“A combination of magic and mystery, “Murder In Devil’s Cove” by Melissa Bourbon is a deftly crafted and impressively original novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality. While certain to be an unusual, immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of anyone who enjoys Women’s Friendship Fiction, Cozy Animal Mysteries, or Supernatural Mysteries…”
–Midwest Book Review
“The unraveling of the mystery involves Pippin’s family history (it goes all the way back to Roman times in Ireland), hidden clues, a long-lost keepsake, and a secret room. For mystery fans who enjoy amateur detectives who rely on mystical insights rather than Holmesian deductions, Murder in Devil’s Cove will provide an entertaining read.”
–Seattle Book Review
“…Close reading as a super power[!] MURDER IN DEVIL’S COVE ha[s] all the makings of an original, unique story with a lovely tilt in advocacy towards literature fanatics. The heroine nature from Cassie’s perspective was strong, and the female power got even better as Pippin grows up. Also, as a big fan of the Odyssey myself, I absolutely loved the role the epic played in guiding the narrative…Overall, I think this is a rewarding day read. The pages turn easily, and the characters are gripping enough for the reader to latch onto their motives and goals.”
-29th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Ellery Adams, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
"A magical blend of books, mystery, and smart sleuthing. Melissa Bourbon's Murder in Devil's Cove offers mystery readers everything they crave and stands out in the crowded cozy genre. This captivating new series will leave readers spellbound." ~NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author, Ellery Adams
~Dru Ann Love, Dru's Book Musings
"This tightly woven mystery spins a web of intrigue where magic simmers, waiting for the perfect time to surface. I can't wait to read more about Pippin and what awaits her in the next Book Magic adventure."
- This amazing Midwest Book Review: “…a deftly crafted and impressively original novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality…for the personal reading lists of anyone who enjoys Women’s Friendship Fiction, Cozy Animal Mysteries, or Supernatural Mysteries…”
- And one from Seattle Book Review: “…an entertaining read.”
- A Kings River Life Magazine article and review
- A review in Fresh Fiction
- A mention in the Noted section of Chapel Hill Magazine
- A mention in Outer Banks This Week
- Write up in the Heart of Hillsborough, a print-only Magazine
Reviewer Praise for Murder and an Irish Curse
“I wholeheartedly recommend!…This book is rich with mythology and history with a bit of intriguing spell-casting and tarot, and the multi-generational characters add an exciting range of personalities from helpful to interfering, from sane to quirky, from open to secretive, from good to evil…Top contender for my Best of 2022!” ~Kings River Life Magazine
“To say it’s a page turner is not doing it justice. The writing is so well done that the reader feels as though they are actually entrenched with the characters experiencing all the twists and turns that kept me enthralled throughout.” ~Amazon Reader
“I can honestly say that I could not stop reading this once I started…” ~Amazon Reader
“I do not know where to begin with a review of this book except to say that this series remains one of the best I have ever read.“ ~a BookBub Reader
“This series quickly became a favorite, and this book’s a prime example of why. The book is well-written with well-rounded characters, and a well-thought-out, original plot. The various relationships are well-done. I was drawn into this enchanting story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout.“ ~a BookBub Reader
“The book’s nail-biting conclusion and the events leading up to it will have readers holding their breath! …The author puts the reader in a perfectly rendered Outer Banks setting. She brings myth and legend to life and her imaginary characters come alive on the page. Kudos for an outstanding cozy!“ ~a Goodreads Reader
“No matter how much I tried to slow myself down while reading this book, I just wasn’t successful. I flew through this book. I wanted to slow down because I could tell we were coming to an end and I wasn’t ready.” ~Amazon Reader
“The author expertly weaves a tale with enough twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end where the answer to the mystery is hiding in plain sight.” ~Amazon Reader
Reviewer Praise for Murder Through an Open Door
“Page turning Spellbinder…Beyond the richness of this tale is the strong weaving of Pippin’s inner experience and the tenacity it takes to let love in.” ~Amazon Reader
“Without needing to think about it, 5/5 stars with ease!...Now I’m left chomping at the bits for the next book in this series!” ~Amazon Reader
“I can hardly wait for the next book in this must-read Book Magic series.” ~Amazon Reader
“Melissa Bourbon blockbuster fourth book in her Book Magic Mystery series is a must read with a delightful writing style, complex ongoing mystery, wonderful characters, and a fascinating premise two-thousand years in the making…” ~a BookBub Reader
