Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey: A Hilarious, Cozy, Magical Mystery

Read time: 3 minutes

📱📖 Read on Kindle
⏱ Duration: 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
ARC courtesy of NetGalley (Release Date 10 March 2026)

Book Blurb:

Victoria and Phoebe share a magical mother-daughter bond, deeply entwined with their whimsical family legacy and a mystical bookshop that’s anything but ordinary. Along with their meddlesome but loving Gran, quirky store help Kim, and the personality-rich sheriff Mack, this paranormal cozy mystery blends spells, laughter, and a touch of Halloween charm. Fans of magical tales and cozy mysteries will delight in the playful nods to beloved classics like Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, and The Chronicles of Narnia—all wrapped in a warm, twisty read sprinkled with humor and heart.

Let’s Talk About The Book:

From page one, Spellbound by Murder charms with its hilarious, warm-hearted storytelling. Victoria had me howling with laughter. Her quips and personality carry so much of the book’s energy, and the FRIENDS reference had me giggling (though, yes, it did make me feel “classic-aged” in the best way).

The family dynamics are delightful. Victoria, Phoebe, and Gran form a perfect trio of multi-generational warmth and chaos. Gran’s sneaky but loving nature adds just the right dose of cozy mischief, while the sheriff Mack and store help Kim round out a cast full of personality. And then there’s the bookshop herself, sassy, magical, and downright demanding, ensuring the bloodline witches keep their spirits (and broomsticks) lively.

Ramey layers in playful literary references that any book lover will appreciate: nods to Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Wizard of Oz make the story feel like a magical celebration of reading itself. Stella the owl adds an extra whimsical touch, making this an unputdownable Halloween-ready read. Humor, magic, mystery, and heart all collide beautifully. I’m still thinking about several laugh-out-loud moments.

Some readers on Goodreads have given this book poor reviews, and there are comparisons to Gilmore Girls. Having not seen Gilmore Girls, I can’t comment on the similarity, but if it’s half as funny as this book, I think I’d like it! The world of fiction is only so big. References or concepts borrowed from here and there don’t bother me. What matters is that the story is enjoyable, memorable, and absolutely recommendable. I would highly encourage fellow readers to dive in and go with the hilarity of the flow.

Would I Recommend it?

Absolutely! This is one of the best cozy paranormal mysteries I’ve read in a while. The humor, the family dynamics, and just pure fun make it a delightful read, especially for the Halloween season. Mark your calendar because Spellbound by Murder is a must-add to your TBR.

If you like this…

Then you might also like…

• Witch Way Out by Cate Conte
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• Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders
  A librarian-turned-witch, a small-town library full of secrets, and a talking cat that steals every scene. It’s witty, whimsical, and full of bookish charm.
• Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry
  A small-town TV reporter discovers her witchy abilities after a murder in Salem. The paranormal cozy blend of mystery, family, and magic makes it a seasonal favorite.
• Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
  A noir-ish urban fantasy mixed with mystery and relatable characters.
• The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
  Though not paranormal, this cozy mystery features a charming bookshop setting, quirky characters, and a warm, feel-good vibe that blends community spirit and lighthearted romance.

Magical mystery vibes or witchy wonder?

What’s your favorite trope in cozy mysteries? Do you lean toward quirky family dynamics or magical twists? Let’s chat below!

Book Links:

Amazon CA
Goodreads
Check out more books from Crooked Lane Books