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Mystic's End #2

Angel in Demise

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An electrocuted millionaire at a garden party.
One witch under suspicion.
Can Fortuna Delphi clear her name before they shut her art gallery down?

Fortuna Delphi’s starting to feel like a part of Mystic’s End. Sure, she still doesn’t know who she’s related to, the town’s two most eligible bachelors won’t stop dropping by, and the town clergy seems to think she’s the spawn of Satan—but at least millionaires Hubert and Della Maddox adored the angel statue she created for their patio. They even made it’s unveiling the climax of their once a year Spring Fling garden party.

But when the statue zaps millionaire Hubert Maddox lifeless in front of his guests, the town’s rich and powerful turn toward the artisan witch with suspicion.

After the county rules the death accidental and threatens to yank her art studio’s occupancy permit for negligence, Reporter Pepper Stanford believes that Fortuna is being framed to take the fall for a covered up murder—and Fortuna’s not sure that Pepper’s mistaken.

Will Fortuna be able to find out who brought about the electrifying end to Hubert Maddox and why? Or is Fortuna’s new life in Mystic’s End toast?

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2020

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About the author

Leanne Leeds

52 books100 followers
Leanne Leeds is an enchanting storyteller who spins magical tales of mystery, humor, and heart. Her whimsical contemporary paranormal mystery novels whisk readers away to a world where magic feels familiar and adventure waits around every corner.

With a charming voice and sprinkle of good-natured wit on every page, Leanne crafts stories as unexpected as they are captivating. Her quirky characters and serendipitous events intersect in delightfully unforeseen ways, delivering a reading experience as cozy as it is enthralling. Whether reading her paranormal cozies or paranormal women's fiction, readers will find a touch of enchantment in each word.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
360 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2020
Witch Fortuna Delphi is commissioned to make a sculpture that may be behind a murder. Can Fortuna with the help of her friends Pepper, Gabe, Martin, her special dog Gideon and ghost friend Spike find the true murderer? A great read! Very enjoyable and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cath.
951 reviews15 followers
March 13, 2020
This is book two in the Mystic’s End Mysteries series and follows the adventures of Fortuna Delphi some moths after arriving in the small town and opening up an art studio and shop. In this episode, Fortuna is asked to produce an angel statue for the Maddox family Garden Party. Hugh Maddox is from old money and this party is an annual event for all the top crust of the town. Business is going well for Fortuna and her art classes and shop are getting more and more popular as time goes by. This latest art piece has been requested to commemorate Hugh’s father, who died recently and will be the main showpiece on their patio, during the party.

Pepper is going to the party as the local news reporter, fed up with yet another fluff piece from her editor. Fortuna is invited as well to see her piece revealed, so the two go together. Someone has done something to her plain plaster of paris statue and covered it in garish silver paint and Della, Hugh’s wife, has had loads of strings of lights hung all around it! When the lights are turned on and Hugh puts his hand on it, he is zapped and a buzzing noise is heard by all. He falls into the fountain, dead, right in front of his wife and all their guests. Everyone turns to look at Fortuna.

The next morning there are various rumours being bandied about. Most blame is being put on Fortuna, as she created the statue. A tip has been placed to the police about the silver paint and her shop and apartment are searched by the police. Luckily she has her intelligent retired greyhound Gideon looking out for her. Even if Spike, her house ghost, seems to have disappeared. As usual, the death is ruled an accident, but that isn’t the end of the problems for Fortuna. Someone has it in for her and is trying their best to frame her for murder.

Next, her studio and shop permits are called into question. She is told she has the wrong permits, but it seems the person who signs the permits is off sick from the town’s offices. There is a link somehow to the murder of Mr Maddox. Who would benefit the most from his murder and who is behaving oddly afterwards, are all that Fortuna and Pepper can go on. Fortuna still has two men after her attentions, Gabe the local detective and Martin the greyhound race complex owner. Gabe’s grandmother, Bessie, passed on the town’s hand of magic to Fortuna in the last book, but Fortuna hasn’t asked her any questions about it yet. She has questions of her own, about her past and her true origins, but has not found out any information about it yet. Who she may be related to in the town is her biggest question and leaves her unwilling to have a relationship in case she is related to someone she likes.

Fortuna has to keep her witch status secret, but some of those around her that know her secret, are not the best at keeping this from others! The local preacher Kane, has taken a dislike to her and even called her a witch and the spawn of the devil! He is not what you might expect from a preacher and has a very strict outlook on the righteous, but also in his own power position in the town. A strange murder mystery, with Fortuna slap bang in the middle again, with a useless police chief and some powerful foes. Fortuna needs to come out of the other side of the accusations and must rely on her close allies for help. Another great mystery to be solved in this book and more issues to be uncovered. A good story and addition to the series. We learn more about some of those in the town and the interactions between them. An easy and interesting read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
323 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2020
Fortuna Delphi has left the Magical Midway and moved to Mystics End where she was born. She wants to find out about her past and why she was left by her birth parents. She has opened the Mystic Moon Gallery where she can display her paintings and encourage younger painters to paint at her shop. She is currently working on an angel sculpture requested by Hubert Maddox in memory of his father, Tiberius Maddox. The angel is to be unveiled at their annual garden party. When the angel leaves Fortuna's shop it is pure white. When Fortuna sees it at the party, silver paint has been dumped all over it and lights have been strung on it.
At the party Hubert puts his hands on the angel and lights it. Hubert then appears to be shocked by the angel and drops dead in front of his wife, Della and all of their guests.
Pepper Stanford is a local reporter for the Mystic's End Herald and is at the party covering it for the paper. Fortuna appears to have two suitors -- Martin Salvi, who runs the local greyhound track and Gabriel Wilcox, a local detective. They both want to protect her and want to be by her side.
Fortuna soon learns she is being accused of murdering Hubert and the police are at her shop/home with a search warrant looking for the silver paint. It is obvious she is being framed. When the police suddenly rule his death an accident, they now appear with a certificate of occupancy and plan to evict her from her shop/home.
With the help of Gideon, her greyhound, who transmits things to her telepathically, they try to find who planted the paint in her room. She also has a live-in ghost named Spike, who also tries to assist her.
Miss Bessie, Gabe's feisty grandmother, is trying to make Fortuna a better witch and hopes that she will marry Gabe and give her grandbabies.
The plot thickens when Bob Maddox, Hubert's brother, and Lester, his nephew, look like they could have killed him, Fortuna must find out who really did it before she is sent to prison.
There are many suspects including Joe Arturo, Hubert's partner, Evangeline Laroux, Chief Clutterbuck's daughter, Della, Bob, Lester and more.
This is a great book by Leanne Leeds. A must read. I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
18.7k reviews309 followers
March 12, 2020
One of the reasons witch Fortuna Delphi moved to the small town of Mystic End was to see if she could find out anything about her origins there, as she had been abandoned as a baby and adopted by someone from California. She hasn’t made much progress yet. But two bachelors are showing an interest in her, Martin and Gabe. Now she is trying to fit in with the town. She is pleased when millionaires Hubert and Della Maddox commission her to create an angel statue for their patio. In fact, it was the main event at their annual Spring Fling garden party -- until millionaire Hubert Maddox touches the statue, which had obviously been tampered with, and drops dead in front of everyone! It doesn’t take long for the residents to turn against Fortuna!

The county rules the death accidental but threatens to withdraw her art studio’s certificate of occupancy permit for a very flimsy reason regarding the apartment upstairs. Reporter Pepper Stanford is suspicious that Fortuna is possibly being framed to take the fall for a covered up murder and Fortuna agrees with her as they join forces and begin to investigate the murder. Can they find the real murderer? And why had Hubert Maddox been targeted?

This was a very enjoyable, well-written book. The story line keeps the reader’s interest from the start. The characters are now becoming familiar to the readers and the new ones are well-described. As before, there are so many things happening on in this town and so much for Fortuna still to learn. Grab your copy and enjoy a fun mystery!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,706 reviews66 followers
March 28, 2020
An electrocuted millionaire at a garden party.
One witch under suspicion.
Can Fortuna Delphi clear her name before they shut her art gallery down?
Fortuna Delphi’s starting to feel like a part of Mystic’s End. Sure, she still doesn’t know who she’s related to, the town’s two most eligible bachelors won’t stop dropping by, and the town clergy seems to think she’s the spawn of Satan—but at least millionaires Hubert and Della Maddox adored the angel statue she created for their patio. They even made it’s unveiling the climax of their once a year Spring Fling garden party.
But when the statue zaps millionaire Hubert Maddox lifeless in front of his guests, the town’s rich and powerful turn toward the artisan witch with suspicion.
After the county rules the death accidental and threatens to yank her art studio’s occupancy permit for negligence, Reporter Pepper Stanford believes that Fortuna is being framed to take the fall for a covered up murder—and Fortuna’s not sure that Pepper’s mistaken.
Will Fortuna be able to find out who brought about the electrifying end to Hubert Maddox and why? Or is Fortuna’s new life in Mystic’s End toast?

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,274 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2021
Far from angelic..

.. Hugh Maddox, and his wife Della, commission an angel sculpture from Fortuna to be unveiled at their grand party to honour the passing of Hugh's father. When it's unveiled its not how Fortuna last saw it when it was collected from her studio; instead of being pure white it's been badly painted with silver paint, strung with lights and looks terrible.

As Hugh steps up and rests a hand upon the statue's shoulder it crackles and sparks, he keels over and drops dead into the fountain behind.. and once again Fortuna is as far as the mostly bent police force are prepared to look.

With a search warrant served on her home and business premises its Gideon, her rescued greyhound, who manages to hide the planted evidence from the police and her friends, Penny, Martin, Miss Bessie and a torn Gabe who will stick with her and help reveal the truth.. but who did kill Hugh? One of his many mistresses, like Evangeline, fed up with being just a bit on the side? Della the wife he cheated on constantly? His brother and nephew, who inherited nothing? Or business partner Joe, maybe, who seems to be everywhere at once? Someone did it and time's running out for Fortuna unless they can solve the mystery fast!

Gideon definitely does an exemplary job! Pun intended!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 2 books101 followers
March 14, 2020
Excellent Second Installment

I haven't read this author before I checked out the first book of this series, which I found absolutely delightful. I love quirky paranormal mysteries, and that first book showed me clearly that this author had that down pat. I hoped for a repeat with this book. I was not disappointed. The characters come alive; our main character, Fortuna, seems so real; her character just jumps off the page. She’s a great viewpoint character. I love the humor that is woven in. It's not often that a cozy mystery actually makes me laugh or smile (even if I enjoy its humor), but this one did—even though, of course, there is a dead body! I like that the series not only has individual stories for each book but also overarching themes that span the whole series, like Fortuna’s background and what is going on in her romantic life. If you enjoy well-written paranormal cozy mysteries with more than a touch of humor and quirkiness, you may very well enjoy the series. This book could be read as a stand-alone, though you will most likely enjoy it much more if you've read the first book first.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
1,178 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2020
Delphi is making an angel at a request for a client. Everything is done and she is happy with the end result. Delphi is still wondering about her past but has made no moves to finding out. She has even tried to find out what being the mystic of the town means for her. She is keeping Martin at arms length, he keeps coming around. She put Gabe into the friend zone as well.
The party has finally gotten there, she is surprised what happened to her angel. When the person touches it, he drops dead. Everyone is pointing the finger at her.
Delphi and Pepper will start to work to clear her name. With the help of Martin as well, they start to get answers. Things will get out of control for Delphi, as her and others lives are in danger.

This was an entertaining read, you get lost in the characters. You will Delphi slowly open herself up. I would like to see her with Gabe, to see where that will go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana Lindoff.
1,022 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2020
ANGEL IN DEMISE is another exciting and fun read from Leanne Leeds and book two in Fortuna Delphi's new life. The character and world building makes you feel right at home with these people.

The town of Mystic End is filled with secrets and corruption along with some good law abiding citizens. It just hard sometimes to know whose who. This time the town has turned against Fortuna thinking she has killed one of their leading citizens. It seems up to Fortuna and her friend Pepper to find out who the murderer really is.

I really love this series. Fortuna is a very determined woman and her friend Pepper is just as determined in her own way. 

