Putting on the Witch, the latest entry from the writing team
of Jim and Joyce Lavene, is a potent potion of witchcraft and mystery, seasoned
with secrets and murder, and topped with a dollop of romance.
Like all the best stories, this is at heart a story of
family. The family we are born into and
the family we create through the simple act of loving another human - or
inhuman - being.
With a cast of engaging characters, an intriguing world, and
complications galore, the Lavenes have put a unique twist on the locked room
mystery- or, in this case, a locked castle mystery.
Retired witches Molly and Elsie are back, along with Dorothy
and Brian from earlier volumes in the series (Spell Booked, and Looking for
Mister Good Witch) and the ghost of Dorothy's mother, Olivia. New additions include Dorothy's father, the
renegade Draco, all the members of the Grand Council of Witches, and a
centuries-old Inquisitor, direct from the Spanish Inquisition.
Putting on the Witch is a worthy addition to the rich trove
of mystery goodness the Lavenes have provided us.
Unfortunately this is the last book from this talented
couple. Their passing has left a huge
hole in the cozy mystery community, and saddened those of us who counted
ourselves among their friends and fans.
I felt very lucky to have known them, and am grateful for the
opportunity to share in one last tribute to them for all they contributions to
the cozy world.
They will be missed.
