Haunted Magpie by Anna Nicholas

Release: November 19th, 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Burrow Books
Source: Random Things Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle.

Eccentric, headstrong, and engaging, Isabel Flores Montserrat is a cross between a highly charged Precious Ramotswe, The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency & Phyrne Fisher, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

When 33-year-old Isabel Flores Montserrat quits a promising career with the Spanish police to run her mother’s holiday rentals agency in rural Mallorca, it seems that her crime-fighting days are far behind. While basking in the Mediterranean sunshine with pet ferret, Furo, she indulges her passion for local cuisine, swimming in the sea and raising her pampered hens. However, when a young florist goes missing, the National Police calls Isabel to help solve the mystery. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing in her own village with a spate of animal disappearances. When another islander vanishes, Isabel and the local police chief, Tolo Cabot, must hunt a potential serial killer. They have to use their unorthodox investigative skills. With time running out, they urgently need to find answers and restore harmony to the island once more.

About the Author:

ANNA NICHOLAS is of Celtic origin & has lived for 18 years in rural Mallorca. An addicted traveler & experienced freelance journalist, she regularly participates in humanitarian aid travels overseas with British explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell, CBE & is an RGS. She ran her own PR company in Mayfair, London, for 20 years. She was also a Guinness Book of Records adjudicator alongside the book’s founder, Norris McWhirter, CBE. Besides, she is a rookie
press officer at charity Help the Aged, handled events for Princess Diana. Incidentally, she runs an international marathon annually for her favorite causes. Additionally, Anna & friend Alison are currently scaling all of Mallorca’s 54 peaks over 1,000m. They hope to be the first women to have climbed them all by the end of 2020.

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Haunted Magpie Review:

“Haunted Magpie” is a gripping novel of mystery and mayhem set in magnificent Mallorca and an exciting story to read.

Firstly, the author did an impressive job of balancing multiple investigations. Isabel is excellent in the lead as she tries to solve the mystery of the missing pets, along with the serial killer case. As the story progresses, the murder count also increases. There are many suspects along the way, like Jago, Carlotta, Pere, and Jet. Isabel shines in the lead as she is continuously active and investigating and interrogating the suspects and searching for clues. The supporting characters also added well, like Tolo, Pep, Florentina, and cute Furo.

Secondly, I loved the Mallorcan setting of the story. Although this is a crime novel, the environment is vibrant and friendly and makes you feel like an idyllic place to live. Moreover, the author uses various Spanish terms and makes the reader feel like they are part of the town and its inhabitants. I also appreciate the glossary of words that the author provided in the beginning as a point of reference. It made me improve my Spanish. On a side note, I wasn’t even aware of the Talayotic practices of immortality with bronze till I read this story. Reading this book led me to further research on the topic, which I found fascinating.

Although I have not read the first book, “The Devil’s Horn,” I had no trouble reading this as a standalone in the series. However, I will check out the previous book to see how Isabel went by the earlier cases before this book. Overall, “Haunted Magpie” is a very lovely crime novel. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.