The Witchfinder's Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw

Date read: 11th March 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Murder Mystery (17c Witch hunt)

Buy link: Amazon 

Ahhh, I love this book! 

So, we have Wem in England during the 17th century (& the civil war) as a backdrop. Excellent; a time period not explored enough imho. 

Then we have a dashing hero, John Carne, who has the patience of a saint. Poor man is shunned by his wife, set apart from society, and has been cornered into helping the 'godly man' of a magistrate. 

And then weird dead bodies are found in The Moss - the town is turned upside down as superstition and rumour infect all. 

Can John remain the calm voice of reason? Will anyone listen? 

~ This story starts of suitably slowly. One gets to feel the difficulty of daily life through the pacing as well as the plot. And then you're rewarded with plenty of action towards the end.

All the characters are all well-written, even if some are downright unlovable. There are definitely some you will love to hate! And I don't want to give anything away by naming those I adore.

The character arcs are wonderful. 

The real vibes of the dangers of witch hunts and bigotry are incredible. 

And the historical accuracy is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're inhabiting the book. 

Excellent!

Read this book now if you enjoy murder mysteries and/or historical fiction.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - ABOMINATION - heartbreakingly beautiful

Abomination by Jeza Belle

Date read: 15th January 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Bible Story Retelling (m/m)

Buy link: Amazon 

Caution: this is not a romance story - it has no HEA. But nor does it pretend to be. It is a retelling, and thus is constrained by the real Bible story (found in the Book of Samuel). It takes these soulmates and gives them a fuller story full of love and violence and tragedy. 

David is a humble son of a sheep farmer - a very pretty, blond one. His talent: playing the lyre (harp). 

Jonathan is the son of Saul, King of Israel. And a brown-haired warrior.

When David famously slays Goliath he is supposed to be rewarded by King Saul. But the king gets jealous, and is a little bit cray-cray. 

In the KJV Bible, we read, "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." Their souls were knit. They are not condemned for this. 

This story is excellently written. It gives Bible vibes without being bogged down by its tedious narrative doctrine. 

The steam is high. And there is an acceptance of these guys being bi. They must take wives to procreate; it was the way of things, and it was refreshing to bring love into those relationships too.

The story is brought to life in vivid, gut-wrenching detail in the most marvellous way.

The various meetings and partings of David and Jonathan rent my heart in pieces! Oh, these two!!! 

If you want a read that'll change your brain chemistry, and possibly alter your views on the Bible, you should definitely pick this one up. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE FROST FAIR MURDERS - as juicy as a figgy pudding

The Frost Fair Murders by Ellis Blackwood

Date read: 27th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical (Restoration) Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I am aware this book is far into series, so is not the best book to start with. However, it's Christmas and I'm a mood reader. I've probably given myself spoilers as I definitely want to go back and read more of this series!

The intriguing characters of this book completely inhabit their accurate world!

We have Samuel Pepys and his Inquisitors (one male, one female which is refreshing), slipping across the frozen Thames as they try to solve a murder. But then more bodies show up, and Pepys seems more and more involved. But who is truly behind these dastardly deeds? 

Welcome to the seedy underbelly of London in 1666. The Great Plague and the Fire have both happened, and it's a harsh, cold winter. 

There is one character in a side story who is very interesting, but I'm not sure what he has to do with this story? I feel like his thread was left a bit? But maybe it's me, and I just missed it. Or he was just a red herring? 

I loved all the realistic, historical details - given appropriately and really immersed me into 17th century London. 

Obviously, the real Samuel Pepys is fictionalised, but in a marvellous way which feels right. And the whole host of characters have depth. 

The plot is as juicy as a figgy pudding! 

A wonderfully devious, festive read. More of an icy than a cosy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

 

REVIEW - THE WICCAN GUIDE TO SELF-CARE - Magickally Healing

The Wiccan Guide to Self-Care by Marie Bruce

Date read: 10th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Magickal Self Help

Buy link: Amazon 

This book appeared in my life, as if by magick, at just the right time. 

Marie is a qualified, experienced psychotherapist but also a wiccan. In easily absorbed chapters, she takes you gently, step-by-step, into clearing away some gloom, making way for the good. 

Shadow work is essential. And I've done a lot of it. But I needed more. 

I loved how each section had a 'high level' and a 'deeper dive' option, so you could go at your own pace. 

I have an essential oil diffuser I use each night. Yet I was struggling to sleep properly. This book prompted me to make my own pillow spray, and it (much to my surprise) really helped. 

There are fun things to make with deep meaning. There are spells and mantras. And encouragement to take time to meditate/create/reflect. But don't let that mislead you. 

