A WITCH AWAKENS / Ellis Elliott

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Cover of 'A Witch Awakens' by Ellis Elliott, featuring mystical elements and an intriguing design.

Cover image for 'A Witch Awakens' by Ellis Elliott featuring a mystical design with the title prominently displayed.

Book cover of 'A Witch Awakens' by Ellis Elliott featuring a mystical and witchy design.

Book cover of 'A Witch Awakens' by Ellis Elliott featuring mystical elements and an intriguing design.

“…a throwback to a time before graphic violence and hardcore police procedurals became the norm…Elliott crafts a pleasantly twisty mystery populated by rich characters… an intriguing tale that is sure to delight old-fashioned mystery lovers. A satisfying cozy mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.”
KIRKUS

“A Witch Awakens is a ‘Fire Circle Mystery’ steeped in an Appalachian backdrop and traditions. It delivers a punch with the hard-hitting story of Cece Chagall, who moves back to her hometown of Eureka Grove in search of peace, only to herself involved in a murder…Readers seeking vivid, engrossing stories that weave supernatural overtones into issues of murder, discovery, and transformation will relish the combination of realistic characterization and community awakening that make A Witch Awakens a vibrant, thoroughly immersive experience.”
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

About the book

A WITCH AWAKENS is Book 1 of the Ellis Elliott’s Fire Circle Mystery series. Elliot blends elements of the supernatural into the cozy mystery genre resulting in an exciting reading experience. Readers meet Tennessee “Cece” Chagall, who returns to her hometown of Eureka Grove, Tennessee, after leaving New York.

She resumes life as a dance instructor at her grandmother’s studio and reconnects with her old friend Bess. But her peaceful routine is shattered when a beloved local figure is murdered. Cece’s synesthesia—referred to as her “peculiars” by Aunt Granny Hazel—begins revealing clues that seem to guide her toward the truth. As she grapples with the strange sensory experiences that point her to the murder weapon, she leans on her eccentric aunt and the supportive women of the “fire circle” for insight. Blending small-town charm, quirky characters, and a classic whodunit feel, this mystery pays homage to traditional detective

The back cover of 'A Witch Awakens' features a collage of images and textures, including portraits of diverse people, foliage, and handwritten text, alluding to the story's themes of mystery and supernatural elements. — A WITCH AWAKENS. Back cover art (a continuation of the front cover)

TRAILER

Reviews

Boys’ Mom Reads Review

5 stars!

Strong, entertaining debut for this new Appalachian-set mystery series.

A WITCH AWAKENS is the first book in author Ellis Elliott’s new Fire Circle Mystery series featuring a disillusioned former dancer who abandons New York City to return home to Eureka Grove, Tennessee, to take over management of her grandmother’s dance studio. When Jenny Newport, a long-time family friend and Cece’s mentor, is murdered at a charity event, her grandmother’s loyal handyman becomes suspect number one. Cece is drawn into the investigation to find justice for Jenny and clear Calvin’s name.

This was a unique and cozy mystery featuring interesting and engaging characters and a distinctive setting infused with plenty of Appalachian legend and lore. Tennessee “Cece” Chagall is the main character and, though disappointed her dance career didn’t go as planned, remains upbeat about her return home and only occasionally succumbs to a little self-pity.

Cece, however, has been dealing with another issue that has also prompted her to return to her roots; she has been having increased episodes where a random object triggers her to experience a smell, taste, or physical sensation. The occurrences, which only last seconds, have happened all her life. Her Aunt Granny (Grandmother’s sister) called them her “peculiars,” but they’ve never occurred as often as they are now. She hopes to get with Aunt Granny for answers to what is happening to her before resorting to another doctor and another MRI. Cece is relatable in her troubles, and I rooted for her determination to get to the bottom of what was behind Jenny’s death.

A WITCH AWAKENS moves quickly, especially for the first book in a series, where the author must introduce readers to the characters, their backstories, and relationships, as well as the new setting. Elliott easily handles the heavy lifting without bogging down the story. I liked that Cece’s high school sweetheart was still in town but had become a detective with the local police department. While they were already running into each other around town, the murder forces them into needful proximity and a different dynamic between the two forms. Naturally, he warns her away from his investigation, and just as naturally, she pays little attention and starts her own. The resolution is surprising but makes sense.

I recommend A WITCH AWAKENS to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of the paranormal in their stories.

Cover image of 'A Witch Awakens' by Ellis Elliott, featuring mystical and cozy elements reflective of the book's themes.

Something’s brewing in Eureka Grove, Tennessee and it’s not just the coffee.

After trying to make it big in the Big Apple without much success Cece Chagall has returned to Eureka Grove. Working at her Nana’s dance studio and creating doll houses Cece is relatively happy. However, her “peculiars” are getting worse. Sudden scents assault her and sometimes she’ll see an image, but unsure of their meaning they’re more troubling than anything else.

However, the charity ball has her too busy to do anything about it. After her dancers perform without mishap Cece is ready to relax and enjoy the event, until a panicked Calvin pulls her outside to the loading dock where he shows her the dead body he just found. Stunned at the loss of the woman she considered a second mom Cece is determined to help find the killer.

What a great book! While A WITCH AWAKENS has a murder mystery and an investigation the book is almost more about understanding yourself, where you come from, and finding your place in it.

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