Another great book by Shawn McGuire. I love series because you get to dive right into the story, already knowing a lot of background, instead of reading 20-30% of the book before the story really gets started. Reading Shawn's series are like visiting an old friend again.
In the Blackwood Grove's second book, Dusty starts to settle into her life again, seeming to feel more at home even though the town people still seem to blame her for everything. There seems to be more haters and even some possible threats against all the witches. Another death and again, Dusty is blamed. With all fingers pointing at her about recent events and those from her past, Dusty finds an unexpected person sticking up for her. This surprise seems to give Dusty a chance to move towards forgiving herself but also brings up more questions about the events that lead to her leaving town.
If you enjoyed the first book, the second will not disappoint and will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend this series from one of my favorite authors.

This new series by Shawn is very captivating. I wasn't able to put it down. Her details make you feel that you are in the book and in the story. I love the characters and the way she lets their personalities come out and grow. It's like learning about new friends. I can't wait for the next part of this series (and any other books that come out in the future). Thanks for giving me another place to escape to, Shawn!

I love this series so much. I will read at least a half a book in a single day. Whispering Pines intrigues me and I just want to keep reading and even visit a place like this. I can't wait to continue reading this.

Loved this book. I was hooked from the first chapter.

Love this book, I’m over 1/2 way done. I like the characters & the story is keeping me entertained & guessing. Definitely worth the read

This new series is going to be my next book addiction. I am a huge fan of all things Shawn McGuire and once again, she has hit a home run.
As sad as I was to not be revisiting the Village of Whispering Pines, I am happy to now be just as invested in The Blackwood Grove. As with all first books in a series, it takes a little while to establish all things, from the home and town to the characters and a little bit of back story. By the end of the book, you feel as if you know this world and can't wait to find out even more. I definitely finished the last page screaming impatiently that I want the next book NOW.
Dusty is all grown up and returns to her hometown that she hasn't been to since she graduated high school. She comes back to keep her granddaughter safe. Pretty much from the moment she gets there, she is thrust into a murder that her cousin is accused of, the cold shoulder of family, and a house that is also very bitter about her being away for so long. As Dusty tries to clear her cousin's name in order to make good with her family, the truth and feelings about why Dusty left all those years ago and what has happened since then comes to light. Even though she has been away for more than thirty years, something just doesn't feel right about the town, and it isn't just that things have changed over time. The characters have funny and quirky personalities and granddaughter Cricket is just the cutest lil' bug.
If you have read any of Shawn's series, you will love this new one. This series has a "Practical Magic" type feel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Shawn McGuire, great characters, mystery, and magic.

As usual in Shawn‘s books, the characters are well-developed and compassionate. They have a real life issues connected to their mystical life the realities of relationships, including feelings of abandonment really struck Home. the drama of some underlying event that was about to occurs throughout the book as I waited to see what next. There were surprises in some of the characters, but it was wonderful to watch them develop and to see the sides of them that weren’t initially there. I can hardly wait to read the next book because I’m already invested in the story and in the characters. Well done.

I love these books! I only have 2 more of the series to go!!!

I’m only going to write one review… Because I really hate writing reviews… But I love these books all 13 of them… I wish that maybe you would write about some more stories maybe from Morgan Point of view… I feel like these are people I actually know… Keep writing the stories about whispering Pines. I got Reva‘s books coming to me.

Loved this book! The twists and turns had me hooked from the first pages! I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the second book.

I’m curled up in bed on a cool rainy night with this gem. I’m loving “Family Secrets”! It’s the perfect hometown mystery crossed with witchy mystique and a possible (I’m not finished reading it yet) romance to boot. I’m definitely ordering the next one. I highly recommend this one!

Can't put the book down. I love it

Great story
Kept my interest
Liked it so much ordered next book!

This is the final book of the series, so we must say goodbye to Gemi and all her antics. The story ends nicely with no cliffhangers. However, there are twists and turns all throughout the book. Well worth the read! I will miss Gemi and all the other characters in this series. This book (all 3 books in the series, actually) left me hooked and unable to put them down. You never know what trouble Gemi is going to get herself into next.

Over Her Head by Shawn McGuire delivers a gripping, fast-paced ride packed with mystery, danger, and heart. Although it’s the final book in the Gemi Kittredge trilogy, it stands strong on its own—thanks to the author’s skillful storytelling and character development.

Gemi is an unforgettable heroine: a fierce MMA fighter, a compassionate advocate running a women’s shelter in Hawai’i, and a determined investigator unafraid to dive into the darkest corners to uncover the truth. When women start disappearing—including one from her own shelter—Gemi is pulled into a high-stakes mystery involving the Yakuza, daring rescues, and personal stakes that run deep.

The plot moves at a relentless pace, with twists that keep you turning pages and just enough emotional depth to make the characters truly resonate. Whether you're new to the series or a returning fan, this book will keep you hooked.

Highly recommended for fans of action-packed mysteries with a strong, smart female lead.