The Unlucky Mister Locke

Shadowvale, Book 8

De: Kristen Painter

Narrado por: B.J. Harrison

Shadowvale isn’t typical small-town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.

For Gideon Locke, that curse has haunted his family for generations. Branded a jinx since boyhood, he’s retreated into the quiet sanctuary of his repair shop, The Clockwork Owl, determined to keep his bad luck from touching anyone else. Better to live alone than risk destroying anyone else’s life.

Sabrina Moreau has her own burden: an irresistible compulsion to rescue broken things. From cracked teacups to tarnished silver, her antique shop, Bits & Pieces, is a refuge for forgotten treasures, but nothing has ever called to her quite like Gideon does.

Hired to restore an antique music box for the powerful witch Amelia Marchand, Sabrina ropes reluctant Gideon into the job. The work draws them into each other’s lives—and into a mystery that hints Gideon’s curse may not be what it seems. As secrets surface and the past refuses to stay buried, they’ll have to decide if some things are better left unrepaired … or if two damaged hearts might finally be worth mending.

©2025 Kristen Painter (P)2026 Kristen Painter

Always a good story

Love the shadow vale stories. From the story to the narrator- the continuity is perfect.

Good tale

If you have read other Painter novels and enjoyed them then you ought to like this story too.

Such a cool book!!

This was such a cool book!! I loved it so much, especially the cat and the sprite.. what a pair!! The story was so much fun to read and I was not ready for it to end! In fact I listened to it twice already!!

Cursed, Cozy, and Hard to Put Down

Shadowvale is the kind of town that would make “normal” pack its bags and move immediately—no sun, gatekeeping gates (literally), magic everywhere, and everybody walking around with a personal curse like it’s a starter kit. And I ate. it. up.
Gideon Locke? Baby. That man is tired—tired of being “the jinx,” tired of keeping his distance, tired of feeling like his existence is a hazard sign. The way he hides out in The Clockwork Owl, trying to keep his bad luck from splashing onto anyone else, had me feeling equal parts protective and ready to drag him into the light (even though the sun refuses to show up in this town).
And Sabrina Moreau… whew. A woman who can’t stop rescuing broken things? Same, sis. Her antique shop Bits & Pieces is adorable, but what got me is how her “fix it” instinct doesn’t turn Gideon into a project—she sees him, period. Their chemistry is slow-burn sweet with a side of tension, and the restoration job (that music box!) turns into way more than a cute little side quest.
The mystery threading through Gideon’s curse is what really kept me turning pages. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Shadowvale said, “Oh you thought.” And the ending? Just when you think you’re at the finish line—nope. It keeps going, in the best way, with that “one more chapter” trap.
Why 4.5 stars instead of 5? A couple moments felt like they took the scenic route when I was ready to sprint, but honestly, the vibes, the heart, and the world-building were strong enough that I didn’t even stay mad.
If you like small towns with teeth, cursed-but-cute romance, and a mystery that doesn’t play fair, The Unlucky Mister Locke is a whole good time. Loved it.

Favorite Series!!!!

I absolutely adore this series. It is my favorite!! I get so excited when I get to return to Shadowvale and visit these characters!! This one was no exception, I loved it!! A terrific opposites attract that had so many laugh out loud moments, I was so sad when it ended!!
The audio narration is phenomenal. The narrator, BJ Harrison, is outstanding, and I could not imagine this world being read by any other voice!!
Must Read Series!!!