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The Fifth Petal
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
Beloved author Brunonia Barry returns to the world of THE LACE READER with this spellbinding new thriller, a complex brew of suspense, seduction and murder. When a teenage boy dies suspiciously on Halloween night, Salem's chief of police, John Rafferty, now married to gifted lace reader Towner Whitney, wonders if there is a connection between his death and Salems most notorious cold case, a triple homicide dubbed "The Goddess Murders," in which three young women, all descended from accused Salem witches, were slashed on Halloween night in 1989. He finds unexpected help in Callie Cahill, the daughter of one of the victims newly returned to town. Neither believes that the main suspect, Rose Whelan, respected local historian, is guilty of murder or witchcraft. But exonerating Rose might mean crossing paths with a dangerous force. Were the women victims of an all-too-human vengeance, or was the devil raised in Salem that night? And if they cannot discover what truly happened, will evil rise again? From the Hardcover edition.
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Hooked_on_books
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

The execution of Salem “witches,” a more recent historic murder, a likely mentally ill semi-homeless woman, and a young woman who was orphaned see their stories weave together in a modern portrait of a community and a murder mystery. It‘s a bit slow and has just one too many new age elements for my usual taste, but overall I enjoyed it. A soft pick for me.

BookishMarginalia What is that gorgeous miniature bookstore? 😍😍😍 3y
Hooked_on_books @BookishMarginalia It‘s a model kit I put together. I love it! You can find it on Amazon, if you‘re interested. 3y
BookishMarginalia 👍🏼 3y
54 likes3 comments
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Rosewinter
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I liked this book. It links modern day, late 80s, and 1600s. The murder plot spanning the whole time period, in one form or another, is what kept the book moving. The primary setting is Salem, Mass. The main character is a young woman who witnessed a murder when she was a child. Her character was good but the sheriff is the character that held the book together.

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Bookgirl
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I wasn‘t sure if I wanted to rate this a pick or so-so, but ultimately I liked reading this despite its problems. Set in Salem, the death of a teenager sets off a modern day witch hunt and brings an unsolved murder case from the 80s to the current police chiefs attention. Interesting history and folklore, fun witchy plot points, complex mystery, likable characters. Problems: slow pace, seriously meandering plot, and some loose ends. #klaus #puzzle

Tamra I swear they have box radar. 4y
rabbitprincess ??? I love your cat! « What? This is my spot! » 4y
Bookgirl @Tamra yes, or anything else you put down! @rabbitprincess he‘s definitely the type of cat who is always in your business! 4y
60 likes3 comments
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TracyReadsBooks
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so

I‘ve had this ARC since BEA 2016. It‘s a murder mystery set in Salem Massachusetts and overall it‘s ok, I guess?!? The author weaves together narratives about the Salem witch trials, a 25 year old murder and the present day when there is more murder and mayhem. Throw in a romance and you have the makings of an intriguing, albeit wordy, tale that ultimately wasn‘t as gripping or unpredictable as I would have like. Another good but not great read.

Literary_Siren Have you read The Lace Reader? I‘m pretty sure that‘s the first book. 5y
16 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BritanyA
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️: started off strong and then slogged through the middle until the ending picked up again. Right down the middle.

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LibraryCin
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick


I quite enjoyed this. It definitely started with a “bang”, as Halloween 1989 was the opening of the book. It actually went off in a bunch of directions as the story went on, as the book seemed to show the characters living their lives while any investigations were going on, etc. So, there was much more to the story than the murders and the investigation. Cont in comments...

LibraryCin There were character relationships, people fighting illness and people trying to help heal, etc. Have to admit, though, the best parts of the story, for me, was the murders and the solving of them. The other parts were, admittedly, a bit slower. The end included a bibliography (on multiple topics touched on in the book) that I will pick a few books off of to add to my tbr. 5y
7 likes1 comment
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MrsBibliophile
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so

I wasn't quite sure about this book in the beginning. Honestly, I thought there would be more magic than there was. It refers to several witches, the salem witch trials, spells etc. But there isn't any actual magic in it.

I'm not a believer in magic, so it turned out well. I enjoyed the plot very much, as well as the characters.

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JenaJenkins
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so

There were aspects of this book that I quite liked — the Salem setting, all the stuff about sound healing and music therapy, a puzzling murder mystery, hidden caves, talking trees...

But for me the pace was a bit too slow and meandering. And I still can‘t decide whether some of the plot twists were clever or just confusing. I‘m glad I stuck with it... and glad to be moving on.

#mystery #salemwitchtrials

VanChocStrawberry That last sentence is how I feel about so many books lately. 6y
7 likes1 comment
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JenaJenkins
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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I‘m determined to step on the gas with my current read so that I can dig into this pile! #TBR

The Fifth Petal has gotten more interesting in the final third to where I don‘t want to abandon it. Still, I feel like it‘s slowing me down...

VanChocStrawberry <3 A.J. Fikry! Also I\u2019ve heard that Nora Roberts one is good! 6y
5 likes1 comment
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Brinx
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I liked it. I‘ve read through other similar series and this filled the void.

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JenaJenkins
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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1. It‘s a muder mystery set in modern day Salem, Mass. A local disturbed woman is the prime suspect in the strange death of a local teen. The details of this mystery have parallels to an unsolved murder from the 1980s, and it‘s all tied up with the Salem Witch Trials history.

