A Vision in Velvet

A Witchcraft Mystery, Book 6

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

As soon as Lily opens her recently purchased trunk of old clothes, she feels strange vibrations emanating from a mysterious velvet cloak. When she tries it on, Lily sees awful visions from the past. And when the antiques dealer who sold her the cape is killed, Lily suspects a supernatural force might be behind his death. Then Lily's familiar, Oscar the potbellied pig, disappears. Lily will do anything to get him back - including battling the spirit of a powerful witch reaching out from the past. But even with the aid of her grandmother, unmasking a killer and saving Oscar might be more than one well-intentioned sorceress can handle.

©2014 Julie Goodson-Lawes (P)2014 Tantor Media

Another Fun Book in the Witchcraft Mystery Books

As I have written in previous reviews, the Witchcraft Mystery series is a lot of fun. I call it "Witch Lite" since it is not about the horrors of witchcraft but is rather a celebration of life. Book 6 introduces a very scary witch that steals Lily's pig and which takes more than all of Lily's skills.

I love Oscar

I still feel that, Lily Ivory, the character is too much of a “woe is me” character, but I love Oscar. Lily is her typical, if I hadn’t suffered so much as a child I could be better, stronger, etcetera, effectively blaming her shortcomings on being bullied in school as a kid. Since pretty much everyone is bullied in some way at a young age, I have no sympathy for her. However other characters are perfectly delightful, including motherly Bronwin (spelling?) and fiercely independent Mya. Sailor is surly, but not without love. All in all even if I don’t care too much for the main character Blackwell weaves a detailed and delightfully witchy story.

Such wonderful books!

I absolutely love the story, characters, and vibrant environments. I recommend these books for anyone looking to escape reality and get a little magical.

anther good addition to this series.

Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival. But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case.

A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic. One thing, I wish she would use her magic more. The one that flings things around.

Can it GET Any Better??

What made the experience of listening to A Vision in Velvet the most enjoyable?

EVERYTHING!!! The story (I adore Oscar!!) ... the narrator ... I cant pick just one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did! I listened to it all in one day. I started it on the way to work, listened at lunch, on the way home, at the gym and while hubs played video games. I love this series!!!

Any additional comments?

I also own a printed copy of this book (which I read first). I had to get the audible version because Xe Sands adds depth to the characters.

Awesome

Juliet Blackwell and Xe Sands have done it again. I don't know how Ms Blackwell does it, but each addition to this series gets better. I highly recommend this series but if you've never read the previous books, I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series.

I can't wait for the next one!!!

I have listened excitedly to all 6 books and I can't wait for book 7 !

Xe Sands is one of the best Narrators.

I already submitted a book review but I failed to add my review of the narrator. Sands is fantastic! She has the rare ability to change her voice into so many different characters.

Blackwell and Sands equal a magical listening experience.

Always Enjoyable

Would you listen to A Vision in Velvet again? Why?

probably will listen to the entire series again at some time.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A bit disappointed. A lot of buildup and then a quick finish.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I have no problem with the narrator.

Any additional comments?

Not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I hope there is. Think the "power" Lily acquired in "Tarnished and Torn" needs more development, as well as the herb classes and an alliance with Aiden.

good story

good story, will listen to more in the series. no sex, no gore- only a good mystery I can listen to with my kids. the narrator is good, but her voice is so melodic it kinda puts you to sleep.