I absolutely savoured Hexes & Hush Money—a delightfully cosy paranormal mystery that feels like autumn settling in and Halloween whispering just around the corner. I’m a big fan of this kind of gentle, witchy charm, and Hazel Caraway delivers it with a mischievous wink. Ivy Rowan and her cat-café witchcraft make for a perfectly comforting yet intriguingly magical read, complete with cursed cappuccinos and seaside suspense.

On a small island, Ivy Rowan owns a Coffee shop with a few resident cats. One morning she has words with a man who wants to buy her shop but she has told him many times she isn't in the market to shell. The next morning she finds him dead behind her shop's dumpster. And from there the story escalates. The sheriff sees nothing but the hard evidence and that makes Ivy the top suspect. Ivy's grandmother rallies the town folk to help prove her innocent. Behind all of this, the Rowan women are witches, white witches but still witches. The someone "catnaps", Hex, Ivy's familiar. If you like light hearted stories with a little magic thrown in, then get this book. I couldn't stop reading.

Hexes and Hush Money by Hazel Caraway was such a cosy, heartwarming read. From the very first chapter, it had that perfect blend of charm and atmosphere that made it feel like a little escape from reality. The characters were engaging, the world was inviting, and I genuinely found myself wishing the story had been a bit longer so I could spend more time in it.

The pacing was mostly spot on, keeping me hooked all the way through, but towards the end I did feel that a few sections dragged slightly and could have been trimmed down without losing any of the magic. That’s the only reason it isn’t a five-star read for me.

Overall, this is a delightful and comforting book cosy in the best possible way and it’s left me eager to see what Hazel Caraway writes next.

I went into this one not knowing what to expect since it’s the author’s debut but WOW what a pleasant surprise. The mix of seaside magic, witchy charm and a light mystery kept me hooked. I’m already such a fan of anything with spells, familiars and cozy fantasy vibes, so this book really scratched that itch. It was easy to read, had just the right amount of emotional pull when it needed it and never felt too heavy despite dealing with a murder at its core. Honestly, I ended up flying through it because it was just that much of a page-turner.

That said, the ending left me feeling a little conflicted. The mystery wrapped up neatly but the betrayal didn’t pack as much of an emotional punch as I wanted. Since the characters involved weren’t ones we’d built a huge connection to, I wasn’t as shaken by the reveal as I could’ve been. While Ivy and Dylan were undeniably cute, the insta-love element didn’t totally work for me (not a big fan of it in general). Their dynamic as partners-in-crime was already strong on its own and I think the story could’ve been just as good if their relationship had stayed in that found-family, slow-trust territory for a bit longer.

Even with those small misses, I really enjoyed this book. The cozy atmosphere, the way the community rallied in the end and of course the love for Hex the cat were all so sweet and heartwarming. It’s a solid, charming debut that gave me everything I look for in a cozy fantasy mystery. Not quite a five-star read for me personally but definitely one I’d recommend if you’re into witches, magic and light mysteries. If there’s ever a second book coming, I’ll be first in line for another ARC.

🌟What is it about?🌟
Ivy Rowan is happily running her little cat café on a magical island, surrounded by her beloved cats and the comforting smell of coffee. But peace is hard to come by when Jonas Pike, a pushy developer, won’t stop harassing her to sell the café for his big project.

When Jonas turns up dead behind her café, Ivy suddenly finds herself the prime suspect. To make things worse, strange magical coins that appear before Pike's death begin appearing all over the island and someone has catnapped her familiar, Hex.

Sheriff Dylan Marsh may have doubted her at first, but as secrets unravel, it becomes clear that Ivy is caught in something much bigger than she ever imagined.

🌟What I like about it?🌟
- Gran, Ivy's grandmother, who is a chill, brilliant, and resourceful ally. Not to forget, a good matchmaker too.
- The background is around a MAGICAL island. A cat cafe!
- How the author is misleading me with the real villain.
- An easy-reading e-book.

🌟What can be improved? 🌟
- the relationship progress between Ivy and Dylan
- Ivy's magic prowess

Thanks to @booksgosocial for making it available via @netgalley . This review is solely based on my opinion.

Very grateful to have received this ARC of “Hexes & Hush Money” by Hazel Caraway @netgalley such a cute book, I really enjoyed reading! A Cat cafe witch mystery, cozy charm! 🐈‍⬛ 🧙HEXES & HUSH MONEY—book one of the Cat Café Witch Mysteries—serves a shot of paranormal peril with a sprinkle of cozy charm. Releases September 9th 2025✨🍂

Cute, quick fall read! Great way to get into the fall feels with a whisper of magic. Rowan is the owner of the Catnip Cafe, located on a small island in the Northeast. Early on, a land developer named Jonas Pike attempts to purchase the land/cafe from Rowan but is turned down. The cafe has been in Rowan's family for many years and she believes it is her families' destiny to run the cafe. However, terrible things start happening - murder, threats, kidnapping - and Rowan and the new sheriff - Dylan - have to race to save the cafe, the island, and everyone that lives there. But can Rowan trust those around her, including Dylan?? And what about her familiar, Hex?? It's a race to save him!

Fans of Halloweentown and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this one’s for you. Hexes and Hush Money is a cozy whodunit with a dash of witchcraft, a sprinkle of romance, and all the fall vibes. Think: rainy day, blanket burrito, pumpkin spice latte, and a crackling fire. 🔮☕️

At under 200 pages, it’s a quick read but that brevity comes with a few bumps. The plot felt rushed and a bit disjointed in places, and the final three chapters didn’t quite stick the landing. I found myself wishing the ending had wrapped up tighter and sooner.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a light, witchy mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one delivers on cozy charm. Just don’t expect deep character arcs or flawless pacing.

It was an easy to read who-done-it magical mystery. It was short but was packed with characters & storylines.

I struggled abit with this book. Yes it's a short book but it felt very rushed with very limited world building. This made it difficult to really want to keep going with it.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.

The story begins at the heart of the island of Havenwood Harbour in the Catnip Cafe, which is owned and run by our main character and her best friend Ivy. You are immediately greeted by the 3 resident cats Marmalade, Captain Jack and of course, Ivy's familiar Hex. We are quickly introduced to a murder plot, which Ivy is the main suspect. Is she being framed? Who by?

Through the love of the cosy community and paranormal aspects that come with being a Witch, will Ivy and her loyal friends find the culprit, who is trying to tear the island apart?

I was totally charmed by this book, it is the perfect read for an Autumn day with a hot chocolate. It will totally pull you in and absolutely worth picking up if you enjoy a touch of the paranormal.

Ivy Rowan is a witch who runs the Catnip Café in a seaside town, serving espresso with a side of enchantment. Her life is cozy—until a ruthless developer is murdered behind her café and the town’s restoration fund disappears. Suddenly, cursed coins show up at her tables, a rival is hexed mid-sip, and her beloved familiar, Hex the cat, is kidnapped.
With the sheriff urging her to stay out of it, Ivy dives into a century-old money-binding spell to uncover the killer and save her cat. It’s a race against time, with magical mischief, seaside secrets, and a whole lot of frothy peril.
🐈‍⬛ What Works
Atmosphere: The magical seaside town and whimsical café are vividly drawn, perfect for fans of Steeped to Death or Cat About Town.
Characters: Ivy is a relatable, determined heroine. Her grandmother, Gran, is a fan favorite—chill, wise, and delightfully blunt.
Tone: Cozy but not shallow. The story balances charm with emotional depth, especially as Ivy confronts grief, betrayal, and fear.
Magic System: Light and playful, with hexed cappuccinos and cursed coins adding flair without overwhelming the mystery.
🧁 Room for Improvement
Some reviewers felt the romance subplot was underdeveloped and the pacing a bit rushed.
A few wished for more feline antics—because let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too many cats.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Hexes & Hush Money is a delightful debut that brews mystery, magic, and feline mischief into one irresistible cup. It’s perfect for readers who love their whodunits with a touch of witchcraft and a whole lot of heart

This was such a fun and lighthearted cozy mystery with just the right dash of magic. I loved the quirky small-town vibe and how the paranormal elements blended naturally into the story. The characters were charming and the mystery itself kept me curious without ever getting too dark. Some of the pacing slowed a little in the middle, but the humor and magical touches kept it enjoyable. If you like your mysteries cozy with witches, charm, and a sprinkle of sass, this is a great pick.

Ivy Rowan is the latest owner of the Catnip Cafe, where she whips up magical brews and pastries.
The cafe has been in her family for years, and most customers know about the families magical abilities.
When a real estate developer tries to bully Ivy into selling her cafe, he doesn't take her refusal lightly, and soon becomes a murder victim.
Everyone becomes suspicious of Ivy but when gold coins begin appearing, she has no choice but to find out the truth behind her families magical history.

This is a fun first in a new series cozy, which features Maddie's familiar, Hex.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this enchanting series.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I have to say I found this really confusing unfortunately. This dives straight into the story and doesn't give anything in terms of world building, scene setting or character introductions. As a short book, I know there's limited space to really dive into those aspects but it left me feeling like I'd missed books in a series or something.

The writing style itself was ok, but I just found it really difficult to follow this so just wasn't my cup of tea!

Hexes & Hush Money is a small-town mystery book, with a touch of magic, witches, and best of all: cats!

In the story, you follow Ivy, who runs the coffee shop that has been in her family for years: the Catnip Café. Just like a true small-town spot, the café feels like a dream; an eclectic mix of mismatched furniture, books lining the shelves, and the friendly townsfolk who stop by every day for their cup of coffee. On top of that, Ivy is also a witch, and she loves using her gift to help the townspeople with her magical intentions. Soon, it becomes clear that the island is under threat, and that the island itself is sending warnings in the form of coins. Will blood be spilled again, or can it be stopped?

This is the perfect book to escape into for a while. It’s delightfully cozy, with just a hint of mystery, but not too complicated. It was also refreshing to read a book about witches that isn’t over-the-top magical. The magic here is more grounded, similar to witches who draw on natural elements and intentions.

Hexes & Hush Money blends romance, the paranormal, and small-town mystery as it centers on Ivy dealing with the collapse of her business and community after she finds her rival dead behind her cafe.

Although it had many things I love in a cozy, such as a colorful cast of characters and a strong romance subplot, it didn't ultimately (and unfortunately) work for me, I suspect due to its length. This book was short, being only 154 pages according to Goodreads. Yet, so much was attempted here. The author tries to jump us straight into the action, but due to this, the first few pages were extremely confusing. I even questioned whether I had accidentally picked up an installment in the series, rather than the first.

As I continued reading, I felt that I was being told the plot as quickly as possible, rather than experiencing the story as it happened. And even still, there was so much repetition throughout (and so many adjectives)!

I also thought the magic was treated very inconsistently here. It was unclear throughout how many people knew what, and the extent to which people practiced magic. For example (without spoilers): a character we're led to believe does not know about magic starts talking about hexes as if they are real without sufficient explanation of how they learned about magic/hexes in the first place.

I truly hate giving negative reviews for self-published works, and I think if this novel were longer with more space to develop the characters and storyline, it would've been a higher rating because there were so many other strong elements.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the exchange of this book for an honest review.

Take a shot of espresso, sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon, add a few mischievous cats—and top it off with a spell or two. That’s the recipe for Hexes & Hush Money, a cozy fantasy mystery that charms from the very first page.

Ivy Rowan runs The Catnip Café in Havenwood Harbour, where coffee and comfort are always on the menu—until a greedy real estate mogul turns up dead, the town’s restoration fund vanishes, and Ivy finds herself framed. When her beloved familiar, Hex, is kidnapped, Ivy has no choice but to dive deep into a century-old money-binding curse to uncover the truth.

What I loved most is the atmosphere: the book’s lyrical, almost poetic writing makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a blanket of cinnamon and coffee steam, right before it whisks you into a fast-paced, twisty mystery. It balances whimsy and peril beautifully—one moment you’re savoring the coziness of the café, the next you’re holding your breath as danger creeps closer.

Ivy is an instantly lovable heroine, torn between fear and determination, and her relationships with those around her (not to mention Hex!) give the story heart. The way grief, greed, and trust are woven into the plot adds depth without losing the charm that makes cozy mysteries so addictive.

Perfect for fans of Steeped to Death and Cat About Town, this first book in the Cat Café Witch Mysteries series is a warm, magical escape—best enjoyed curled up with a mug of tea (or coffee!) and a cat in your lap.

Hexes & Hush Money was such an engaging read that perfectly blends supernatural intrigue, sharp character dynamics, and just the right touch of drama. From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in with its mysterious atmosphere and a sense that there were secrets simmering beneath the surface.

The main character really stood out to me—clever, loyal, and refreshingly authentic. Her relationships with the supporting cast were layered and nuanced, never falling into flat tropes. The author did a great job at balancing trust and betrayal, keeping me guessing about everyone’s true intentions.

I especially loved how the paranormal elements were woven into the story in a way that felt natural and immersive, enhancing the suspense rather than overwhelming it. The pacing was generally quick and addictive, though there were a few slower, introspective moments that, while adding depth, slightly dragged the flow for me. Still, the unexpected twists—especially one particular reveal that left me stunned—more than made up for it.

What sets this book apart is its balance: it’s not just about magic and danger, but also about the emotional struggles and moral choices the characters face. That human side gave the story an extra layer of depth I really appreciated.

Overall, Hexes & Hush Money is atmospheric, gripping, and absolutely worth picking up if you enjoy supernatural mysteries with strong characters and surprising twists. A solid 4-star read for me!

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I practically never turn down a cozy paranormal, so I was excited to try this series opener by an author I’ve never tried before. It really didn’t take me long to be drawn into the story with Ivy, Sage, Dylan, and Gran leading the way. To be honest, though, I at first thought I’d missed a book, but no, this is definitely the first book. While this isn’t an overly complex book and at times was a little rushed, it was fun and a little romantic. I look forward to the next. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.