Skeptic in Salem: An Episode of Murder (A Dubious Witch Cozy Mystery—Book 1), by Fiona Grace
I adored this little gem of a cozy mystery! The main character, Mia Bold, is so appealing. She’s brave, sensible, intelligent, kindhearted, and very human. The rest of the novel’s cast are interesting, lifelike characters in their own right. From page one, you are whisked into Mia’s world, and before you know it, you are rooting for her to succeed. She’s a smalltime podcaster, with a “real” job as a lab technician, and she dreams of making it into the entertainment big leagues. But no one supports or believes in her—not her fiancé, not her family, and especially not her superiors at the pharmaceutical company where she works. When Mia loses her job, her apartment, and her fiancé—all on the same day—you can’t help but feel for the girl, and applaud her spunky determination to make the best of things.
A surprise job offer in Salem, Massachusetts sets Mia off in a new direction that proves to be exactly what she was meant for. She’s a modern, tech-savvy and social media-savvy heroine, who uses podcasting equipment, computers, lab tools, paranormal activity gear, and her cell phone all with equal aplomb. Just when you think Mia has had enough misfortune, her kindheartedness gets her into trouble as the top suspect in the murder of a guest on the new paranormal phenomena podcast, Bell, Book & Candle, which she now co-hosts.
You’d think from this novel’s cover design that you’re in store for one of those typical paranormal cozy mysteries with a witch as protagonist—but such is not the case at all. In fact, I’d say this book’s cover is misleading. I bought this book some time ago and put off reading it, because I thought it was the stereotypical witch story. I cannot emphasize enough that SKEPTIC IN SALEM introduces readers to a very fresh, original heroine in Mia Bold. She’s no witch. She’s a skeptic with a brain and a mission to allay people’s fears by debunking false paranormal activity. Does Mia encounter something paranormal that she cannot explain through science? Read the book and judge for yourself!