Title: Charmed to Death
Author: Shirley Damsgaard
First published March 28, 2006
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780060793531 (ISBN10: 0060793538)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Ophelia Jensen never expected to inherit her grandmother’s good witch powers. But when her best friend was murdered, her psychic abilities proved useless.
Now, years later, the same killer strikes again, leaving Ophelia reeling. Even her own grandmother isn’t safe as she battles against a pig-farming operation threatening their small Iowa town.
With the police detective scoffing at her abilities, Ophelia must take matters into her own hands to solve the case. As the clues start to point towards her as the potential next victim, Ophelia must use her powers to stop the killer before it’s too late.
Charmed to Death is an enchanting mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
About the Author
I have read countless bios that begin with the phrase “I have always wanted to be a writer and wrote my first story at the age of five.” To be honest, that was not the case for me. As a child, growing up on a farm as an only child, my aspiration was to become a princess.
Unfortunately, all the royal positions were occupied. Therefore, I followed the well-trodden path of many women – marriage, children, and a career outside of the home, in my case, with the United States Postal Service.
It was not until I reached the age of 48 that I decided to venture into writing.
My first attempt at writing was a romance novella, which was a complete disaster. However, I did not give up on writing as my late husband suggested that I try my hand at mysteries.
He noticed my talent for predicting the ending of movies, and he encouraged me to turn that into writing. I combined his suggestion with my long-standing interest in the paranormal to create the characters of Ophelia and Abby.
Writing the series helped me through a difficult period in my life.
Fast forward seven years later, and my life has not changed much. I still reside in the same small town for over two decades, maintain my career as Postmaster, and my grown children with their kids live within driving distance.
I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint. However, my world has grown thanks to Ophelia and Abby.
Becoming an author has been the most exciting journey of my life, and I am forever grateful for it.
Editoral Review
Shirley Damsgaard’s Charmed to Death follows the life of Ophelia Jensen, a small town librarian who also happens to be a powerful psychic. First published in March 2006, this book is a mystery novel that is part of a series of paranormal mysteries known as the Ophelia and Abby Mystery series.
In this book, Damsgaard uses well-placed twists and turns to keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.
The book is set in a small town called Summerset, and the story takes place immediately after Ophelias grandmother, Abby, goes into a coma.
Abby has been a source of support and guidance for Ophelia, helping her to come to terms with her psychic powers. However, Ophelia’s grief is short-lived when she is tasked with investigating a murder that occurs in the library where she works.
As more people start turning up dead, Ophelia realizes that all of the victims had a connection to her grandmother, and she begins to fear for her own life. Charmed to Death is a book that expertly blends genres, incorporating elements of both classic whodunits and supernatural thrillers.
Damsgaard’s prose is fantastic, and she has a unique ability to create a setting that transports the reader to the heart of the conflict. The supernatural elements of the story help to keep the plot fresh and add a level of intensity that is lacking in traditional mysteries.
One of the strengths of Charmed to Death is its character development. Ophelia is a well-rounded character with a relatable background, making her both likable and approachable to readers.
The relationship she has with her grandmother is heartwarming, and it provides the book with a strong emotional core. The other characters in the book are also well-developed, each with their own quirks and personalities that make them stand out.
The pacing and structure of the plot is another positive aspect of the novel. The story is well-paced, moving along at a steady speed without feeling rushed or dragging on too long.
Each twist and turn in the plot is carefully planned and foreshadowed, coming together at the end in a satisfying and unexpected way. Despite these strengths, Charmed to Death is not without its flaws.
At times, the supernatural elements of the story feel a bit over-the-top, and some readers may find them hard to believe. Additionally, the resolution of the book is a bit rushed and might have been better served with more time to develop.
Overall, Shirley Damsgaard’s Charmed to Death is a great read for those who enjoy mystery and supernatural genres. The book’s strengths, namely its well-drawn characters, expert pacing, and supernatural elements, outweigh the few flaws that it has.
The book is recommended for mystery lovers and those looking for an exciting read with a supernatural twist. I give this book a solid four out of five stars.