You'll just need to read this book to find out how all this comes together. There are lessons to be learned regarding trust, lies, secrets, and power hungry desires in this page turning, thoroughly enjoyable Five-Star story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pete.
883 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2020
This is the second book in this series, and it certainly keeps up the momentum built up in the first book. I really like that the characters are starting to develop and become more defined as we learn more about them.
In this story Fortuna finds herself suspected of killing a businessman because of an issue with a sculpture she has created. This leads to her investigating the man's death, and a very twisty tale ensues. Tied in with this is Fortuna being torn in her affections between two men, but does she want a boyfriend at all?
This is becoming an excellent series with a paranormal twist (Fortuna is a witch), and the relationship to the Magical Midway series is expanded on a bit more in this story.
A very enjoyable book, which can be read as a stand-alone, but is more enjoyable if it is read after book 1(Mystic Guests)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,081 reviews33 followers
March 12, 2020
The Mystic in Mystic’s End is faced with a series of challenges

Members of the strange church in that town seem to be big on hypocrisy and bigotry, and not so big on monogamy. Reverend Kane seems an excellent source of gossip and a poor source for pastoral guidance

Fortuna gets a few glimpses into her family tree, and a lot of blame and accusations thrown her way.

Another handful of lethal efforts see the police chief’s daughter doing her best to throw mud and danger her way - and a lot of wrongdoers willing to frame her or throw her over to avoid trouble and prosecution themselves

Romance seems to get both more clear, and more frustrating for Fortuna.

Twisted, humorous and sad adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews40 followers
March 12, 2020
The silver angel gets your heart pumping

Awesome. A great read about a murder of a wealthy businessman who has had a rather chequered and vast love life even though he has been married for years.
The commission of the angel was going to be tight time wise but she'd make it work. However the party where it was unveiled was an entirely different matter. Not only was the angel now silver but it also electrocuted the man next to him. Now she is a prime suspect! A rival for her hand (that keeps feeding her), silver paint, a search warrant and an eviction notice. Can she and Pepper work through the events to see how the man was killed and why?
Great action and visuals as well as a mix of characters that are dysfunctional, quirky and individual. Will she and Gabe get together or does Gabe still have a tendre for Pepper? What about Martin?
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2020
How do you blamed for something that you could not have done? No one has respect for anyone's work. Do you know how much effort goes into creating art? Ooops, sorry soapbox.

Anyway, her work gets altered after leaving her shop. It leads to a death. She gets blamed. Goes on from there.

ROXY STILL OWES GIDEON AN APOLOGY!!!!!!!!

Pepper? Gabe? hmmmm

Is Spike growing up?

What is the mystery with Martin? Does he know? I think he does.

I just wish Miss Bessie would tell her now. if she can slap her out of nowhere, then she can just tell her the truth whether ready or not. The suspense is killing me.

Great fun little cozy mystery. Can be read in a day.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
318 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2020
Everyone's a critic!

Just when things start looking up...Fortuna creates an angel work of art for a client but when the unveiling comes, the angel has been altered. And the owner of the artwork drops dead!! Once again Fortuna finds herself on the hot seat. With a little help from Gideon and Pepper, can she get herself out of trouble and still keep her art studio? Why isn't Fortuna ready to ask Aunt Bessie about her origins? And which guy will win Fortuna's heart? Mystery, snark, and maybe a little romance. This is the second book in the series and I'm already feeling like the characters are old friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
321 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2020
you can never go wrong with a Leanne Leeds book. I am enjoying getting to know Fortuna and though we still don't know what being the "Mystic" means we are getting to know the characters, just as she is getting to know the players.
An unusual order for a plaster of Paris Angel, leads to a party which leads to a death and as the artist, all eyes are on Fortuna and not all favourably!

A great read and a great way to lose a couple of hours. Leanne Leeds writes a great whodunnit!

