In the Company of Witches
by Auralee Wallace
Summary
When a guest dies in the B&B she helps her aunts run, a young witch must rely on some good old-fashioned investigating to clear her aunt’s name in this magical and charming new cozy mystery.
For four hundred years, the Warren witches have used their magic to quietly help the citizens of the sleepy New England town of Evenfall thrive. There’s never been a problem they couldn’t handle. But then Constance Graves–a local known for being argumentative and demanding–dies while staying at the bed and breakfast Brynn Warren maintains with her aunts. At first, it seems like an accident…but it soon becomes clear that there’s something more sinister at work, and Aunt Nora is shaping up to be the prime suspect.
There’s nothing Brynn wants more than to prove Nora’s innocence, and it hurts her to know that even two years ago that might have been easier. Brynn, after all, is a witch of the dead–a witch who can commune with ghosts. Ghosts never remember much about their deaths, but Constance might remember something about her life that would help crack the case. But Brynn hasn’t used her powers since her husband died, and isn’t even sure she still can. Brynn will just have to hope that her aunts’ magic and her own investigative skills will lead her to answers–and maybe back to the gift she once thought herself ready to give up forever.
My Review
It took me a couple of Halloween seasons to finally pick up In the Company of Witches, a book that has been calling my name for years, and it completely lived up to the anticipation. I adored this magical, witchy cozy mystery. Out of every cozy mystery I have read so far, this one is by far my favorite!
The story gave me such strong Practical Magic energy in the best way. So many books claim to have that vibe, but this one truly captured it. Brynn, living with her two aunts, Nora and Izzy, along with her uncle Gideon, who rarely leaves the attic, felt wonderfully familiar in a comforting and nostalgic way.
The heart of the book is absolutely the family dynamic. I loved how they bickered, clashed, and occasionally drove each other up the wall, yet still showed unwavering love and support. Their warmth, encouragement, and witty banter made their home feel so alive. The story carries layers of emotion and family history that add beautiful depth. This is more than a murder mystery. It has magic woven through it and plenty of heart.
The family’s bed and breakfast was another standout element. It felt so cozy and atmospheric that I could practically smell the autumn air and hear the creaks of an old, charming inn. It is the perfect read for a chilly fall afternoon or a light and inviting Halloween mood.
I also loved how much magic the story included. So many witchy books hold back on the enchanted moments, but this one embraced them. It felt truly spellbinding. The autumn setting, the small town charm, and Brynn’s ability to see and talk to ghosts created a delightful blend of whimsy and paranormal intrigue.
The murder mystery kept me guessing the whole way through and gave me little flashes of Clue from time to time. Even though I enjoyed that part of the story, it naturally stepped aside for the atmosphere, the emotional layers, and the familial love that make this book shine. The writing style made it easy to picture every setting and every moment.
If you love the quirky aunts from Practical Magic or The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and the spunky character energy of Gilmore Girls, you absolutely need to pick up this cozy magical mystery duology. It is sweet, charming, and wonderfully enchanting. I can’t wait to read the sequel and anything else this author writes! Highly recommend!!