2 1/2 stars. This was a real mishmash of genres: treasure hunt, historical fiction, black history, women empowerment, witches, magic, science fiction, political conspiracies and secret societies to name a few. It was interesting but I felt that the author was trying to fit too much into this book. I really did love the treasure hunt aspect, black history, one of the impetus for witch hunting starting from James I of England, and women empowerment. SciFi, witches, and secret societies I didn't mind. I thought the political conspiracy was going a little too far and the AI aspect did not appeal to me at all.

I liked the strong female lead, Sidney, a black woman historian. That is a fascinating character though she was a bit flat in the beginning. The narrative was too much did this then did this. and the some segues weren't smooth.

So a mixed bag for me. There were some very strong elements but others really put me off. A mishmash of genres doesn't bother me if done well. Here I just don't think it was quite pulled off.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
This book was not for me. It's got a flare for history, puzzles, conspiracy theories, fantasy, and sci-fi. It's like National Treasure with fantasy and sci-fi take.

I loved the FMC. Her confidence and intelligence shined through. You could really feel for her. The small town felt like being in like Rosewood or Stars Hollow.

I struggled with how the history was told rather than shown as was a lot of the details. I felt like there was a lot thrown at you and it was hard to keep up for me. I don't know if it's because my brain was tired after work or this just wasn't the book for me.

Thank you to Netgalley, Severn House Publishers, and Esme Addison for providing an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

First and foremost, I found this book to be absolutely fun. There’s a mystery to solve, historical treasure to uncover, and secret societies to infiltrate. I am not certain why anyone would take themselves too seriously when reading this book because you can tell it’s meant to be a really good time. It’s light hearted and not too heavy hitting. I think it’s a great poolside read.
You do need to suspend some belief and not think about all the things that may or may not be able to happen. It’s meant to be a magical, treasure hunt. There are people with hints of innate abilities and lots of stretching of the imagination.
I think the only reason I give it 4* is because I think there was just a lot going on. It felt a little cluttered and cumbersome at times. However, once another book in this series is on the horizon, I would gladly give it a chance to see what else we may be able to uncover and what mystery we may solve.

Sidney is an academic, a Historian, she deals in facts and certainties. So how will she react when she is introduced to the world of magic, secret societies and conspiracy theories?

Being a red-headed Black historian Sidney used to being seen as minority but when she is essentially ousted from her job, she is left to lick her wounds until a visit to her Grandma's gives her a new opportunity and the possibility of earning a million bucks!

This is a slow burner of a book, there are no big action scenes but there are episodes of peril where Sidney and other are in danger. I felt that she handled herself with aplomb even though she had zero training. She is a great FMC in spite of being a rich girl. She doesn't have access to her mum and dad's fortunes, she made her own way in life after college. I felt her frustration when instead of a raise or promotion, she gets "furloughed".

There was plenty of politics, history and conspiracy theories to chomp on, some I knew and others I didn't. I loved learning more about black history and even history about my own country (Scotland) and where they intersected.

There are the faint glimmerings of a romance but that is very much on the side-lines, the main themes of the story is definitely the magical mystery and secret societies.

I would very happily read book 2!

If you want a clever weaving of politics, history, and conspiracy theory, this is a fun read. What makes it even better is the way it reaches into the paranormal realm and quantum physics, too. The story pulls in cultures from several regions and achieves not getting lost in current fad politics while doing so. If you like a museum and archeology vibe, this fits the bill. There is also a romance within that carries throughout and has a steam level of .05.

I loved this book and won't hesitate to read other novels written by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

This had such an interesting sounding blurb, I was very happy to receive it early. Think National Treasure meets cozy magical mystery & so much more. If you love history & conspiracies, this is the perfect book for you. I absolutely loved the adventure we go on with Sidney. The author does an an expert job of mixing fiction & non-fiction, understanding both beautifully. I really had a lot of fun with this one, perfect escapism.


