Rags to Witches is the second book in this cozy mystery series, and I think it is could be enjoyed as a standalone. The author does a good job of introducing the background of the main characters, but I really enjoyed the first book in the series and think you will get the most enjoyment from reading the series in order. Book two finds Cendrine, a non-practicing witch, kidnapped by her Aunt Pearl, a highly skilled but equally highly misbehaving witch. Aunt Pearl has purchased a motor home with her supposed lottery winnings, hired a young gas station attendant as chauffeur, and is headed for Las Vegas with or without Cen’s agreement. Once in Vegas, they encounter multiple gangster and gangster wannabes as they investigate the murder of one of Aunt Pearl’s oldest friends, a former mob boss herself. Between Aunt Pearl’s continual mischief and lies and multiple attempts on her family’s lives, Cen has her work cut out for her to keep her family safe, solve the murder and return to Westwick to spend some time with her hush-hush boyfriend. The mystery kept me guessing, the paranormal elements are not overwhelming, and the antics of Aunt Pearl would make anybody smile. If you enjoy a lighthearted cozy mystery, Rags to Witches is an excellent choice.
Petrea Burchard narrates both books in the series, and she does an excellent job. She differentiates well between characters, and I especially appreciate how she can handle the old and spunky Aunt Pearl and the young and reserved Cen with equal skill. She adds the right level of emotion, and her performance makes an already fun story even more enjoyable as an audiobook.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.