Description (from cover):
"Practical psychologist Liz Cooper and occult professor Nick Garfield may make something of an odd couple. But things get even more odd when they attempt to solve a mystery while sidetracking a hex from a Santeria witch.
Liz and Nick are enjoying the sixtieth wedding anniversary celebration for their charming hosts, Paco and Lucia Rojas, devout Santeria practitioners who own the historic Botanica Rojas near MacArthur Park. But the small group of friends is left horrified and confused when the evening ends in tragedy.
Devastated by loss, Lucia, a Santeria priestess, blames the locals for the escalating crime in her beloved community. She casts a vengeful hex on the neighborhood, leading strangers and friends alike to dub her bruja--Spanish for witch--and turn on the elderly woman. Lucia may be in harm's way, and it's up to Liz and Nick to unravel a mysterious disappearance and solve a murder before more lives are lost..."
My thoughts:
This is the second in the Mind For Murder mystery series which made its debut with Who Do, Voodoo?. I loved the first one and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I will say that the first one was a little better than this one. It had more twists and turns than its successor, but this was a good book nonetheless. The characters' relationship has grown more and some time has passed and we get to see further along into their relationship. The main characters, Liz and Nick, are fabulous. I love them and can't wait to see where Staab will lead them with their relationship and with more mysteries of course.
The thing that I really love about this series is that you learn more about different religions, which cater to the occult. This book features Santeria, a Spanish religion which has its origins in Catholicism. Staab really has done her research and makes learning about different cultures and religions extremely interesting. I seem to sense that the theme of this series will feature a different religion or following in each book, which is perfectly fine with me. I find it educational yet fun at the same time. This will be a series that I will stick with because the characters have really drawn me in and the mysteries are good. This one could have featured more "suspects" and a little more reality in solving the crime, but still a good cozy read.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Title: Bruja Brouhaha
Author: Rochelle Staab
Series: Mind For Murder Mystery #2
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Disclaimer: This book was selected from the library by myself and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.