Strange Magic

By: Syd Moore

Narrated by: Julia Barrie

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

Rosie Strange doesn't believe in ghosts or witches or magic. It's no surprise therefore that when she inherits the ramshackle Essex Witch Museum, her first thought is to take the money and run.

Still, the museum exerts a curious pull over Rosie. There's the eccentric academic who bustles in to demand she help in a hunt for the bones of the notorious Ursula Cadence, a witch long since put to death. And there's curator Sam Stone, a man about whom Rosie can't decide if he's tiresomely annoying or extremely captivating.

Finding herself and Sam embroiled in a peculiar centuries-old mystery, Rosie quickly discovers that the secrets of the past come with their own real danger as a strange magic threatens to envelop them all.

©2017 Syd Moore (P)2017 Isis Publishing Ltd

so so boring

I got this book on the strength of a review which said it was " better than The Rivers of London "
it is a terrible book. long long descriptions of a door or a jacket while the main storyline is squeezed into the space between inane comments about the other character being 'hot'. we don't know if he is hot as he has all the characteration of a cardboard cutout in the distance.

72 people found this helpful

Nothing happens

This story drags on, with no actual events. It's mainly car journeys, hotels and visits to academics and experts.

The lead character over-analyses every moment of speech. That wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't constantly making childish assumptions. It's as though the writer has no experience of an adult relationship of any sort.

The narrator's characterisation of the lead character is sarcastic, high-pitched and grating. While the male characters are lethargic and breathy.

The sad thing is I think there might be a really good idea in here somewhere. But I'm not sticking with this series to find out.

9 people found this helpful

Passes the time of day

I did listen to this book to the end but admit to fading out sometimes. Also the story was a little predictable and may do better for the late teen age market.

It is read well but the main character Rosie Strange is so annoying, I really wanted to shout at the phone . So for that reason alone, if this is a series of books, I would not follow up with another novels.

19 people found this helpful

A reasonable listen

It took me a while to make up my mind about this book. I wasn't keen on the narration although I got used to it.
Some parts were well researched where others didn't ring true. Like the church and priest involvement, witches were pagan, as well as the devilish/supernatural elements (the devil being a Christian construct). I will however, lookout for more books in this series if they are written with the hope that these aspects will improve and the dialogue for the main character, Rosie Strange, tightens up and makes her look less ignorant and silly.
One to watch with the makings of a good series of light listening, mildly creepy books.

37 people found this helpful

Great fun

Rosie Strange inherits a witchcraft museum from her estranged Grandfather (oh lucky girl, I wish I had). Rosie has no idea about witchcraft or magic, in fact she'd rather find a mundane explanation for it. She's feisty and forthright and soon develops a soft spot for the curator of the museum. Thinking she may sell it to a developer, she arrives to take possession of the property. However, she soon becomes embroiled in the desperate search to recover the bones of a woman, Ursula Cadence, cruelly accused, tortured and executed for the 'crime' of witchcraft in the late 1500's. Enough 'spooky' and intrigue to keep the story rolling along and a good smattering of humour, which had me grinning. This is a fun and interesting romp, there is good background research regarding witchcraft in Essex and, along with the fun, the author brings to the fore the impolitic cruelty, and lust for power, that accompanied the witch hunts. I look forward to listening to more in the series. The reader Julia Barrie is great voice for Rosie Strange.

14 people found this helpful

Strange Magic

Caught my interest from the start and kept it to the very end. I can't wait for the next one in the serirs

12 people found this helpful

What a Pleasure

A great story and likeable characters. Knew places in story and look forward to next book. Although not on audible yet purchased on kindle as can't wait to see what next happens to Rosie and the museum.

11 people found this helpful

Fab! Good story, narrated well, I loved it!

A nice mixture of historical interest, pacy narration, with a good smattering of humour. Great!

11 people found this helpful

So tedious! Female protagonist is utterly awful.

What would have made Strange Magic better?

Less waffly descriptions, really slowed the pace.
A less irritating woman as the lead, she was a total dimwit, very screechy and immature in character and yet the story seems to want to make her out to be some kind of modern woman - terrible.

Would you ever listen to anything by Syd Moore again?

No.

10 people found this helpful

Exeptionally dull book.

I dearly wish that reviewers didn't exaggerate, or have such saddeningly low standards.
This is a decentish idea, hidden behind inane drivel, about nothing.

Embarrassingly bad.

4 people found this helpful