As Dead as a Vampire

A Brimstone Witch Mystery, Book 2

By: April Fernsby

Narrated by: Beverley Murray

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

Welcome to Brimstone, a magical town where supernatural creatures live and where murders are on the increase.

Cassia Winter is the justice witch who investigates crime in Brimstone. She has help from her cat and familiar, Stanley. There’s an increase in the illegal use of black magic in Brimstone, resulting in the crime rate escalating. Taking her gran’s advice, Cassia takes up residence in town so she can observe anyone who’s acting out of character.

It’s not long before Cassia comes across the murdered body of a vampire. Cassia discovers he was a particularly nasty vampire who had countless enemies - and there are many residents who are happy to see him dead. But which one of his enemies actually killed him?

©2017 Gillian Rogerson (P)2018 Gillian Rogerson

Cozy witch mystery

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Gran loves having Cassia home, but wants Cassia to stay in Brimstone for a few days to get to know the people in town. There is black magic in Grimstone making the residence do bad things they normally wouldn't do. By staying in town, Cassia will get to know the town folk and how what they are doing is abnormal. Then, with Cassia learning her powers as a witch, they can start to take on cases separately to solve and take care of events quicker. But, Cassia has a terrible feeling in her stomach at the thought of staying in Grimstone. Something very terrible will happen, and soon...

I was attracted to Beverley's accent straight away. She has a slight British accent that feels soft and natural for the character as she speaks. Cassia feels relaxed with her family, and learning about herself with being a witch. Beverley really brings Cassia's personality out in voice. I loved the feeling I got, and how it fit the story and characters. Beverley was clear and clean with her pronunciations and character feelings as she narrated. Lovely job.

This is a relaxing, cozy mystery story. It's clean of language and intimate moments. I enjoy a good, clean mystery book. It's nice with being in audio because I don't have to worry about language, sexiness, or anything being too much for co-workers if they walk into my office.

I know Grimstone is different, but I get the cozy feeling from it like I did from Halloween town in the Disney Halloween movies. I love this feeling. Of course, Grimstone isn't as safe as it once was and that's something to look into, but it feels homey. And it's full of supernatural creatures!

This story holds a few objectives/mysteries for us. The main objective of Cassia going to Brimstone is to get to know the residents better, observe them. This is so she can know when they are doing something out of character that's law breaking. So there will be more cases to solve in the future with breaking the law. But Cassia and Gran know there is something evil making the people do these things. This is the over all mystery that feels it will flow through the series. The case in this book, that Cassia comes across is a murder of an old vampire.

Cassia seems like a timid person. She's a little anxious about being in Grimstone, and we learn why. Cassia is also seems unsure about herself as her life has recently had a drastic change, which is book one. But as the story goes, she grows bolder and stronger in believing in herself. Even Stanley too. Stanley is Cassia's familiar and cat. He's adorable and fits her perfectly. Stanley and Cassia seem like two peas in a pod, so similar in personality, and both grow in this story as they meet people and become more confident in their selves.

This is book two in the series. Yep, I read it out of order. But, I didn't feel it deterred from the book at all. We understand the situation of Cassia, learning about her new discoveries from the first book. This is a case all of its own, so it doesn't affect the story-line. You are good to read this one before book one, and still enjoy the book.

I would like to go back and pick up book one now. And continue with the series as it goes. Also, I hope Beverley sticks with the story as she really felt to fit Cassia so wonderfully.

Bewitched...

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good witches are always welcome in the world of cozy mysteries and this one is no exception. The granddaughter/grandmother's witch team is likable and the characters witty and not too far-fetched. My favorite characters though, I must admit, are the sapient cats. Stanley is a hoot as are the other feline characters. I wonder what makes cats drunk... Spiked milk???? I do like their spunk however and even though Stanley is a little damaged by past events (not at all clear if you, like me, have not read the first book in the series) his wisdom does come through. Maybe it's because I love cats in general, and always wonder what they are thinking when they stare at you, but I thought including and giving them an important role in the storyline, was a touch of genius by the author. The story was very straightforward but with enough characters to make it more interesting. Light reading and well narrated.

Fun Cozy Paranormal Series

Book 2 continues Cassia's journey into discovering her powers and who she is. Along the way she comes across crimes that need solving. The story has a steady pace. I love hearing about Brimstone and all of it's colorful characters. The author does a great job of unveiling the clues to the mystery. The narration was on point. I look forward to more in this series and from this author.

As dead as a Vampire

It was nice revisiting te characters in Brimstone.Cassia and her cat familiar Stanley have to find who would kill a vampire that no one liked,and why.Great story.Narration by Beverly Murray was exceptional.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

pretty good

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I started this series with this book, so didn't have the details from book 1. That being said, I didn't feel like I was missing too much. I was easily able to get into the story and found it rather entertaining. The narration was well done and held my interest throughout.

As Dead as a Vampire

I jumped into this series with this book (2nd in the series), and I had no trouble getting into the story. A great witchy, cozy mystery with enough suspects to keep you guessing. I will definitely be checking out more of April Fernsby’s works.

Beverley Murray’s narration was well done. She definitely added to the enjoyment and entertainment.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Slow pace

I liked book one and thought I would give book two a go.
The narrator I felt had a monotone voice and she spoke slowly and this did not help the book which has a slow pace. I could not get into the book as much as I wanted to.
This is not to say that others will not like it but for me I would have prefered to read the book then listen to it.
Suitable for all since it is a clean read.

Fun Escape

I really enjoyed this book As Dead As A Vampire by April Fernsby. The characters are quirky and the imagery is spectacular. I loved how the mystery was solved. I would best describe this as a cozy paranormal book. Cassie and her cat Stanley are such endearing characters. I loved the twists this book had and the humor. The narration by Beverley Murray fit this story perfectly. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series.

Where's my broomstick?

I'm really enjoying this series, this book left me wanting a flying broomstick of my own and with a warm afterglow from a great book.

Quirky and fun, this book has more supernatural creatures than you can poke a stick at. I loved the mystery, after all, who do you suspect when everyone has a motive? Well written, this was a lot of fun, the characters were great and it left me wanting the next book.

I love the development of Cassie as a character, she's learning a lot and doing a great job of getting a handle on being a witch.

The narration was perfect for the book, the character voices match the characters personality and the pacing of the delivery was spot on.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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A DELICIOUS WITCHY TALE...

Loved this book! It's a cozy mystery with witches, vampires, and all sorts of fun characters. It's my first book of the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am becoming a fan of the cozies, and with some supernatural stuff thrown in, it's definitely my cup of spiked tea ;) Great story, great narration, loved it! :) I'd definitely recommend this one, and would love to read/listen to more in the series :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.