Audiobook Review – Grimoires and Gingerbread (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries, Book 1.5) by Danielle Garrett, Narrated by Amanda Ronconi (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
Length: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Publisher:‎ Tantor Audio
Release Date: March 09, 2021
ASIN: B08WTP1ZW6
Stand Alone or Series: Novella in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries
Source: Borrowed Audiobook from Audible
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Christmas in Winterspell means ice skating, hot cocoa by the barrel, and frosted gingerbread houses. I was almost looking forward to it. The merriment screeches to a halt when two elves show up, claiming to have been sent by Santa himself, on a mission to track down an ancient grimoire. A grimoire with the power of Christmas itself woven through the pages. Without it, Christmas isn’t happening, and Santa himself is in grave danger. Could Winterspell hold the key to saving Christmas? “

Series Info/Source: This is a novella in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries. I borrowed this on audiobook from Audible.com.

Thoughts: This is a fun little novella set a short time after the events in “Sprinkles and Sea Serpents”. Rosella gets pulled into a quick mystery by Ryan that involves Santa himself and the ancient grimoire that gives Santa his eternal life.

This was a lot of fun and a wonderful little Christmas mystery that was a joy to read. I continue to enjoy Rosella, her family, and the town of Winterspell. The mystery here was creative if a bit simple. I loved the discussion around Santa having a grimoire that provides him with immortality.

Ryan was here again and things are heating up a tiny bit between them. The banter between them is well done and makes you smile when you read it. Rosella’s family also makes me laugh; between her sisters and her grandma Rosella has her hands full.

Rosella’s power to communicate with animals plays into the story in a big way, and it was nice to see Rosella realize that she can really help make things better with her magic despite her curse.

I listened to this on audiobook and Ronconi does an amazing job with narration. I suspect that this series is more fun to listen to than it is to read in book format, but I don’t know that for sure. I would definitely recommend listening to this on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this cozy paranormal Christmas novella. It was a fun and creative story. I continue to enjoy Rosella and her family and the quirky town of Winterspell. This is a fun, light-hearted, paranormal mystery. The is easy to read and stay engaged in. I look forward to continuing the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries.