Betwixt

Betwixt & Between, Book 1

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Traci Odom

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Divorced, desperate, and destitute, former restaurateur Defiance Dayne finds out she has been bequeathed a house by a complete stranger. She is surprised, to say the least, and her curiosity gets the better of her. She leaves her beloved Phoenix and heads to one of the most infamous towns in America: Salem, Massachusetts.

She's only there to find out why a woman she's never met would leave her a house, a veritable castle that has seen better days. The lawyer assigned to the case practically begs her to take it off her hands, mostly because she's scared of it. The inanimate structure that, as far as Dephne can tell, has never hurt a fly.

Though it does come with some baggage. A pesky neighbor who wants her gone. A scruffy cat who's a bit of a jerk. And a handyman bathed in ink who could moonlight as a supermodel for GQ.

She decides to give it three days, and not because of the model. She feels at home in Salem. Safe. But even that comes to a screeching halt when people begin knocking on her door day and night, begging for her help to locate their lost objects.

Come to find out, they think she's a witch. And after a few mysterious mishaps, Dephne is beginning to wonder if they're right.

©2020 Darynda Jones (P)2021 Tantor

Fun but not enough time to invest fully

This was really difficult to rate. On one hand I loved the boldness of the story it wasn't afraid of trying new things, the characters were snarky and middle aged but on the other hand something was missing. A big something. More explanation or just more happenings in this world. I wasn't given enough to want to continue. Like the book was more of a sample than a meal.

But omg finally a middle age fantasy romance. I mean not everyone is a 20 year old virgin. This tale was lighthearted and fun although a bit predictable. The memes and shirt quotes were my favorite. And while I did get lost in the snarky fun, the book had it's problems. Dayne 40 something didn't talk or act like her age. There also wasn't full proof why Grandma had to stay away and not train her to use her powers. And how Dayne apparently didn't need to train because she just had the symbols floating in her head from birth.

Dayne procrastinated continuously even to save her own life. Again she was middle age which is so very rare for some reason but then again she was also super special which isn't that rare in the book community. Her best friend was very wild and fun which added nicely to the story. And when the both became brain dead and drooling when Roane walked into a room, that had me in stitches. My biggest problem was that the book didn't give enough. It left you with a cliffhanger and not enough time to get invested so I didn't feel compelled to continue.

Another Darynda Jones hit!

I loved the combination of the unremarkable with the paranormal in this book. Defiance is a middle aged down on her luck ordinary woman who is swept into a magical world. She is totally blindsided by the discovery that she has a heritage and a mystical past that will shatter her present. A must read for all magic lovers.

Best Book I’ve Read in Ages

I loved this book! I haven’t had such a funny paranormal romance in years. I’m only bummed that the rest of the series isn’t on audible yet. I just bought the series in paperback from Amazon and it should be here tomorrow. Can’t wait to read book 2.

What I hoped for

I didn’t know what to expect with this one. I listened to all the other Darynda books on audible and was hoping the same quirky, seductive fun was in this one. I was not disappointed. The cliffhanger has me at the edge of my seat. The narrator is new to be but did a phenomenal job! I will be listening to the next in the series!

Excellent!!

I so adore Darynda Jones' writing! She is a one click buy for me and honestly, I'm never disappointed. This is another great beginning a super series, and to be honest ive read all 3 of the published books. This audio just makes the series better. Traci Odom does a wonderful job narrating.....her Roane's voice is OMG WOW!!! Love this book and series!!!❤❤❤❤

Ms. Jones has done it again!

Darynda Jones and Traci Odom have knocked it out of the park with this book. This opening book in the series has Jones signature strong female characters, interesting twist and turns, and hilarity. Traci Odom does an amazing job of bring this story to life. I can't wait to see to for the next book! Pardon me while I go download it. 😀

I didn’t see that coming!

This is the story all about a woman who has gone from the top of the happy ladder to the last rung. She’s holding on for dear life... then after she falls to her knees, things start to look better. Or different. It’s a new shot at life. A start at least.

What happens you ask, well, it’s simple, she gets a house that’s left to her by... the grandmother she didn’t know existed.

Then, well, life throws her in a cauldron of undisguised mayhem and she gets a little magical.

I like the characters and how they all fit together. The food the bad and the magical all converge on Defiance in order to Neón her, confuse her and yeah, even try to take her out. There’s always that one idiot in the group. And then there is Percy, the house; well he’s a bucket of laughs.

I can’t wait to see what kind of mischief and shenanigans happens in the second book.

Great start to a new series

Darynda Jones has created another great series with this book/audiobook. The main character, Defiance Dayne is strong willed and able to adapt to whatever is thrown her way. Traci Odom gave an excellent reading as she brought it all together. I highly recommend this book/audiobook to cozy mystery fans.

Betwixt by Darynda Jones

Betwixt by Darynda Jones
Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st book in the Betwixt and Between series. A witch in Salem.
Cliffhanger for the series.
Defiance Dayne inherits a home in Salem, Massachusetts. Once she signs the paperwork, she is introduced to her own grandmother and finds out her inheritance is more than just a house. Defiance learns she is a witch. Neighbors are knocking on her door morning and night asking Defiance to help them find lost items. Defiance also learns she’s in danger.

Irreverent, snarky, entertaining and amusing.
I loved this first book. Many laugh out loud moments as well as touching scenes with her adoptive Dads. A hint of romance and best friend antics added to the joy. Corny play on words were irresistibly funny - ie playing with the wieners. Dogs!

I can’t wait to read the rest. This did end unresolved and unfinished in a cliffhanger. I’d be mad, but it was just too much fun. Plus I already have books 2 and 3 (of 4) ready to go.

I listened to the audio version by Traci Odum. She did a phenomenal job on the narration. I also have a paperback and ebook copy to keep and share.

4 stars

Betwixt is okay. The premise of the story is interesting but the pace is slow. Instead of letting the story develop we were told several things about the Defiance. However, it still has witty dialogue and funny slogans and memes. Tracy Odom does a really good job giving the characters a voice and giving the book life. I love Darynda Jones's other books so I'll get the next book to see if this series can saved.