A Potion to Die For

Magic Potion Mystery, Book 1

By: Heather Blake

Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

As the owner of Little Shop of Potions, a magic potion shop specializing in love potions, Carly Bell Hartwell finds her product more in demand than ever. A local soothsayer has predicted that a couple in town will soon divorce, and now it seems that every married person in Hitching Post, Alabama, wants a little extra matrimonial magic to make sure that they stay hitched.

But when Carly finds a dead man in her shop clutching one of her potion bottles, she goes from most popular potion person to public enemy number one. In no time the murder investigation becomes a witch hunt - literally! Now Carly is going to need to brew up some serious sleuthing skills to clear her name and find the real killer - before the whole town becomes convinced that her potions really are to die for.

©2013 Heather Webber (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Blake does it again with the debut of another great paranormal mystery series." ( RT Book Reviews)

Excellent Series

I have read all three books that I have found in this series. Looking forward to future books.

East Read

Sweet little book with twist and turns. Fairly typical "Chick Lit". I will be reading the others in the series. Hope you enjoy.

I thought it was ok...

This was the first Heather Blake book I've tried. I thought it was ok, but it wasn't as good as other Cosy Mysteries I've listened to/read-Madelyn Alt and Lorna Barrett come to mind. I might check out the next book sometime, but it'll probably be a while. Maybe a different series? I'll think about it.

I liked the narrator, and the aunt with the quick trigger finger was pretty good. #SmallTown #Witches #Alabama #FemaleProtagonist #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

fun story, not great narrating

narrating over exaggerated. southern twang sounded false and over the top. fun story, like plot

Different but Flawed

Now first of all I am a straight man so romances are not preferred genre BUT that's not to say I don't enjoy them from time to time.

This IS a different romance because Heather Blake does not write a "girl meets boys" or "love at first sight".
Instead she has written a romance about a former couple who are trying to give their relationship another try.
That being said it is not done very well. One of the main problems is how the two interact with each other.
Dillon(the guy) calls Carly(the girl) "carebear" her old pet name to playfully annoy her though out the story. If it was done from a from Dillon's POV or from a third person narrative it would work just fine. Since it is done from Carly's POV it comes across as annoying.
Another problem is how aggressive Dillon pursues Carly. The whole time I listened I got border line stalker vibe from Dillon. Some might not find this a problem but I felt it should have been toned done.
The biggest issue with parring however falls on how the town comments about their relationship. Instead of having a balance of why it was good that it failed and why it was a shame it failed we are only given the good.

The romance aside the mystery is done very well but the reveal falls short.
Now MY main problem is who the culprit turns out to be. I really like the character and was sad from having it be her.

Aside from the main character we are given some pretty funny side characters. There are like six I could not stop laughing with. If you like funny side characters this book might be worth your time for them alone.

Narration is OK... After hearing Khristine Hvam and Johanna Parker, Carla Mercer-Meyer just falls short of my standards when it comes to "southern accents".

My favorite part of the story was Carla's cousin Delia's character arc. It was for me the most genuine part of the whole book.

If your a fan of paranormal-romances I would say give this a try.

Similar to Sookie S

I liked the characters and enjoyed the twists and turns. It was a relaxing book for me and I'll get the other two in the series. Lately I've enjoyed books that take place in the South - it adds another layer of interest as I'm from New York City.

Whose trying to frame me.

I saw this book on audible and thought it looked interesting. Love the title. The book was a good has i had hoped. I loved the characters and look forward to more in this series.

Desperately struggles to be Southern

Would you try another book from Heather Blake and/or Carla Mercer-Meyer?

No - this book tried way to hard to be Southern. Maybe, if you are not Southern it would be cute and interesting, but being from the South I felt it patronizing. The Southern dialect and sayings are natural and easy, not forced and cumbersome, as is this writing.

Any additional comments?

Why did you not tell the reader what happened with Dillon and the main character? You hinted at a wedding and a fire...but I wanted to know more. These characters needed more exploration. Too superficial.

Great book!

I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one! Good story and performance!! It's worth listening too.

As a inspiring witch myself this is a very good.

Must get further books in this series. Magick fills the air when reading this book.