Title: Hexes and Hops (Magical Misfit Murders #2)

Authors: Jacki James and Lori Ames

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you Jacki James and Lori Ames for providing me with a free advance reader e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Set a few weeks after book one (Crystals and Corpses) the town of Ravenstone is hosting another event to get more visitors to the town, this time it’s the Get Hopped Up Beer Festival.  Our two heroes, budding witch Declan and wolf alpha Gideon, are pulled into a new mystery when it is discovered hexes have been used to sabotage the best brewer competition, things only turn more complicated when a murder is committed.

What I liked:  

It was so satisfying that there were no unnecessary break ups or angst for our two MC’s, their budding romance was allowed to carry on nicely while the main mystery plot played out. The mystery itself kept me guessing and while it wasn’t a total surprise “who did it”, it was neither obvious nor ludicrous. The secondary characters were explored further in this book and I absolutely love Sandy, who reminds me of Miss Rabbit from Peppa Pig with his habit of working everywhere in town! Also a special mention for Liquorice the raven who was a very welcome new addition to the cast, I look forward to seeing how he and Declan bond further in the next book.

What didn’t work for me: 

Similarly to book one, at times the prose comes across as too simplified. I feel mean picking up on it as I’m sure others either don’t notice it, or aren’t bothered by it. I couldn’t even point out how it could be fixed, it’s just something that, every so often, interrupted my reading flow.

Final thoughts: 

A lovely second book to a cute paranormal mystery romance series.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of small-town-based mysteries with a cast of eccentric characters, and paranormal romances.