“I love this series! An intriguing mix of murder mystery, Irish myth, and family lore, with a touch of fantasy.” ~Diane Kelly, mystery author
“I am happy to say that it was every bit as good as the first two, and has left me eagerly anticipating the next installment!“ ~Cozy Mystery Review Crew
“Once I had finished the first chapter, I got chills up my spine and quickly set to work devouring this book. Pippin is such an interesting character, and I absolutely loved the bibliomancy magic that the author weaves into these pages…5 out of 5 stars.” ~Bunny’s Reviews
Reviewer Praise for Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn
“Melissa Bourbon has penned another outstanding adventure.” ~Kings River Life Magazine
“A born storyteller, with a compelling and heart-warming style of writing which put me right at ease, author Melissa Bourbon has effortlessly and confidently developed Pippin into a tenacious and largely intuitive amateur sleuth, alongside her many other attributes, which include teaching sign language to a loyal and handsome ‘Sailor’ of the four-legged variety! -Yvonne at Fiction Books
Murder at Sea Captain’s Inn by Melissa Bourbon is an intriguing and well-written installment in what has quickly become one of my fave series. The elements of magical realism are what makes this series stand out from the rest, and this latest novel whets your appetite for even more.” -Reading is My Superpower
“MURDER AT SEA CAPTAIN’S INN provides an intriguing multilayered mystery. The Lost Colony, the Lane family curse, family relationships, and mysterious connections converge creating an intensely captivating story. Readers’ minds must be alert and nimble, sorting through the clues divined by literary classics and those craftily left by the author.” -Cozy Up With Kathy
“There are several layers to this mystery and the magical power of bibliomancy became one of the best parts of the story . . . This is the first book I’ve read in the series and really loved it!”
~Books To The Ceiling
“Full of plenty of clues while still keeping you guessing until the end. The use of bibliomancy is a nice touch as well as the adorable deaf dog Sailor.”
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews
“Ms. Bourbon writes in a way that makes the reader captivated and completely part of the story. I love this story and the characters.”
~Baroness’ Book Trove
Reviewer Praise for Murder in Devil’s Cove
“This book had me at ‘book magic’ and wrapped me up in its unique plot from start to finish! . . . I really enjoyed the set-up, the plot, the characters and the setting; they all added intriguing layers to the story. . .”
~Reading Is My SuperPower
“I thought the author beautifully intertwined magic and mystery…Murder in Devil’s Cove is an intriguing tale with forbidden books, a departed dad, family folklore, mysterious magic, renovation revelations, and one bewildered bibliomancer.” ~The Avid Reader
“This book totally sucked me in as the story tells the past as well as the present . . . a truly magical read for fans of cozies with a slight magical flair…I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.“
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews
“Filled with quirky characters and atmospheric descriptions of the quaint town of Devil’s Cove, Bourbon hits all the right notes for a cozy: amateur sleuthing, several possible suspects, bookstores, and a touch of romance.“
~Elena Taylor, Author
“Blending a family curse and a hint of the paranormal with an intriguing mystery MURDER IN DEVIL’S COVE is a fantastic start to a new series.” ~Cozy Up With Kathy
Praise for The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane
“The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane by Melissa Bourbon is a fantastical book that I loved diving into. It was great from the first chapter to the ending.“
~Baroness’ Book Trove
“This is the prequel to this new series and it had me hooked on the concept, the setting. and the characters.“
~Storeybook Reviews
“It may be a short story but it gives a thorough introduction of the characters as well as a picturesque view of Devil’s Cove. Sure to pique the interest of cozy lovers looking for a mini-mystery to draw them into a new series.“
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews
“. . . this was a quick read about characters that you immediately care about in a picturesque setting (two, actually).”
~I Read What You Write!
“THE SECRET ON RUM RUNNER’S LANE captures the uncertainty and underlying strength of women searching for their place in the world. It allows readers to get a glimpse of the past while seeing the glimmer of what’s to come.”
~Cozy Up With Kathy
“The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane is a layered story with a well-developed backstory for a character whose decisions in that time period set the path for generations to come.”
~Reading Is My SuperPower
“The setting is enchanting with realistic characters you can root for. The mystery is perfectly solvable based on the clues hidden within the text. The paranormal aspect is an original idea.”
~Diane Reviews Books
“The author brings the story to life with her character development and vivid setting. I could feel Cassie’s pain dealing with her family curse. I was totally transported into her world.”
~Socrates’ Book Reviews…