(You don't have to read the Mystic Way books in order but I think to enhance your enjoyment you should start from book 1)
2,261 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2020
Fortuna is a suspect in a murder. A man is mysteriously electrocuted and Fortuna’s angel statue is to blame. But the silver conductive paint on it was put on after she delivered the statute. Who altered it and why would anyone want to kill Hugh? As Fortuna and her investigative journalist friend Pepper look into the murder they have a long list of suspects. And Martin Salvi is really coming on strong, trying to get her to go on a date. As she spends more time with him he is growing on her. But what about Gabe? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,321 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2020
Electrifying Cozy Mystery with Psychic Undertones
This is the second book in a series that is a spin-off of the author's Magical Midway series. Te book would be ok alone, but the reader would enjoy it more having read book 1. The cozy mystery is pretty neat with a puzzling murder and interesting clues. Our heroine's love life and knowledge about her own heritage become more confusing. This is a fun group of books that I have enjoyed reading. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
1,978 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2020
Mystic Ends is just getting used to Fortuna and her shop is doing well, when she is ordered to make an angel statue to commemorate the father of one of the leading citizens. During the unveiling of the statue the host is killed - seemingly of an electric shock.
Fortuna, protected by one of her would be suitors and unwillingly prosecuted by the other has a hard time to find out what really happened.
Despite the topic fun and entertaining. A wonderful read for a day off.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
775 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2020
Angel in Demise is the wonderful second book in this series. Fortuna has finally settled in and her new business is doing well. That is until the angel statue she was commissioned to make delivers a fatal electric shock. Aided by her delightful friends, the fabulous Gideon and ghost friend Spike, Fortuna sets out to discover the true murderer. I love this delightfully quirky paranormal mystery. It is packed full of great characters and keeps you happily reading from start to finish. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Amy Smith.
50 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2023
I liked this book, but missed Spike. 👻 I need more paranormal.

Also not understanding why Fortuna packed up her whole life and moved to a new town to finally find answers about her family, but refuses to listen when Miss Bessie offers to tell her. I mean, I get it’s a big deal and she’s probably scared to finally learn the truth, but she’s been living there for months already … I’m starting to feel strung along by the author. I don’t need that carrot dangling in front of me to make me read the next book - I already like the series.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,021 reviews30 followers
March 12, 2020
Angel in Demise is the second book in the Mystic's End Mysteries. I am loving this series and this book.

With the combination of wacky characters, the mystery of Fortuna's background, and the serious matter of murder, this story is well written, enjoyable and engaging. This is wonderful for an afternoon of reading and relaxation.

Can't wait for the next one in the series!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
714 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2020
Mystic's End is not a very friendly town.
Moving to a new town can be stressful for sure, but moving to a new town that is full of corruption is something altogether different. Then to be accused of murder...well, that just puts things at a whole other level. Now it's time to prove it was all a set-up. Add to the mix 2 males on a testosterone binge and you have a runaway train to deal with. Great read!
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,635 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2020
Fortuna Has Been Set Up

Someone used her sculpture to kill. She's got to solve the mystery or go down for a crime she did not commit. This mystery was very interesting. Guessing who did it was not too hard. It was figuring out how they did it that was fascinating. And it is getting easier to pick between the two suitors. Suave and sophisticated vs constantly angry and demanding. Hmmmm
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
913 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2020
Fortuna creates an angel statue for Hugh Maddox’s celebration. However, the evening turns horribly wrong and accusations point straight at Fortuna. Suspects and motives kept me guessing, and twists for Fortuna’s personal life were very interesting. I am hooked for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,444 reviews49 followers
March 21, 2020
Angel in Demise by Leanne Leeds is such a wonderful story to read. This is book number two out of five and I can not wait to read the rest of this wonderful series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and cozy mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,415 reviews
April 6, 2020
THIS IS BOOK 2 IN THE MYSTIC’S END MYSTERIES SERIES. THIS IS A REALLY GREAT COZY MYSTERY. THE STORY KEPT ME DRAWN IN AND NOT WANTING TO PUT DOWN. IT’S VERY WELL WRITTEN AND I LOVED FORTUNA AND THE REST OF THE CHARACTERS. IF YOU LOVE COZY MYSTERIES THEN YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,469 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2020
Fortuna is accused of a murder, yet again. Mystic End is a strange town when it comes to: investigating murder, like the police are corrupt and stupid. Pepper and her paranoia are starting to make sense. Things with Gabe and Marin are still strange.
I love all this drama!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
727 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2020
The 1st book was cute, this one was annoying. Although, I believe she is younger, the main character comes across like 50 yr old shrew with a stick up her ass! Pepper is annoying as hell. Martin is pushy and controlling. The characters of this book are just not likable. I won't bother to read the remaining books in the series. So disappointing.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
364 reviews
March 25, 2021
Murder again.....but guess who did it?

Great second story about Fortuna and her trying NOT to use her witchy powers. Another murder which she becomes the one the villagers think did it. So she and Pepper have to investigate.
Great characters both good and bad. Looking forward to Book 3!
Profile Image for Jennifer Laird-Lord.
351 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2020
I like this series so far, its got fun and serious in it. I like all the characters and the story. I recommend reading this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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