Attorney Petra Rakowitz is having a bad day. First, a wizard botches a spell while talking with her, and then Keegan Flynn, the lead investigator and office manager of her law firm, is arrested for the magical murder of his ex-girlfriend. Worse yet, Petra is starting to show disturbing signs of magic awakening. Is Petra a late blooming wizard or does she have a spell working on her? And who is the real killer of Keegan's ex-girlfriend?

MURDER CASTS ITS SPELL is the first book in a new series and boy am I hooked! Margaret C. Morse creates likeable characters, and I couldn't help but cheer for Petra as she struggles to cope with her rapidly changing world. Petra is confident in her role as an attorney but the events in MURDER CASTS ITS SPELL shake her comfortable world up. However, it is Petra's loyalty to her friends, even in the midst of her own turmoil, that solidifies Petra as a main character I want to visit with again.

And oh, the world building! Margaret C. Morse does a marvelous job at introducing us to the challenges—as well as the benefits—of having magical powers. I particularly like the glimpses we get into the various political factions surrounding the issue of wizards. The mystery itself is quite intriguing as well as Margaret C. Morse takes full advantage of the magical world she has crafted. MURDER CASTS ITS SPELL definitely takes some unique twists and turns!

MURDER CASTS ITS SPELL is an absolutely delightful cozy mystery with solid dose of the paranormal. We get to meet a great group of characters in a magical world that is just sheer fun (and yes, there are even talking books!). I can't wait to see what Margaret C. Morse has in store for us next!