A Magical Match

Witchcraft Mysteries Series, Book 9

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Lily Ivory and her friends are planning a 1950s-themed brunch to benefit the local women's shelter. When a figure from her past shows up unannounced, threatening her unless she returns something that belonged to him, Lily's fiance, Sailor, steps in to defend her. After the same man is found dead later that day, Sailor is the primary suspect. He swears he's innocent, but multiple witnesses ID him as the perpetrator of the assault. Lily vows to clear his name...only she's not sure where to start with the mounting evidence against him.

When she sees Sailor in the neighborhood despite knowing he's in jail, Lily starts to wonder if there could be a doppelganger in San Francisco. When she's not busy helping customers find matching outfits for the upcoming event, searching for a vintage wedding dress for her own nuptials, and dealing with an ill-timed magical cold, Lily begins to suspect one of her magical foes is targeting her loved ones in an attempt to weaken her.

©2018 Julie Goodson-Lawes (P)2018 Tantor

Another Home Run for Blackwell and Sands

Juliet Blackwell is one of my favorite authors: her mysteries are true Cozies to me, comforting as a cup of tea on a dark and stormy night (or after a rough day at the office). There is humor without slapstick, romance without gobs of sex, and plenty of characters to love, hate, and wonder about. These are books I listen to at least on a yearly basis - and A Magical Match is a lovely addition to Ms. Blackwell's oeuvre. The only problem I have with Ms. Blackwell is my impatience as she works on the next book - in any of her series.

Xe Sands has matured as a reader from the beginning of the series: her voice is liquid and warm, as if she's very quietly telling this story just to you. Her female characters are individual and distinctive: I would love a bit more individualism in the male characters,- but this is a quibble (and perhaps noticeable because I tend to re-listen to all of the books in these series before I allow myself a listen of the new book). Mea culpa.

Delightful!

Another winner. Another great story in the witch world of aunt

Cora's closet, cupcakes, scary dudes, and a sweet toothed gobgoyle

love this great series of books

love this great series - Lilly Ivory is a great character - keep her adventures coming

Another Great Lily Adventure!

This latest of Lily's life was both intriguing and tense. I wasn't sure how it would go with Lily pairing up with sultry Patience to help Sailor. Aside from the not very realistic portrayal of Patience as a Rom fortuneteller, her femme fatale confidence really came through. I think my own rhythm must've been off because the reveal of the evildoer seemed a bit flat to me- I should go back to relisten. As always with the Lilly books, I recommend this one.

#feelgood

I am not-so-patiently awaiting more in this series! I love the magical mystery series and cannot get enough of this one. I feel like falling in love with these characters has opened my eyes to my own potentially judgmental nature. Plus, who can ever get enough of Oscaroo? #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

They just keep getting better and better!

I started this series 10 books ago begrudgingly. I first discovered Juliet Blackwell with the Annie Kincaid series (4books) which I loved, loved, loved. And because I wanted more, of this new to me writer, I started reading the Mel Turner books… and now, Lily Ivory. I see only one more book in front of me. Please don’t stop writing this series. It’s been wonderful, don’t stop now.

Narrator Xe Sands gives us a terrific performance

Lily Ivory, vintage clothing store owner and witch, is busy planning her wedding to her beau, Sailor. Lily’s grandmother and many of her coven, in addition to her mother, boarded a bus two weeks ago and are taking the scenic route to San Francisco to see Lily and Sailor marry. Yet Lily has another pressing date and event to handle – a mother-daughter brunch to benefit the women’s shelter with the ladies to arrive in matching outfits from the 1950s.

Suddenly a man named Tristan Dupree shows up at the shop and abruptly states that Lily has stolen something from him and that she has 48 hours to give it back. Sailor overhears him and threatens him if he bothers Lily again. Lily has no idea what Tristan is asking about or much recollection of their meeting. Lily visits the head of the witch community in San Francisco named Aidan and learns that the item is probably a piece of jewelry or a ring. Lily knows that she must recover the repressed memories of meeting Tristan which occurred when she confronted her father 15 years ago. She knows that Aidan can help her. Many hours pass as they work, but they only touch the surface of her memories.

As Lily heads home, she learns that Sailor is in jail for murdering Tristan Dupree! The evidence is overwhelming with several witness statements and surveillance tapes showing Sailor leaving Tristan’s hotel covered in blood. Yet when Sailor is apprehended, his clothing is not bloody nor is he bruised from their fight. The next day Lily sees Sailor in the neighborhood yet she knows he’s in jail. Could there be a doppelganger who murdered Tristan rather than Sailor himself?

With so much on her plate planning the mother-daughter brunch, planning her wedding, working on recovering repressed memories, tracking her grandmother’s bus, Lily must find time to help Sailor form a defense. She enlists the aid of several friends with special talents to try and determine what happened and whodunit.

I always enjoy a new witchy book from Juliet Blackwell, and this ninth entry in the series is no exception. San Francisco is a favorite city of mine as well as Lily Ivory. I enjoy the sidekick role that Lily’s familiar Oscar, the gobgoyle, plays. I’m rooting for Lily's romance with Sailor. Lily hears the words from her mother that she needed to hear so many years ago. And finally, Lily begins to truly believe in herself and her powers.

Narrator Xe Sands gives us a terrific performance. The story just rolls off her tongue so easily. or so it seems. Very entertaining. An excellent effort of both author and narrator together.

So enjoyable, and filled with laughs and mystery !

This is book nine and they are all great. Iam so excited about the next one with the whole family ready to take on the evil threatening San Francisco. Enjoy!

Doppelgänger or something else

The narrator does a great job.
Sailor is accused of murder but Lily is sure he didn’t do it. The mystery is well rounded and keeps the reader engaged.

As per normalJuliet Blackwell writes a best seller

I just can't get enough of this story line! I listened to all her titles over and over. The worst part is waiting for the next installment!