Book Review: Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder
Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder by Wren Jones is a charming tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery… It’s a truly delightful debut novel.
A BRIEF SUMMARY
Set in a quaint town where magic and mundane life intertwine, the story follows Sella, a kitchen witch with a troubled past, as she navigates her return home and becomes entangled in a murder investigation. The narrative unfolds with a lovely blend of whimsy and suspense as Sella is rather unwillingly drawn into the investigation of the murder that has rocked her hometown. When her best friend becomes the prime suspect, Sella must muster the courage to confront her own insecurities in order to clear her friend's name. With the help of a persistent ghost (the victim of said murder), Sella sets out to unravel the mystery and restore peace to their community.
WHAT I LOVED
Sella’s cozy shop, inherited from her mother, is somewhere I’d love to visit… I wish it was real! And aside from the shop, I’d have to say that Sella’s snarky feline familiar, Beejee, steals the show. He’s my absolute favorite character, and I think we all need a Beejee in our lives. Sella herself is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with self-doubt and the weight of her past mistakes provided something I connected with right away. Jones crafts a richly imagined world filled with colorful characters, and the cozy atmosphere of the town drew me in, making it easy to get lost in the story. All of that, along with the inclusion of witchy vibes and magical tea, basically makes it everything I love about a cozy book. And even though the murder mystery is relatively low-stakes, their adventures while uncovering the murderer keep the plot engaging the whole way through.
FINAL THOUGHTS
An easy 5/5 stars.
I’ve read Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder twice already, and I predict it will be a fall staple for me. It’s a delightful read that blends magic, mystery, and heartwarming moments into a delicious cup of warmth that I just want to drink up. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and charming setting, this book is a must-read for those of us that love a good cozy mystery. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Practical Potions series.
Happy reading!
