on my last nerve though and she needs to stop dealing with him since he dont believe on her abilities and constantly doubting her... its beyond annoying even when he sees the things she can do. So glad I found this series and I have so many books to get thru... super excited to listen to them all. Oscar is a tripp but I do think he is hiding something... time will tell.

I'm ready for yard sale season.

Enjoyable witch mystery with great character development. Although I think it's funny how every time Lilly turns around there is a new and good looking guy hanging around. Max is still her main squeeze, but if that falls apart look out. Lilly is a great character with a big heart with naïve that is enchanting. Recommend reading in order to benefit from the full story. I will be continue on with the next book. I like the narrator but sometimes she is a little slow with the reading and you don't get the full effect of the action parts.

Good series.

If you could sum up A Cast-Off Coven in three words, what would they be?

I like this series so far. It's about a young woman witch who has known about her powers and was brought up using them all along.

My new favorite listen!

What made the experience of listening to A Cast-Off Coven the most enjoyable?

The characters and the unique story line! I adore this cast of characters and the way magic and vintage clothing intermingle. What a hoot! It's a delicious listen.

What other book might you compare A Cast-Off Coven to and why?

Anything by Charlaine Harris - it has that "take you through my every-day" charm that Ms. Harris' books have that's soothing and invigorating. Of course there's the accidental sleuthing as well!

What three words best describe Xe Sands’s performance?

Consistent, gentle, unique

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I would not be the person writing this tag, because this is what it would be: "Who knew a witchy wardrobe could be so dangerous?"

Any additional comments?

I adore this series. The narrator is definitely an acquired taste. She tends to trail off as she speaks, and everyone has the same lazy, quiet tonality, which I sometimes find irritating, but as I've gotten used to her, I've really admired the consistency of her characterizations. Fun fun!

Another splendid book

You know how sometimes you want to see or read a scary book but you're too chicken to watch or read something that might make it hard to sleep alone or look in the mirror? Well, that's me, I often want a little something kinda sorta almost scary but with a little romance and humor coupled with some friendship and mystery, and that's when look for a Juliet Blackwell book. She knows just how to tease my appetite without scaring me senseless. This was a very good book, as are all of her books as far as I'm concerned. If your on the fence about this book climb on over and sit yourself down and relax. Your enjoyment is guaranteed.

Unexpected treasure

Unexpected treasure I truly enjoyed. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

really good book didn't know how it would end

I thought the narrator was great at switching up the voice. the story kept you entertained and guessing. it was my first fiction audible purchase and it didn't disappoint.

A Spook at the School

Where does A Cast-Off Coven rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoy Juliet Blackwell's series about a witch running a second hand clothing store. Her spells, charms and knowledge of all things occult, brings a sense of realness to her stories.

What did you like best about this story?

Her protagonist is a witch who isn't comfortable in her abilities and needs training, but despite this she continues on confronting the evil who endangers people. With each book her abilities grow as well as the circle of friends, both magical and human.

Have you listened to any of Xe Sands’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Xe does a fine job and make listening to the book a joy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes. One gets drawn in quickly to the story line and the sense of danger and mystery excite you to finish.