The Trouble With Magic (Bewitching Mysteries, No. 1)

This author can write! Her writing is beautifully descriptive, her characters are intriguing, and her plot is well developed. When I looked at the cover, I had my doubts. But wow, she spins a good yarn. I have ordered other books in this series and am eager to read them.

One of the best aspects of this book was, when it ended, it was left open for a sequel! Will Maggie open her mind to her obvious mystical talents? Will she date either of the very attractive men in her life... the dark and mysterious man, or the light yet strong guy? I was completely delighted with "The Trouble with Magic." While it is "chick-lit-ish," it is a refreshing change of pace from all of the "cookie cutter" chick-lit books that are flooding the market right now. The mystical aspects offer Alt's readers just the right twist to mix a main stream book with tons of suspense and a bit of spookiness. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Maggie and magic.

This is the 1st of the series that features Maggie O'Niell, and her new friends - Felicity, who gave her a job at Enchantments, an antique shop/metaphysical treasure-filled business, Marcus, a darkly sexy man whom Maggie thinks is Felicity's man, a tough cop, whom Maggie is attracted to, etc. When Felicity is called to her sister's house, she finds her sister murdered and she becomes the main suspect. Oh, did I forget to tell you Felicity's a witch? Maggie can't quite fathom the world of the metaphysical, shows us she is a sensitive, and begins her journey into this realm. The 1st page catches you and the book is very entertaining - Looking forward to the next in the series - Ms. Alt joins the fine company of Victora Laurie, whose works I love - Not for those who cannot accept "woo-woo" as it is called in the book - but a fine read.

This is a great start to a new series, with just enough mystery and magic to keep me hooked. Maggie's life is going nowhere when she stumbles into an antique shop and a whole new life. The shop's owner Felicity, who happens to be a practicing witch, immediately offers Maggie a job and as bit of unsolicited advice. Before she knows what hit her Maggie is drawn into to a world she never considered, people who seem to understand her and accept the way she is including the premonitions she has tried to keep to herself. Then Felicity's sister turns up dead and Felicity becomes the prime suspect. There are also a couple of very interesting men thrown in and quite of bit is made about tolerance of what we don't understand, all of which leads to a merry chase, a band of unexplained phenomenon hunters, and a strength Maggie didn't think she had. I like all of the characters a lot and found most of the story believable and not over done, at times I did find Maggie complaints about her upbringing and her church a bit much but not enough to keep me from impatiently anticipating the next in this fresh new series.

What fun, what fun! No better way to spend a winter afternoon (especially in Indiana, the scene of the crime) than curled up with a cup of tea and the THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC. Maggie O'Neill is pure charm, and her sleuthing antics range from make-me-tremble brave to downright hilarious. I can't wait for the next one.

The Trouble With Magic draws you right in from the first page. Maggie, dissatisfied with her current job makes a leap of faith,and accepts a job offer to work for Felicity, owner of an upscale antique shoppe, and incidently a practising Witch. The two womnen quickly become friends, and their story spirals into an enchanting, intelligent, often witty tale of magic, self-discovery, murder and mystery. The result is the reader, at least this reader is left wanting MORE, PLEASE. Madelyn Alt is an intelligent, exciting new author who promises to become a great favorite.