Written in Stone

Book Description: When Munin Cooper, known as the Witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that it is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia’s instincts tell her that something—or someone—more sinister than a mystical force is at play…

Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin’s untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer—but she’s got to figure out what they mean.

With handsome Police Chief Rawlings by her side, Olivia starts to identify some of the jug’s mysterious contents—and finds its secrets are much darker than she suspected. Now Olivia must enlist the help of the Bayside Book Writers to solve the puzzle behind the piece of pottery and put an end to a vengeful killer before any more damage can be done…

My Review: It's impossible to overstate the uniqueness of Ellery Adams' Books by the Bay Mystery series. From the first book each story contained two mysteries: the murder mystery and the mystery of Olivia Limoges and her family history. This third book in the series contains some shocking revelations about Olivia's sad past that completely stunned me. If it weren't for the except from book #4 I would fear this was the end of the series, as it seems as though Olivia is finally at peace, madly in love, and ready to move forward with her life. She is a complex, one of a kind character who stays with you long after you've finished reading her story.

The murder mystery, as always, is an intricate puzzle involving a memory jug, the Lumbee Indian tribe, and the KKK. The seaside setting is perfect for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival and a Lumbee tribal powwow, both of which are central to the plot. The scenes at Munin's swamp home are haunting; we know that with her death the land will be abandoned and returned to the earth.

I don't say it very often but this is a series best read in order. It is the only way to truly appreciate the depth and growth of the characters, their history, and their evolving relationships. This is a beautiful, compelling story that any lover of great fiction will enjoy, as it is so much more than a mystery novel.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher with the request for a review.

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