What's a Witch to Do?

What’s a Witch to Do?

By Jennifer Harlow

A Midnight Magic Mystery

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink, 2013

Subject Headings:

·         Witchcraft

·         Supernatural

·         Fantasy

Appeal: Fantasy Novel, Humorous, Magic, Mystery Elements

Plot Summary:
            Mona McGregor is the High Priestess of the witch coven living in Goodnight, Virginia. On top of being the leader of a large coven, Mona also owns and runs the Midnight Magic shop and is the guardian of her two young nieces. Her everyday life is a struggle to keep on top of her ever growing to do list, and potentially woo the handsome doctor who has taken an interest in her. However, all of that gets thrown for a loop when a wounded werewolf shows up on her doorstep with the ominous message that someone wants Mona out of the way, permanently. Combining elements of humor, heartache, romance, and mystery; this fantasy adventure is a thrill to read. The heroine, despite being a very powerful witch, is very relatable and her inner struggles and attempts to find balance in her life really help draw the reader in and keep the pages turning. Some adult themes are included throughout the novel.

Some Characteristics of Fantasy:

1. This story has societies of witches, werewolves, and vampires living hidden within the populace, and also a heavy theme of magic.
2. The story line features a battle of good vs evil as Mona and her friends try to stop her would-be, black-magic practicing assassin.
3. Throughout the novel, the tone switches from light and humorous to a more malevolent mood as the characters find themselves fighting for their safety and their lives.

Similar Authors and Works:

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors

Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice by Thea Sabin
This novel is an introduction into the spirituality and real-world practice of Wicca. This novel provides a solid foundation for readers to learn some of the mysteries of Wicca.

The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe
Author Katherine Howe takes a look at the darker side of witchcraft throughout English and North American history. It focuses on the accounts of real accused witches and shows some truth behind the legends.

Binding Passions: Tales of Magic, Marriage, and Power at the End of the Renaissance by Guido Ruggiero
Ruggiero brings forth several records found in Venice’s branch of the Roman Inquisition’s records on how passions were seen to be bound and how it was used in binding people. An unique look into the magic of passion in Italian history.

3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors

Midnight poison by A.E. Kirk

Kiara Blackwood is several centuries old, and can’t remember exactly who she is. This in and of itself is an issue, but she has a few more problems on her plate. She is being hunted by an immortal serial killer, being held prisoner by the undead, must somehow find the Midnight Poison she apparently created, and her psych meds have stopped working.

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

In a world where supernatural creatures have been legalized, Anita Blake is an executioner for the United States Government part-time and her day job is raising the dead. This novel includes a mixture of romance and horror as Anita confronts a thousand-year old vampire and a host of the undead.

Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow

Beatrice Alexander has the ability to move objects with her mind, and draws the attention of the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad when she saves her students by lifting a Hummer over their heads and later on almost offs her brother. The squad handles rouge monsters that threaten to expose all the supernatural societies in hiding, and is a fantasy thriller.