🗝️

Read if you like:

* Witch Way Librarian series by Angela M. Sanders
* Kitchen Witch series by Lynn Cahoon

American history professor Sidney Taylor is on furlough from her job in Washington DC when she gets asked to return to her hometown Robbinsville to search for a historical artefact. If visiting her grandma isn't enough of a reason to go, there's a million dollars on offer if she succeeds. It doesn't take long for Sidney to realise there is more to the story of the artefact than she first thought, and before she knows it she is in the middle of a huge consipracy revolving around ancient bloodlines and secret societies, with the fate of the world at stake.

It took me a while to decompress after reading this and to try and pull together my thoughts and feelings, and settle on a rating. In the end I went with 5 stars, purely and simply because I really enjoyed reading and found it hard to put down. Yes it's a bit of an odd mix of sci-fi, history and fantasy, but it works and the story is engrossing.

I must admit when the story started and the concept of virtual reality was broached I was worried, that wasn't something I was expecting to come across given the blurb. It poses a scary prospect when framed like it is here though, and certainly added a different tone to the book. The history and magic side of things was much more along the lines of what I had expected, and I thought Addison did a good job of weaving the fantasy elements in to the story in what felt like a natural way.

I really liked Sidney, she was a great protagonist and easy to read about. I liked that she wasn't cowed by fear and didn't let others dictate her actions. A lot of the supporting cast were likeable too, even some of the villains early on, which made it hard to pinpoint a suspect. I had suspicions on a lot of characters at stages throughout the book and really wasn't sure who Sidney should trust, which always adds to the tension.

Although there's aspects of this that reminded me of Dan Brown's books, it also felt like something new and different, unusual. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(4.5 Rounded Up)

I received a complimentary ARC copy of An Intrigue of Witches, A Secret Society Mystery by Esme Addison from Net Galley and Severn House in order to read and give an honest review.

"…the author brilliantly mixes genres seamlessly, blending genres such as mystery, thriller, paranormal fantasy, science and history with much of the history based on actual events, people and legends…"

New to author, Esme Addison ‘s work and since she was recommended to me as a cozy author, I was pleasantly surprised by her newest book, An Intrigue of Witches which defies a single genre, a cleverly plotted mix of mystery, thriller, mythology, historical and science with a paranormal twist, fans of Discovery of Witches, DaVinci Code, Outlander and Indiana Jones might enjoy this.

When thirty-year-old black historian Sidney Taylor is let go from her position at the Smithsonian she is at a complete loss as to what to do struggling with her place and who she is seeks refuge in her hometown and with her beloved grandmother. Sidney is thrilled when she is offered a job in the small museum she had worked as a history reenactor while in college, this time around however she is offered a job that is just too hard to refuse. Her employer wants her to find a missing artifact for an incredibly hefty sum of money, the catch, she must do so in two weeks. Sidney accepts the challenge and what she finds takes her on an adventure with bizarre and intriguing clues involving cryptology, symbolism, puzzles, and hidden rooms all of which weave a fascinating story that spans Egypt, Scotland and witch trials that occurred in her town centuries before. The closer she gets she uncovers warring secret societies, fabricated history and corruption at the highest levels and the more attention she draws and the more she puts herself and those she cares for in jeopardy and the more she learns about herself and her destiny.

I really enjoyed this book, the author brilliantly mixes genres seamlessly, blending genres such as mystery, thriller, paranormal fantasy, science and history with much of the history based on actual events, people and legends all of which adds a bit of credibility to the story. I really recommend reading the author’s notes at the end as they really help unravel what is real and what is not. Although it took a bit to get into and it often felt like too much was happening at once, it really was a brilliantly creative and unique book that takes the reader on an adventure like no other! I highly recommend it.

"An Intrigue of Witches" had me hooked from the start with its promise of a secret witch society, but it quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of witches, secret societies, conspiracy theories, AI, and more. The fast-paced story gave me serious National Treasure vibes, and I couldn't help but be intrigued.

