Reviewed by Ami
Title: Roots of Evil
Author: K.C. Wells
Series: Merrychurch Mysteries #2
Heroes: Jonathon de Mountford/Mike Tattersall
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 210 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Many consider Naomi Teedle the village witch. Most people avoid her except when they have need of her herbs and potions. She lives alone on the outskirts of Merrychurch, and that’s fine by everyone—old Mrs. Teedle is not the most pleasant of people. But when she is found murdered, her mouth bulging with her own herbs and roots, suddenly no one has a bad word to say about her. Jonathon de Mountford is adjusting to life up at the manor house, but it’s not a solitary life: pub landlord Mike Tattersall sees to that. Jonathon is both horrified to learn of the recent murder and confused by the sudden reversal of public opinion. Surely someone in the village had reason to want her dead? He and Mike decide it’s time for them to step in and “help” the local police with their investigation. Only problem is, their sleuthing uncovers more than one suspect—and the list is getting longer…
Review: Not only is Jonathon de Mountford settling in as Lord of the Manor in the small English town of Merrychurch, he’s also enjoying the new relationship with pub landlord Mike Tattersall. Unfortunately, his peaceful life is disrupted when one of his tenants, Mrs. Teedle, dubbed “old town witch” by some people, is found murdered in her home. Jonathon and Mike decide to do their own amateur sleuthing – and the list of suspects is relatively long, from the local chemist to the Mayor himself!
I love murder mysteries set in a small village – thanks to the experience of reading Mrs. Maple as kids. I enjoyed the first book, and was very happy when I found out that Wells continued the series. I liked both Jonathon and Mike – and the fact that this has low steam, meaning the story and the sleuthing is not bogged down by numerous gratuitous sex scenes.
ANYWAY, the murder mystery first! There were definitely A LOT of secrets revealed about the old-town witch. I loved that both Jonathon and Mike did their sleuthing, used their own network of friends, but still respected the village’s cop. Jonathon and Mike didn’t try to chase glory, they didn’t mind sharing what they knew, even if they kept some information to themselves at first because they wanted to explore further. AND they DID solve the crime!!
In terms of the romance, well, like I said previously, it was low steam. I may not be convinced with the quick timeline of them declaring that they were in love. But hell, that’s my problem not the characters.
I was a little worried about the ending. No, not because Jonathan and Mike were heading to Splitsville… but Jonathon was planning something to avoid his father’s demand to provide the next line of de Mountford family, and well, I wasn’t really happy with the way that is headed.
I guess I have to read the next book (if it’s continued) to see how it goes.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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