Summoning, Skating, and Skulls (Bewitcher's Beach Mystery 2), by Emily Fluke

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I have loved the Bewitcher's Beach Mystery series, by Emily Fluke, from the start. I've been eagerly anticipating book 2 since I finished the first full length novel in the series and the novellas. The wait for book 2 was over this month and it did not disappoint!

Every ten years a pirate ship appears on Bewitcher's Beach. Residents of the small town come together to celebrate a reunion with ghosts of pirates who have passed on. This also brings danger with the protection spell over Bewitcher's Beach gone. 

The town votes for Noema to restore the protection spell that is in the grimoire, but The Book of Prophecies is missing. Furthermore, the last warlock to attempt the magic is found dead. Soon, single mom and werewolf, Noema, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation...and a love triangle like no other. She wants to give her pups the holiday celebration they deserve and she also wants to find her long lost family. Can she find the grimoire and restore the protection spell in time to accomplish these goals, while also sorting out her feelings for two different characters? Or will she miss the opportunity?

What a ride this book was! I really enjoyed seeing familiar characters from previous installments, as well as meeting new ones. All of these characters are well-developed, yet they all still have even more room to grow.

What I love most about this series is the world building. This is a paranormal cozy with some interesting characters and a unique setting. Bewitcher's Beach's residents include humans, ghosts, fairies, werewolves, gargoyles, witches, and more! I never felt overwhelmed by the wide range of characters. They are all interesting and fun to get to know. Some of them may not even be who they first appear to be!

The mystery is strong with lots of twists and turns. I love how the subplots are woven into the mystery. It's a complex plot, but tied together masterfully. I did not know who the culprit was and I was shocked by the big reveal. Also surprising was the way one of the subplots unfolded. I can't stay too much without giving away spoilers. You just have to read it!

While this is a much more complex and deeper plot than previous installments, it maintains the nostalgia I so loved in those other books. The series is set in the 1990s. That decade was a significant part of my life and I enjoyed traveling back to that time period. 

If you enjoy paranormal cozies, you will not want to overlook this series. And if you're on the fence about paranormal cozies, give this one a try. I have a feeling you will enjoy the ride. While each one is a self-contained mystery, you will want to start at the beginning to follow the subplots. So grab the popcorn (it's mentioned throughout the series and you will crave it) and get started! I felt satisfied at the end of this book, but it also left me eager to read the next one!

Thank you to Emily Fluke for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.