The Crystal Café had the best supply of cakes and baked goods. I’d have to grab a recipe or two the next time I was in Cornwall or in the surrounding area.
I picked through letters I’d received that morning, while it was nearing mid-afternoon, my day had been hectic, especially after getting everything sorted with the garden and having all the rubbish cleared out by some handy binmen – and of course, Greg.
“A lot of mail,” he said.
I’d barely been around. I was slowly working my way through everything.
Most of the letters I received were what I already knew anything. Plenty of payment accepted notes regarding my gas and electricity. I didn’t need the waste on the environment under my name.
I flicked through the notes, landing on a yellow envelope with a wax emblem on the reverse, keeping the letter together. The Witches Council. My stomach flipped. Perhaps my retirement package coming through, or—I stuck a knife under the wax, picking it open.
Dear Evanora Lavender,
Thank you for your many years of servitude.
We were honoured to receive your letter quite so soon after you’d left.
Of course, we will have a lovely young witch come live with you for a few months.
Treat her well and take her under your wing.
Cassandra Hexe will be your mentee.
She does have a cat.
If you require any additional help, we are here.
Enclosed is a retirement sum, and a weekly stipend amount for training Miss Hexe.
Sincerely,
The High Witch
“Good news?” Greg asked, presumably from the large smile on my face.
“Very good news,” I replied. “I’m going to have a hobby.”
A knock at the door came.
Soon? I thought.
“I’ll get it,” Greg said, jumping from his seat with his teacup in hand.
Before I could protest, he was up and away.
Thud.
A heavy hand for a woman, I smiled. Although it could’ve been anyone at the door. Perhaps it was Maureen with another cake.
I waited for a second.
“Greg? Who is it?”
Smash.
“Greg?” I asked, pushing out of the chair.
Crunch.
TO BE CONTINUED
Read Secret Spells in Witchwood to find out what happens next…
A Note From Jessica
Dear Reader,
Thank you for grabbing Cryptic Curses in Witchwood . It is a rebranded series, with new editing and covers. I look forward to sharing more of Witchwood with you in the future. Evanora’s story started in the Cowan Bay series, book three, Pies, Palmistry, and Poison .
I also wanted to share, Evanora has had a huge history of investigating crimes against witches, and I would like to know if you’re interested in reading about Nora solving crimes in her prime?
If you are, leave me a review. It lets me know what my readers want more of.
Witchy kisses,
Jessica
MORE FROM JESSICA
WITCHWOOD SERIES
Continue your journey into WITCHWOOD with the second instalment from the series. Join Evanora as she embarks on solving the mysterious goings-on in a nearby manor house.
SECRET SPELLS IN WITCHWOOD
BLURB
When Evanora receives an invite to a wealthy family’s annual dinner party, she believes she’s been accepted into the small community at last.
As a guest drops dead at the dinner table, the perfect family spiral into arguments, accusing everyone of murder, including Evanora Lavender.
In an attempt to uncover what happened, Nora discovers her magic is gone. It could’ve been any of them, and now she’s vulnerable. Someone among them is practising magic, and Nora needs to find them before they find her.
Buy Now
COWAN BAY WITCHES SERIES
If you’re ready to explore witchy world, the WITCHWOOD series and the COWAN BAY WITCHES are both set inside the same world. In Cowan Bay, you’ll find your coven, but they’re going through something rough right now, so help them out.
Start book one today.
MUFFINS, MAGIC, AND MURDER
BLURB
When a witch is found dead, the Cowan Bay coven is under suspicion.
Local witch, Gwen owns a café in the village centre, not only to sell pastries and baked goods but also to conduct witchy business—and she’s attracting the wrong crowd.
With finicky Detective Hodge pressing the women for information, and a new village doctor settling in, Gwen must discover who the murderer is before they strike again.
Can the coven save themselves while one witch down?
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SILVER LAKE SERIES
If you’re hungry for a non- paranormal book. We’ve got you covered there too! Meet Evelyn Green, a journalist at the prestigious travel magazine in the Cotswolds. There’s one small hitch, Evelyn’s rescue dog, a beagle named Charlie, keeps finding dead bodies…
Start book one today.
MURDER ON SILVER LAKE
BLURB
Dead on the riverbank. An ex-con artist.
Hated throughout the village and neighbouring town of Briarbury.
Suicide? Ruled out.
Murder? Most likely.
Revenge? Money? Power?
In a village filled with motives, someone isn’t telling the truth.
And someone is close to finding out how far a killer would go.
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ABOUT JESSICA LANCASTER
Jessica Lancaster grew up in England with a love for reading whodunnit murder mysteries.
She’s loves nothing more than a good cup of tea with some chocolate biscuits.
Named after Angela Lansbury in “Murder, She Wrote”, Jessica Fletcher; she dreamed of a day to be her own sleuth in a series. This sparked Gwen in the Cowan Bay Witches Cozy Mystery series and Evanora in the Witchwood Cozy Mystery series.
Join Jessica’s e-mail list for new releases by signing up !
PARANORMAL MYSTERIES
Witchwood Cozy Mysteries
Cryptic Curses in Witchwood (Book 1 )
Secret Spells in Witchwood (Book 2 )
Monster Magic in Witchwood (Book 3 )
Reaper Rituals in Witchwood (Book 4 )
Bad Blood in Witchwood (Book 5 )
Wicked Witches in Witchwood (Book 6 )
Cowan Bay Witches Cozy Mysteries
Muffins, Magic, and Murder (Book 1 )
Cupcakes, Crystals, and Chaos (Book 2 )
Pies, Palmistry, and Poison (Book 3 )
Treats, Tarot, and Trouble (Book 4 )
CO-AUTHORED BOOKS
With Hugo James King
Murder on Silver Lake (Book 1 )
Murder on Red Rose Drive (Book 2 )
Murder at Maple House (Book 3 )
Cryptic Curses in Witchwood Page 8
