Loved this one. Can’t wait for the next one. ( )

This is the first book from my TBR Challenge pile, and because it is light reading I can add it on the first day of 2014!
Picked in the bookstore for a couple of reasons: the protoganist is a witch who run a vintage clothing store and there were pink glittery swirls on the cover. Also, some of the plot was set in Oakland, CA and while I think San Francisco is an Okay Place, I have a real soft spot for the city over the bay.
Its an enjoyable mystery romp, coherently plotted and well-written, incorporating interesting and convincing (within the parameters of the SoD required for tales about modern day magical goings-on!) references beyond the usual Grimm-based Western European eg Aztec mythology, Rom practices, Mexican coming of age celebrations and fire-dancing (which I always - possibly erroneously - associate with Maori culture). There is a strong sense of place, and the characters, whilst no deeper than necessary in a plot-driven novel, are not simply characteristics, but rounded and engaging.
It was a great way to spend a couple of rainy hours, and a fun way to start the new year! ( )

5 Stars for the narration - Xe Sands is just excellent! ( )

I always enjoy the books from this series. The mixture of witches and their magic with everyday problems and a few murder mysteries makes them very interesting. Really good beach read! Recommended! ( )

Lily Ivory is a witch of powerful lineage, now living in San Francisco......

She is up against an Aztec Fire Demon, her estranged father is in town, her run-away boyfriend shows up, powerful witches are being murdered...... An Aztec power object is missing......

I enjoyed this book, it seemed realistic, no frippery, nothing too outrageous, no over-the-top drama, no mindless chatter or stupidity.

This was a fast, easy & satisfying read. ( )