Review of Breaking Bat by Erin Johnson

Happy Publication Day to Erin Johnson on the release of Breaking Bat, Book 6 in the Magic Market Mysteries.

A curse stole one witch’s powers, but gave her the ability to speak with animals. Now she helps a hunky police officer and his sassy, lie-detecting canine solve paranormal mysteries. When a bride’s murdered on her wedding day, can this team catch the killer?

When former lawyer turned pet psychic, Jolene Hartgrave, is called in to consult on the case of a wedding day tragedy, she’s shocked to recognize the murdered bride as someone from her childhood. Jolene vows to tie the knot on the case and to mend her rocky relationship with hunky cop Peter, even as she struggles to confess to him one final secret–her connection to the underground shifter mob boss.

As Peter and Jolene investigate how a girl from the seedy Night Market district came to be killed at her own wedding to the magical island’s elite, they uncover political scandals, jealous rivals and country club clashes.

Will Jolene engage justice for a fellow shifter and prove to Peter she’s trustworthy? Or will she let a killer roam free and lose the man she’s crushing on?

Breaking Bat is the sixth novel in the hilarious and enchanting MagicMarket paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like talking animal sidekicks, delicious riddles, and cheeky female leads, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s enchanting tale.

Available on Amazon and through Kindle Unlimited.

Jolene is back! And Peter too. Though I was far less excited to see him. I’m still not convinced he deserves Jolene’s forgiveness either but we’ll see how it goes.

I think the mystery in this story in my favourite of the series so far. We’ve got to figure out who murdered Letty, a young lady from the Darkmoon District who was the very unlikely bride of a wealthy young politician. Daisy’s suffering from allergies in this one, so her truth detection skills can’t be relied upon. I loved how all the clues kept circling round and round. Every time I thought I had the motive and culprit pinned, something else would come up and make me change my mind. Of course there were those I really really wanted to be guilty too! The big reveal in the end isn’t too suspenseful but it’s certainly dramatic and entertaining.

In terms of character development, Jolene and Peter make up and figure out a way to move past their differences. I still think he was being unfair and bit stubborn in his expectations. That said, the way the theme of prejudice is worked into the tale is very interesting and gives a deeper meaning to what is essentially a light, fun read.

The overall series arc continues unfolding. Jolene’s former school mistress offers some key historical details that sheds some light of Ludolf’s origins.

Overall, a great addition to the series which seems to be getting stronger and stronger. I’m so happy Erin pops them out so quickly cuz I love finding out what happens next!

I give Breaking Bat 4/5 espresso shots.