Book Review: Magic, Movies, and Murder by Emily Fluke

CURL UP IN THE COZIEST MAGICAL TOWN… And solve an enchanting mystery!

Pumpkin spice, buttery popcorn, and gasoline. One of these scents is not like the other and Noema's nose knows.
As a werewolf who can smell emotions, Noema always finds herself tangled in small-town gossip. Gossip that explodes when superstitious locals cry wolf after a visitor winds up dead in front of Noema's video rental shop. Can her nose sniff out the suspects before the rumors put her out of business?

Noema successfully balances life as a single mom, the owner of Mockbuster video rental, and a playwright until the murder investigation kills her schedule. And her shop is next on the chopping block if she can't prove to the town that the rumors are false. Despite the gossip, she's definitely not a witch, her VHS tapes are not cursed, and renting one absolutely will not hurt anyone - unless they forget to return it on time. Late fees are killer.

Step into a simpler time in 1990s coastal California where the only complications are cozy mysteries, video rental late fees, and gossiping ghosts. Meet the sassiest vampire, a brooding gargoyle, and a pack of cuddly werewolves.

The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries is a series about magical people dealing with small-town drama and finding family through it all. Take a blast into the paranormal past and enjoy the 1990s nostalgia in this cozy combination of THE GOOD WITCH meets THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SERIES.

Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the 90s, this cozy mystery unfolds in a small town called Bewitcher’s Beach, where the supernatural is just an everyday occurrence. Noema a single mother who is also a werewolf, gets involved in a murder investigation after one of her clients is found dead in front of her video rental store.

This book was a perfect blend of a light and entertaining narrative with a compelling mystery that kept me hooked until the very end. Fluke’s vivid descriptions of Bewitcher’s Beach and its quirky inhabitants create a charming atmosphere that makes the town come alive.

The characters themselves are a highlight, each one more picturesque and eccentric than the last. From the lovable werewolf protagonist to the mischievous ghosts and enigmatic vampires, Bewitcher’s Beach is a tapestry of supernatural personalities. Their interactions are filled with humor, warmth, and the occasional eerie moment, making them truly memorable. My favorite character was Squeaks, the adorable mouse that accompanies Noema in her adventures.

Madeline Mrozek’s narration deserves special mention, as it elevates the audiobook to a whole new level. Her ability to give distinct voices to each character adds depth to the storytelling, making it easy to distinguish between the various supernatural beings. Her expressive interpretations bring the characters to life, and her nuanced delivery sets the right tone for the unfolding mystery. Mrozek masterfully captured the essence of each character, making the audiobook an immersive experience.

Magic, Movies, and Murder is a delightful blend of supernatural charm, mystery, and humor. The 90s setting, coupled with the quirky characters of Bewitcher’s Beach, creates a unique backdrop for a story that is both engaging and lighthearted. With Madeline Mrozrek’s exceptional narration adding an extra layer of enjoyment, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone looking for a captivating and entertaining experience.

Story (Plot)
Narration
Overall:

lomeraniel

My name is Elena. Since I was a little child I loved science fiction and fantasy, and I can’t resist a good novel. In 2015, while wait I started to listen to audiobooks and I discovered the pleasure in being able to read while doing my daily tasks, so there’s always an audiobook playing on my phone. If you see me with my Bluetooth headphones on, please be gentle, I get easily startled.

I live with my boyfriend, which I met during my six-year stay in Belgium, four cockatiels, eight lovebirds, and a hamster in Madrid, Spain; and I like to spend my free time knitting and sewing while listening to audiobooks.