However, as the mysteries started unraveling, I found myself getting lost. The plot moved at breakneck speed, and by the time I was a quarter of the way through, I felt like the mystery was already wrapping up, even though there was so much more book left to go. From there, it was a constant stream of reveals, akin to a Scooby Doo episode where they just kept unmasking one person after another with more secrets.

One of the main issues I had with the book was its attempt to cram what felt like a series worth of material into one book. It was overwhelming and confusing, and I struggled to keep up with the various bloodlines, societies, and conspiracies introduced.

Another problem was the storytelling style. Instead of showing us the clues and letting us piece things together, the book often resorted to characters monologuing about their secrets, which made the plot feel more like a series of info dumps rather than a cohesive narrative.

Despite these issues, "An Intrigue of Witches" had potential. The concept was intriguing, and I saw how all the elements and reveals could work in a series. However, in this book, everything felt jammed together, resulting in a messy and overwhelming plot that took effort to fully enjoy.

Sidney Taylor, a successful & talented thirty-year-old Black woman, has been working hard at her position as an early American history professor, vying for a promotion. When she makes a historical discovery and someone else takes the credit, she is promptly put on unpaid leave. As she is packing up her office, she receives an anonymous & very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina to hunt for a missing archaeological treasure. In return they are offering to pay her one million dollars. To Sidney, this is a win-win situation, since her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and she has been aching to visit her. Not long after she arrives, Sidney receives her instructions, and she is off on a treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues, plunging her into a dark world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.

This is the first book in a new series by this author. I have read this author's other books, and really enjoyed those, but this one was just ok. I found it a little hard to follow at times, and a little too science-fiction-y, and action/adventure-y for me. Don't get me wrong... it wasn't a bad book at all, just one that other people might enjoy more than I did. I did really like Sidney and her grandmother though - they were both very down-to -earth, strong, likeable women. I know this is nitpicking, but the way they used lines from a nursery rhyme as a code to determine who was and wasn't part of their inner circle of witches drove me a little nuts. Overall if you are a fan of things like The Davinci Code, Indiana Jones, & David Baldacci's "The Camel Club" series, and don't mind a few witches thrown in for good measure, then this is the book for you.

National treasure meets witches! This story has ALL the mystery, hidden secrets and ancient artifacts. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and all the secrets hiding around each corner!

We get so much story here in such a short novel. I felt this could have been twice as long and still be excellent. There is clearly a lot of work gone into this, and layers of research and detail. It is very fast paced, and while that means you really want to keep reading to see what will happen next, you perhaps dont get as long to soend with the characers as you might like. They were very tell not show and so i didnt really make a connection with them.
That being said the story really made uo for that and it was giving indiana jones/national treasure vibes and really demonstrated some excellent archeological information alongside a super compelling plot. Such an adventure to read. I loved how the stroylines and plots come together towards the end towards a very compelling climax which was very satisfying to read.

Esme Addison's "An Intrigue of Witches" casts a spell on readers with its enchanting blend of mystery, magic, and small-town charm. Set in the picturesque coastal town of Bellamy Bay, this cozy mystery captivates with its engaging characters, intricate plot, and hints of the supernatural.

At the heart of the story is Alex, a herbalist who returns to her hometown after her grandmother's mysterious death. As Alex delves into her family's past, she discovers a centuries-old feud between two powerful witch families and uncovers dark secrets that threaten to tear the town apart. With the help of an eclectic cast of characters, including her feisty grandmother's ghost, Alex sets out to solve the mystery before it's too late.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is Addison's vivid and atmospheric world-building. Bellamy Bay comes to life on the page, with its charming shops, quirky residents, and hint of magic around every corner. Addison's descriptive prose immerses readers in the town's rich history and mystical allure, making it a place they won't want to leave.

The mystery itself is well-crafted and keeps readers guessing until the very end. Addison skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, slowly revealing clues and red herrings along the way. The supernatural elements add an extra layer of intrigue, adding to the sense of wonder and enchantment.

The characters in "An Intrigue of Witches" are charming and relatable, each with their own quirks and secrets. Alex is a strong and resourceful protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery is both empowering and heartfelt. The supporting cast adds depth and color to the story, with memorable personalities that leave a lasting impression.

