It was a satisfying mystery set in present-day Salem, with references to past mysteries! I highly recommend all the books in this series. ( )

This was a page turner! I really enjoyed the writing and story. Kept me entertained and wanting more. Looking for more books by this author! Definitely recommend! ( )

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Fifth Petal is book two of The Lace Reader series. In this portion, a few years has passed since book one. Towner has decided to stay and although the relationship with her mother is strained at best, Towner has restored her aunt's tea room, and has it serve as a halfway house for the women living at Yellow Dog. The mystery opens on Halloween night, teenage boys heckling an old mentally ill homeless woman. They claim she's a witch, and when one of the boys die. The outraged people of Salem want justice to finally be served. Will Rafferty be able to find the killer before there is a witch hunt like olden days?

Brunonia Barry once again brings us a story rich in the history of the Salem Witch Trials. There was so much suspense, this book held me at the edge of my seat. I was engrossed until the very end and was taken by surprise by the end. This was a great suspenseful novel with lots of unsuspecting twists. ( )

After greatly enjoying Brunonia Barry’s The Lace Reader, I looked forward to her Map of True Places, but found it less striking. And now, the story returns to an evocative location, Salem. (Can you think of Salem, without also thinking of witch trials?) Although the contemporary case is murder, the connection with witchcraft prevails to complicate the issues and endanger those who investigate and challenge widespread opinion. Thrilling, scary, and a return to the author’s high level of quality story-telling. ( )

This was a 3.5 star read for me. I liked the story and how much time and research went into this, but towards the end, I was ready for the book to speed up a little. Great spooky October read!

*I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review* ( )