Scares and Dares by Lucinda Race Published by MC Two Press on October 1, 2023
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal Cozy
Buy on Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Bookshop.org
Find the Author: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, Pinterest, BookBubWelcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murders are multiplying. It’s Halloween in Pembroke Cove, Maine, and witch-in-training Lily Michaels, with the help from her magical and non-magical friends, is determined to give the town a haunted house event they’ll never forget. There’s an extra reason to celebrate too, the engagement of Lily’s best friends, Nikki and Steve.
Of course, Lily’s boyfriend, Gage Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie—will be helping, too. A few weeks earlier they finally went on their first date, it only took fifteen years after they graduated college to admit they were more than just friends. They’re not ready to jump into the marriage pool, but working together on the haunted house will be a great change of pace from solving murders.
But scares and dares don’t always add up to fun. With cauldrons, and potions, and vampires popping out of coffins, everyone thinks the dead clown on the floor is just part of the haunted house festivities. Until it turns out he’s really dead. With so many people in disguise, and magic and spells abounding on All Hallows’ Eve, no one is above suspicion. Lily, with her clue chalkboard, is always ready to solve a puzzle, but Gage is worried about her safety. As Lily and Gage race to unmask the murderer, will the clown-killer get the last laugh?
My Thoughts
The book is well-written and engaging, with a fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge. Pembroke Cove is a fascinating place to explore, with its quirky residents and eerie atmosphere. The characters are relatable and likable, particularly Lily and Gage.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the romantic element that comes with the engagement of Lily’s best friends, Nikki and Steve. It adds a nice balance to the suspenseful and eerie atmosphere of the story.
Overall, “Scares and Dares” is a well-crafted paranormal witch cozy mystery that keeps you hooked until the end. Lucinda Race has excellently blended magic, mystery, and romance to create a truly captivating read. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, give this book a read.
About Lucinda Race
Award-winning and best selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of romantic fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading everything she could get her hands on.
With her fingers practically fly over computer keys as she weaves stories about strong women and the men who love them. Lucinda lives with her husband and their two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts.
