Secondhand Spirits

A Witchcraft Mystery, Book 1

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Lily Ivory hopes for a normal life when she opens Aunt Cora's Closet. With her magical knack for vintage fashion - she can sense vibrations of the past from clothing and jewelry - her store becomes a big hit. But when a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area, Lily may be the only one who can unravel the crime.

She tries to keep her identity a secret while investigating, but it's not easy - especially under the spells of sexy "mythbuster" Max Carmichael and powerful witch Aidan Rhodes. Will Lily's witchy ways be forced out of the closet?

©2009 Juliet Blackwell (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Lily Ivory is a 21st-century Samantha Stevens, minus the nose wriggling. The story combines fun and seriousness for an entertaining read." ( Romantic Times)

A Witch in San Fransisco

Where does Secondhand Spirits rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Secondhand Spirits offers the reader a story with a touch of realism and the paranormal. I would say it maybe one of my current top 20 books of fantasy and mystery.

What other book might you compare Secondhand Spirits to and why?

This story is as interesting as a Mercy Thomson or Rachel Morgan book. Each with a different spin on the supernatural, and each with a smart brave antagonist. Looking forward to reading more of Lily Ivory's story.

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

The gremlin, her familiar, Oscar. This character was performed well and you enjoyed Xe's take on the different funny character.

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

Discover magical San Francisco.

texas voice

being from Texas that twang is not good. need to work on that and some of our quirks down hear. love the story line love the characters. love oscar. next one downloaded and ready.

Could not sympathize with the main character.

Listen to the sample before buying this book. I hate to say it, but I really didn't like the narrator's style.

Witchy Cozy Mystery

What a great find this is, a new series with several books already released!! Happy Dance!

Lily is a really interesting character, the whole witch angle is very intriguing. There seems to be a great deal of exposition that is being left out, lots of hints or comments that leave questions about her past. The whole book is her POV, not bad just keeps the reader from getting ahead of the story.

The plot is inventive and engaging, the story really flowed. I loved the characters, especially her new familiar!! Oscar is too cute!

The book ends with two possible plotlines for the next book. There are also several questions left unanswered from Lily's past. I am definitely hooked!!

I have the audiobooks of this series, great deal on Audible. The narrator, Xe Sands, is fantastic. I love her style and her tone is perfect. She really has a way of making the story come alive, animated and dynamic read. I am definitely going to look for more of her work!

Witches in San Francisco!

I first heard this book thru my library app. I loved it and decided to buy the series. Lily Ivory is cute, sweet and powerful all rolled into one character.

Great story

This was a Bookbub buy but now I’m hooked on the series! The performance was really amazing with the story.

What a fun Read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes interesting characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secondhand Spirits?

The whole ongrowing relationship with her "pet" was very sweet.

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

Xe Sands performed all characters well, especially Lily.

What a treat!

Where does Secondhand Spirits rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I think the this maybe be my next favorite series to Sookie Stackhouse. It is a fun book with crisp writing and excellent pace. The narratator tells the story in a smooth chocolaty voice that has you hanging off of every word.

What did you like best about this story?

Great twists and turns and fun characters.

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

Lily. She portrays her with a great smooth southern style. Oscar is adorably portrayed. I am looking forward to discovering how his character will evolve.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to listen to the next book!

Reader was too sleepy but the story was fun

Reader was too sleepy but the story was fun. I almost gave up initially because the reader sounded so BORED.

Narration is Awful

What did you like best about Secondhand Spirits? What did you like least?

The story was interesting. The narration on is TERRIBLE. I've listened to other books by Xe Sands and she was fine but for some reason this time she does a really awful whispery voice for the main character. I took me three tries to get through the book.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator could have made a better choice. The whispery voice is just awful.