Imaginative and engaging cozy paranormal mystery featuring a mysterious library and magical book club.

Shifting and Shenanigans, the first book in Elizabeth Pantley's new cozy mystery series, Magical Mystery Book Club, was a complete and total and happy surprise. I loved the premise that the book club group would be plopped down at the beginning of whichever mystery they had selected and seamlessly incorporated into the story. As Frank and one other member were hold-overs from when GeeGee ran the club, little tidbits of information about how things worked in the past kept coming to light.

I particularly enjoyed the discussion of how the writing style of the author of the selected book determined how the members saw or experienced the book's setting and other characters. If the author was very descriptive of the surroundings or spent a lot of time developing characters, the club members experienced a much more vivid and detailed setting, and the book's characters were more complex in their interactions with the group.

I liked how the story written in their copy of the book was only as complete as the group's progress. Also, if the cozy mystery had paranormal aspects, the possibilities for what the club members might find in the story were greatly expanded.

The club's investigation into the murder was simple and straightforward, but after establishing the foundational plot about the book club and the library, we don't really know much about the different club members themselves yet. Character development is a bit thin. But what we get is quite engaging, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Vampires and Villains.

I recommend SHIFTING AND SHENANIGANS to cozy mystery readers who would enjoy a very
imaginative paranormal storyline.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. ( )

Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley is a cute cozy mystery. Page and her aunt, Gloria or “Glo” have inherited an inn from GeeGee. They move to the small town of Cascade Springs, Colorado. The place holds many fond memories for both ladies. They learn that there is a secret library under the inn. They are required to start up a cozy mystery book with eight members (they are included in the eight). The ladies soon find six people who wish to join and organize their first meeting. They begin the process of deciding which book shall be their first. Paige reads the first page of a book and . . . I am not going to spoil it for you. I thought Shifting and Shenanigans had a unique premise. The author has an engaging writing style. It reminds me of chatting with old friends. There is a cast of offbeat, diverse characters. I find Zelda to be a hoot. Frank is another entertaining character. The characters antics (especially Zell and Frank) will have you laughing. The mystery was fun and different. Shifting and Shenanigans is an amusing story. I hope we get to know more about our characters in future stories. I feel they need fleshing out especially Paige and Glo. I like the length of the story. It can easily be finished in an afternoon (great way to spend a rainy afternoon). It will be interesting to see what adventure the group goes on in the second book in A Magical Mystery Book Club series (Vampires and Villains). If you like to read paranormal cozy mysteries, then you will enjoy reading Shifting and Shenanigans. Shifting and Shenanigans is a witty tale with a charming country inn, a magical library, a cozy mystery book club, a sociable cat, a curious crime, an unpredicted revelation, and a romantic twist. ( )

I have read other books by Elizabeth Pantley and enjoyed them very much. But I must admit, I love this new series!! Such a unique concept and refreshing twist from other cozy mysteries. I had a hard time putting it down.

Paige and Glo inherit an inn from their grandmother, Gee Gee. They have visited there often but this time when they go there, they have access to a secret magical library in the basement. They soon learn that they are to host a book club in this library and it’s not your every day, run of the mill book club. Soon, Paige, Glo, and the rest of their book club members (including Frank the talking cat) are transported into the mystery book they’ve chosen and must solve the murder mystery in order to return to their own world.

All the characters in the book club, and in the murder mystery world, are quirky and relatable. The entire story is well written and easy to follow. This is one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read in a very long time. I can’t wait for the second book in the series to be released. Kudos to Elizabeth Pantley for telling such an enjoyable story!

I was given a free copy of this book in the hope that I would review it. I am happy to do so. ( )

This is an exciting new series by Elizabeth Pantley. I have enjoyed her Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series so was eager to join her in her new Magical Mystery Book Club series.

This series is certainly unique! Paige and her aunt Glo inherit a country inn from Paige’s grandmother GeeGee. Since they both need a change in their lives, they pack up and hit the road.

The Snapdragon Inn is no normal inn. It has a secret library in the basement. That got my attention! The library is filled with enchanted mystery books. Paige and Glo must form a book club with the assistance of Frank, a talking cat. Books and a cat! The perfect book for me! But when the club begins reading the first book, they find themselves in the middle of the story…literally! They will need to work together to solve the case in order to get out of the book and back to their home.

Pantley writes wonderful stories that carry you away to another world and make you want the characters as your friends. The members of Paige and Glo’s book club have their own unique personalities resulting in a lot of laughs. Anytime I eat chips and salsa now, I will think of Zell!

The first book’s mystery takes you to a little town of friendly people whom all share a HUGE secret. There was no way I could have guessed it, and doubt anyone else can either.

Like all new series, the first book must lay the foundation for the future books. The reader is introduced to the setting and all the characters. This is why I gave a four-star rating instead of a five-star one.

I recommend this book if you enjoy mysteries, book clubs, and laughter. ( )

This is an exciting new series by Elizabeth Pantley. I have enjoyed her Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series so was eager to join her in her new Magical Mystery Book Club series.

This series is certainly unique! Paige and her aunt Glo inherit a country inn from Paige’s grandmother GeeGee. Since they both need a change in their lives, they pack up and hit the road.

The Snapdragon Inn is no normal inn. It has a secret library in the basement. That got my attention! The library is filled with enchanted mystery books. Paige and Glo must form a book club with the assistance of Frank, a talking cat. Books and a cat! Perfect book for me! But when the club begins reading the first book, they find themselves in the middle of the story…literally! They will need to work together to solve the case in order to get out of the book and back to their home.

Pantley writes wonderful stories that carry you away to another world and make you want the characters as your friends. The members of Paige and Glo’s book club have their own unique personalities resulting in a lot of laughs. Anytime I eat chips and salsa now, I will think of Zell!

The first book’s mystery takes you to a little town of friendly people who all share a HUGE secret. There was no way I could have guessed it, and doubt anyone else can either.

Like all new series, the first book must lay the foundation for the future books. The reader is introduced to the setting and all the characters. This is why I gave a four-star rating instead of a five-star one.

I recommend this book if you enjoy mysteries, book clubs, and laughter. ( )