The Witch's Grave (Ophelia & Abby Mysteries, No. 6) [Mass Market Paperback]

Shirley Damsgaard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2008

Cupid has cast his spell on good witch Ophelia Jensen. The practical, pragmatic, law-abiding librarian has just begun letting down her hair with Stephen Larsen, the author of some of the most scandalous crime exposés ever written. It's a match made in the stacks—until the would-be lovers take a quiet countryside stroll, and shots ring out.

A murderer, not magick, made Stephen disappear—and Ophelia might be next. The sheriff warns her and her grandmother Abby not to meddle, but after another shooting leaves them shaken the women can't help but get involved. A sinister stalker is slowly drawing closer to Ophelia, and she'll have to summon all her powers to prevent herself from ending up six feet under.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The meandering sixth entry (after 2007s The Witch Is Dead) in Damsgaards Ophelia and Abby supernatural mystery series brings troubling erotic dreams to Ophelia, rural Iowas reluctant novice witch. Shes unsure what her nocturnal fantasies portend until she comes face-to-face with the man of those dreams, exposé author Stephen Larsen. Just after their first kiss, Stephen is shot. As he lies comatose in the hospital, Ophelias dreams quickly shift from sexy to mysterious, playing out like a serial drama taking place in WWII Paris, while some failed attempts on Ophelias life lead the Summerset sheriff to suspect that she was the shooters real target. Ophelia must turn to Abby, her master witch grandmother, for help saving Stephens life and bringing together the myriad threads of the rather disjointed plot. (Jan.)
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Review

“Ms. Damsgaard has proved that her talent is solid and her characters are ones you’ll come to know and love.” (Fran, Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Seattle, WA )

“A Golden Broomstick to the season’s most unusual sleuths, a septuagenarian witch and her psychic granddaughter. Inventive and imaginative.” (Carolyn Hart, praise for WITCH WAY TO MURDER )

“[C]omplex and likable characters...a bit of romance and suspense. Definitely worth trying.” (Amarillo Texas News )

“Ophelia and Abby have Charmed me To Death. I love this series.” (Pat Frovarp, Once Upon A Crime, Minneapolis, MN )

“Shirley Damsgaard has created a sassy, savvy librarian who just happens to be a reluctant witch haunted by her past. (Jo Dereske, praise for WITCH WAY TO MURDER )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Reprint edition (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061493430
• ISBN-13: 978-0061493430
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shirley Damsgaard, author of numerous published short stories, resides with her family in small-town Iowa, where she has served as Postmaster for the last twenty years. She is currently working on the next Ophelia and Abby mystery, which again touches delightfully upon the paranormal.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining -- and pivotal -- installment in the series., January 20, 2009

By 

Julie Bryant "An Avid Reader" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Witch's Grave (Ophelia & Abby Mysteries, No. 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

What a pleasant surprise to find a "new & improved" Ophelia in this wonderful story! The positive influences on Ophelia -- Darci, Abby and Tink -- are making a difference in our usually skeptical and somewhat dour librarian. Without spoiling the major points, I can say that even after finding out everything isn't as she believes, Ophelia emerges stronger and more likeable at the end. I really am looking forward to the next book and further character developments.

The mystery and the sub-mystery were well-wrought and nicely woven into one story. Ms. Damsgaard is getting better and better!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Pulled the bookmark on this one!, December 4, 2009

By 

katrsqr "loves books" - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Witch's Grave (Ophelia & Abby Mysteries, No. 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

I didn't care for the main character in the first book but kept on reading the succeeding books and found that I began to like her more as she grew and started to accept her powers. Frankly, this book is one I didn't like at all. The premise that she could find her "true love" in a dream, meet him in a few minutes time and then lose him was way out there in space. I love Abby, and wish the author would write books about her character, who is very likeable and then I would enjoy them more. Not to be mean but sadly, after the 7th book I could see why the contract may run out. The main character is just barely holding on by a slim thread to being likeable at all, she is very drab, old fogey and frankly, not fun in any way, shape or fashion at all. I find at times I want to just wave a wand and make her even a bit likeable. Sorry but this series had promise but not with this character at its helm.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another good read, February 5, 2009

By 

Maggie - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Witch's Grave (Ophelia & Abby Mysteries, No. 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

Abby and Ophelia always books are always a pleasure to read. This book was no exception. During every book, I learn a little bit more about Abby. It is always a good read. The plots vary and the mystery of "Who Done it" always seem to evade me. I am glad to have books that make me think and let me into their world, one book at a time.