Real mental health challenges are fully explored, with tips to get you through. It looks into the root cause of behaviours/patterns, and offers compassionate understanding. 

I honestly feel like I've done some spiritual cleaning, in readiness for the new year ahead. I feel more positive and prepared. 

This book came beautifully packaged via the Piscean Goddess shop: https://thepisceangoddess.co.uk/ 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - FESTIVELY FATAL - When you need something Christmassy yet murdery

Festively Fatal by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 22nd November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I've been saving this book on my TBR for this time of year. I love this series, and intersperse it in my reading, knowing I'll enjoy each book. It's definitely a series I wish more people knew about.

I love that the team who have been brought up in a 'make do and mend' environment got to see how the other half live. And realised that maybe they have the better end of the deal! :O 

Poor Lucas - he's grumpier than ever. He should be enjoying a lovely Christmas. But, of course, a ghost has to come along and ruin it. But at least Tommy gets some long-awaited festive family spoiling, bless him. Oh, the cuteness of a city boy experiencing the snowy countryside - something I've personally witnessed IRL! And Clara seems to thrive whenever there's a mystery to solve. 

The banter and enthusiasm always wrap these mysteries in a loving warmth. 

And this one really had me guessing! Who dunnit? 

Marvellous writing, great characters, festive plot - a brilliant read. Just right for anyone wanting a little Christmas with their murder mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WHAT HAPPENED IN LONDON - Unusual things!

What Happened in London by Kim M Watt

 Date read: 7th November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Not-So-Cosy Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Having read and loved all the Beaufort Scales books, I was intrigued by what had happened to DI Adams to get her there. She was definitely, deliberately not saying something! 

I was keen to eek out spooky season, so this was my opportune moment to delve in. The Beaufort Scales series is full of cake and wonderful chaos. This story, as the author warns, is darker, though. But then I trust Kim M Watt - she can make even the dark and dangerous sound beautiful with her beautiful phrasing. She has a delightful way of viewing the world in terms of sharp angles and diffuse light. 

So, the story:

Children are going missing in the Christmas Market! And there are strange people about - ones who are not quite all they seem. But then there are the forgotten - they're going missing too, not that anyone seemed to care before DS (not yet DI) Adams got involved.

Jack is a colourful character, and a wonderful addition to this cast. He's fascinating.

And it was comforting and lovely to see the 'dog' make a tentative introduction this early in Adams' career.

The bridge itself becomes a character in its own right, with its looming, dark girders, and the Thames swirling below with its hungry currents. 

I love how determined DS Adams is. She will sniff out a case and keep investigating until it's solved, even when the clues she discovers make 0 sense and give her migraines. 

NB This is not a book for those folk who don't like arachnid behaviour

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those readers seeking a thrilling mystery with an unusual nature. An intriguing book that peeks behind the flimsy veil of reality.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE KING OF HALLOWEEN - A pumpkin spiced latte read

 The King of Halloween by Ellen Mint

 Date read: 19th October 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Halloween Romance (m/m)

Buy link: Amazon  

This book's blurb promises a Hallmark romcom but in a Halloween book. However, that's underselling it imho. It's raunchier and grittier. 

It was lovely to see some diversity. Raj is of Indian heritage and a bit chubbly - all the better for being a bear. Although, Adam's skinniness is maybe mentioned a little too much. It's nice to have different body shapes, but just one or two mentions is sufficient. 

Having said that, I would've liked a bit more of that delicious bear/twink emphasis, and a touch more of Adam taking charge - that was a really fun dynamic. 

The small town felt a bit misogynistic and generally passive aggressive. Personally, I would've enjoyed seeing more of Adam realising their attitudes had actually changed from when he was little - an opening of his eyes and discovery of acceptance and joy - it's there but subtly. 

Both guys have inner demons to overcome, which was done well.

The steam gets hot when it kicks in. Although, more often than not, I got fabulous build-up with detailed hand and mouth stuff but then a closed door when it came down to the final act. The author has a talent for description, so to carry that all the way through would've been a treat.

Right, that's all out the way. What I absolutely adored about this book was how both Adam and Raj geeked out over old horror movies and old style special effects. 

And all the Halloween props were marvellous. That haunt sounded like heaps of scary fun, especially.

The hints of real spookiness were fun too. As were the silly little feud fights.

Autumn vibes are supplied in delicious golden abundance. 

And the costumes? Wow! Especially the Phantom - phewee!! And all Adam's suits - they gave me Barney from How I Met Your Mother if he was into Halloween. Yeah, Barney mixed with Jack Skellington.

All-in-all, this was a fun, Halloween read with steam - a bit like a pumpkin spiced latte. 

Always in love and light,

TL