I enjoyed this book. The story itself was excellent, with a good and consistent magic system. I loved the characters, both the protagonists and the antagonists. The pacing was excellent and the book kept me enthralled from start to finish. I look forward to reading more books in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and Blackridge Publishing, LLC for the advance reader copy.

gritty historical fantasy where the Wild West meets dark sorcery. In 1880 Colorado, former Pinkerton death mage Mick Kelly swore off bad magic years ago but when her farm fails and a Bureau of Magical Investigations agent offers her a dangerous job in Las Vegas, New Mexico, she’s drawn back into the shadows. Women are dying, their magic stolen, and the trail reeks of a power that could consume the West. To stop it, Mick must confront her violent past and wield the very magic she vowed never to touch again. All I can say is hell yeah brother lol. Loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. #bookrecs #bookrecs #reader #bookstagram

Bad Magic & Whiskey by Melissa Jacobson
🌟🌟🌟3/5

Publication Date: 10th August 2025

Thanks to @Netgalley and @Blackridgepublishing for a free copy in exchange for a honest review.

Mary Catherine "Mick" Kelly Mcclellan, former death mage and respectable widow, swore off Magic a decade ago. But now her pigs are mysteriously dying on her homestead in Trinidad, and moneys run dry. So when a rookie agent from the bureau of magical investigations shows up, and promises cash in exchange for exposing wrongdoings in Las Vegas, Micks tempted by the money.
But women are dying, their Magic stripped, someone is playing a long, dark game, reeking of magic. And when Mick starts asking questions her past starts calling.

Historical fiction meets Wild west, with a large dose of magic. This was a fun read, loveable characters and mystery from the start. Also sheds a lot of light on family and friendships, with many heartfelt moments. A great book for debut novel! And loved the 1880s feel, it had a very unique feeling