In addition to its engaging plot and lovable characters, "An Intrigue of Witches" also explores deeper themes of family, forgiveness, and the power of love. Through Alex's journey, Addison examines the bonds that tie us together and the strength we find in embracing our true selves.

Overall, "An Intrigue of Witches" is a delightful and magical read that will enchant readers of all ages. Esme Addison has crafted a cozy mystery that is both captivating and heartwarming, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

A truly wonderful whirlwind of history, adventure and witches.

Historian Sidney Taylor loves her job, but with her bosses refusing to publish any of her new finds and keeping her to the desk instead she feels stuck and unsure of what to do next, until a mysterious letter lands on her door step. One cryptic invitation and an offer of a large sum of money later she finds herself heading back to her Grandmothers home town to unravel a mystery that could change the course of her life forever.

I truly loved this book from start to finish it had the perfect mix of Indiana jones meets tomb raider, the mystery had me guessing the whole way through and the cryptic adventures were unique and thrilling. The book is filled with history, science, religion and culture and has managed to link so many different time periods together without it being overwhelming or boring which added so much to the depth of the story.

I also cant praise the author enough for how well rounded, confident and strong she made the female characters in this book, there was a beautiful sense of sisterhood no matter what the age and a truly heart-warming found family aspect.
An intrigue of witches was so much fun to read and I cant wait to read the next books in the secret society mystery series when they come out

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Esme Addison for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for An Intrigue of Witches coming out May 7, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love stories about witches so I was really excited to check it out. This felt like a cozy mystery but elevated. I adore cozy mysteries and this offered so much more than that. I loved the historical aspect of the book. Some contemporary books don’t do the historical part justice, but I think this book was well researched and also fantastical. I loved that Sidney was a little down in the dumps, but she worked her way home and found something that worked for her. Sidney was super relatable. I loved all of it! The writing was fun and I definitely felt entertained. I’d definitely read more books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantastical stories about witches!

Oh what a ride! This was a fantastic story!
Sidney is dumped from her job only to be offered another while being asked to find a mysterious artifact. She has to solve puzzles & riddles along the way. But there's also people opposed to what she's doing.
Then there's the history aspect...delving into the history of witch hunting. There's even some science aspect with talk of quantum physics & virtual reality.
This was a very good read. I loved getting to know the characters. The background/history building was a little confusing & dry at points but felt unique.
I loved the mystery. Lots of little ones it seemed.
I took off a star for the history/science-y parts that felt a bit long & hard to follow.

3.5 (rounded up to 4) 🌟
0 🌟

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It seemed a bit choppy at times, but the story was quite good overall, and I liked the premise. The story dragged a bit at times but then would pick back up and keep the action flowing. I believe much of what we learned in this book sets up a grander conflict in upcoming books in the series. I would like to see more development of the side characters if they are part of her team and assist her in the future. I particularly would like her to be less wishy-washy about Gabe. One minute she really likes him, and the next, she's rather dismissive. She needs to at least let him know if he's to be her hero. As I said it was an enjoyable read, there were some rocky parts, but overall I enjoyed it and would read the next in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley and Severn House, for an advanced copy. These opinions are my own.

This book gave me a da Vinci Code feel with a magical twist. It was unlike any book I have read in the subject of witches. I loved the approach Esme Addison brought to her characters and her storyline. It was original and historical. I found myself wanting more!

Just finished reading an ARC of the book and gosh, it was a lot of information which I'm still analyzing.

It's really an intrigue of witches happening in the book, a modern world with a feel of escape rooms and some VR components, spun with a touch of magic and old world, brought together to create this book.

There's a lot of mystery happening, when you think you know everything, nope, there's a bit more to find out.

For me there were 2 major plot twists, one I kind of saw coming, but the other one was unexpected. 😶‍🌫️

The intrigue of the book kept me in a hook especially as I'm a big lover of escape rooms and puzzles. 🤭

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Severn House and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

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