One Potion in the Grave

Written by Heather Blake

Narrated by Carla Mercer-Meyer

Carly Bell Hartwell's love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South.

When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she's not back for a social visit; she's come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son's high-profile wedding.

But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she's forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue's family take the term "bad blood" to a whole new level? And why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Mar 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781494579555

Reviews for One Potion in the Grave

[MariaMontgomery · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This series has great characters, a good dollop of humor and an intelligent plot (though if you're looking for something to really work your brain, this isn't it). It's, of course, easy going and filled with southern charm too -- a great cozy mystery in other words. I'm definitely hooked on this series!

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Magical cozy witch mystery. Yet another too many suspects for a small pool to fish in. Nothing terribly wrong, nothing much special.

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book brings so many Southern Stereotypes to life it is funny. Katie Sue Periwinkle (now known as Kathryn Perry) returns to Hitching Post Alabama to try and get even with the rich and famous Calhoun family also from Alabama. The Calhouns are politically involved and rich. They are in Hitching Post for the wedding of their son, Landry and Gabi, the rich young lady that they took in after her parents were killed in a plane crash. Only problem is that it is a marriage for political reasons and Landy does not love Gabi. Meanwhile the Periwinkle bunch is a mess. Lila, the oldest girl is a recent widow looking after her youngest sister Jamie who is very ill. She wants nothing to do with witchcraft or potions from Carly or her store. The mother and step-father have been in jail, use drugs and suspicion has it they sell them as well. None of the children want anything to do with them. When Carly finds out that Katie Sue wants a hex put on a member of the Calhoun family she is worried. When she turns up dead, the mystery unfolds. What evidence did Katie Sue have against the Calhouns? Did she commit suicide or was she pushed? Who is really running the Calhoun family? Will Gabi and Landry get married? Will Carly find out what is wrong with Jamie Lynn and be able to help her? Carly and Dylan have a lot to figure out and the love is still sizzling just under the surface. The story of Carly's family, especially her aunts, continues to make you laugh. Another great cozy mystery.

[anglophile65 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've stumbled upon an author that has 2 series that I really enjoy. To read more of both.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I never know how to review Heather Blake's (a/k/a Heather Webber) books. Describing them ends up making them sound cute or Disney-ish in a Freaky Friday sort of way. They aren't – well, they are, a little bit. Cute. Not Freaky Friday-ish. But they aren't shallow cozies, nor are they formulaic. Nobody is going to drown in the emotional depths, but you don't expect that from cozies either; at least, I don't and that's why I read so many of them. Carly is a hereditary witch in Hitching Post, Alabama. She owns a potions shop that sells oils, soaps, and of course, potions. Her magic is of the healing variety and is sustained by – and here's where the cute comes in – the collection of dew off of a pair of magic lilies that only bloom once a year. The legend behind these lilies is cool, but yeah, the whole premise is a bit to darling for my personal tastes. But I do like Carly and her wacky family. I really like her flip-side-of-the-coin cousin, Delia - the one who didn't inherit the family magic/grimoire/lily tears because she was born second. She opens up a hex shop across the square and sells curses. Carly's aunts are whack jobs but they don't saturate the story; the author uses them sparingly so they offer levity that doesn't get oppressive. The setting is very Alabama hick but endearing and cozy. The vernacular wasn't overly used, but it did occupy that space where as a reader I noticed it for itself. It would have been more effective for me if it was just used a tiny bit less. (I'm a Southerner, but I think my eyes would bug out if anyone I was speaking to actually used shoo-ee in a conversation, but I didn't grow up in rural Alabama, so what do I know?). The mystery was clever. My early thoughts about a character were re-directed during a well-placed scene, only to find out at the end that I had been correct. Nice diversionary writing. Carly mostly stays away from TSTL decisions too so there was no eye-rolling or talking back to the book. Wait, I take that back: Carly did jump to one conclusion that was obviously wrong from the start and she wouldn't let it go. Snap judgements bug me but it seems I liked the rest of the book enough that the memory of it was dulled. Heather Blake/Webber is one of the few currently publishing authors whose books I'd buy sight unseen. Her writing is always solid, quality story-telling and entertaining to boot.

[stephlaymon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this series for the setting, the southern charm, the dash of snark, and the various cast of characters...especially Marjie. There are a few mysteries to solve in this installment, and a handful of suspects to keep you guessing. There was some predictability to a couple of the subplots, but it didn't take away from the overall fun of the mystery.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listened for Review (Tantor)Overall Rating: 4.50Story Rating: 4.50Character Rating: 4.50Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: One Potion in the Grave by Heather Blake was such a great cozy mystery and makes me hope there ends up being more in the series.Overall Thoughts: I really loved the mystery and the character issues I had in A Potion to Die For are mostly gone. I really liked Carly this time out and love her family. I wish there had been more D in this one but overall I have nothing to complain about. There are some really good twists and turns, some sad moments, and lots of things to make you smile. This was just a good read!Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Carla Mercer-Meyer / Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins Carla did a good job with the narration. I am still getting used to her male voices but she really does a fantastic job with all the ladies. I really do think this is a good series on audio.Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! ReviewsQuotes"I’ll give you a minute to get her and sneak out the back. And don’t let it be gettin’ around that I didn’t shoot her on the spot, got it?”

[bookofsecrets · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The charming town of Hitching Post, Alabama, may be the wedding capital of the south, but happily-ever-afters are not guaranteed. Local witch Carly Bell Hartwell is thrilled when her old friend Katie Sue stumbles into her potions shop. Unfortunately, there's a dark cloud over their happy reunion, and Carly senses trouble. When Katie Sue dies under suspicious circumstances, Carly becomes wrapped up in a web of juicy secrets, dirty politics, and nasty family squabbles, trying to solve the case.ONE POTION IN THE GRAVE is the second book in the Magic Potion Mystery series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! The mystery in this book was really good, with many layers and possible suspects. Carly definitely had her amateur sleuthing work cut out for her in this one. I especially loved that her cousin Delia (the hexer, love her!) and best friend Ainsley helped out again. There's a history of bad blood between Carly and Delia, and I'm glad to see a possible friendship forming. This book is full of colorful and entertaining characters, like Carly's eccentric aunts, also know as the "Odd Ducks." They are hilarious.Heather Blake is one of my favorite cozy authors, and if you enjoy your mystery with a touch of romance and the paranormal, I highly recommend picking up one of her books!Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.