2. Milky Way

3. Gen X

4. Milton Bradley - The Game of Life

5. Headshot photo session for a realtor friend & playdate for the kids.

#HumpDayPost

4 likes1 stack add1 comment
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DeborahSmall
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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#bookmail another recommendation from @ScorpioBookDreams ❤️📚

Cathythoughts Lovely cover ❤️ 6y
ScorpioBookDreams Looks gorgeous 😍😍 6y
81 likes2 comments
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Kati15
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I really love and enjoy this witchy book, it was a bit slow at the beginning. But it started to get real good a few chapters in.

Full Review On Kati's Bookaholic Rambling Reviews:
http://katisbookaholicramblingreviews.blogspot.com/2017/12/review-fifth-petal-by...

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athorne
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so
CatGirl3 👍🏼👍🏼 6y
71 likes1 comment
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athorne
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Our oven, heater, and fire place are all broken so I‘m chilling with a book and hot alterna-toddy of my own design.

RebelReader I hope it's not too cold where you are! How are you liking the fifth petal? 6y
athorne @RebelReader It‘s slow. Does have some good lore though! Also I‘m cold natured. Especially with all the arthritis. 6y
minkyb Stay warm. 6y
[DELETED] 206653737 Oh gosh, hope you get things fixed soon. Stay warm! 6y
103 likes1 stack add4 comments
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athorne
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Guys. I‘m doing that thing where I look at pretty words on pages! Anyway. My review on this is due the 27th. As it was giving to me by the publisher, I have 90 days. Let‘s do this.

JSW I liked it! Hope you do too! Go go go! 6y
ElishaLovesBooks It looks good! Happy reading! 6y
97 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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MrBook
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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#TBRtemptation post 3! When a teenage boy dies mysteriously Halloween night, Salem police chief John Rafferty wonders if there's a connection with the notorious "The Goddess Murders" cold case--3 women descended from accused witches were slashed Halloween night 1989. Local historian Rose Whelan is the main suspect. What kind of evil is at play? #blameLitsy #blameMrBook ?

JSW This was a good one. 👍🏼 6y
68 likes6 stack adds1 comment
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Booksnchill
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I can like a magical realism book if it is well written and this- although quite long at 436 pages- is very well written. She takes time with characterization and the plot moves along well. I really enjoyed this book recommended by #bookriot. This mystery is set in Salem and goes into history of witches as well as folklore. I believe this is the author‘s third book so I will look at her backlist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #dogsoflitsy Whiskey chillin‘ this am!

TricksyTails 😍🐶😍🐶😍🐶😍🐶😍 Whiskey making my heart burst over here!! 6y
Booksnchill @TricksyTails try this book if you like magical realism- better than Jackaby (very different of course but you know what I mean!) 6y
TricksyTails Sounds good! Added to the TBR! 😆 6y
71 likes1 stack add3 comments
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ReadingOver50
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

A good murder mystery with side of witchcraft. Investigating a cold case where all the murder victims are descendants of executed witches. Loved the look at modern day Salem. The mystery kept me guessing.

tammysue Pretty cover 6y
Literary_Siren I‘m so looking forward to reading this! This book and The Lace Reader on my TBR list. 6y
johnnie_cakes I really enjoyed this one too. I think it‘s her best. 6y
Nuwanda Sounds interesting! 6y
122 likes9 stack adds5 comments
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DGRachel
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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These are the only books I own with a variation of #five in the title. Both are #TBR. #novemberbythenumbers

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Emiller
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Powerful and sad statement 😢

GirlMeetsBook YES. this is why I hate statements that begin with "you people" or a similar sentiment. 6y
47 likes2 comments
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DGRachel
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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From my #TBR, I bought this purely for its #beautiful cover. #YESvember17

Debiw781 That cover is gorgeous! 6y
SilversReviews I started this book, but it was too scary for me. :) 6y
81 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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JSW
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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I‘ve gotten lost in this book, and let me explain why that‘s important and magical to me. For the longest time I‘ve been reading to escape, to skim along and try to ignore my anxiety and deep unhappiness in a toxic workspace. I‘ve been sad that my immersive reading, something that‘s always been so special to me, seemed gone. But after only a week in my new job, I‘m back to losing time in a story. In this book. And I‘m so happy. 🙌🏼

celtichik Glad you got your mojo back! Happy reading! 6y
Nebklvr Yeah!!! 6y
Zelma Excellent change. Yay! 👏👏👏 6y
See All 7 Comments
DarcysMom Yay! Congratulations on a better job situation and getting the reading magic back. 6y
JSW You all get me. I ❤️ Litsy. 6y
Bklover So glad things are falling into place for you!! 6y
23 likes7 comments
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ReadingOver50
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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This was a surprise bookmail. I forgot that it was coming 😄 A mystery with supernatural elements sounds like what I need right now.

minkyb Fun! 6y
129 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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athorne
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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#bookmail #reviewcopy We need a sticker for this.

98 likes4 stack adds
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MPL
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Happy Read an eBook Day! What eBook are you currently reading? #eBookLove

celtichik See what I have done 7y
MPL @celtichik Just started reading this! 7y
12 likes2 comments
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Equinm
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mehso-so

The follow up to _The Lace Reader_ and it was just 'meh' for me. It was another murder mystery with supernatural elements thrown in - but the end result was underwhelming.

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DGRachel
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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#howyouread - plenty of apps and a cozy pillow for reading in bed. #riotgrams

Also, I totally bought this book for its #amazingcover. 😍#readingwomenmonth

Joanne1 I need a pillow like that! 7y
DGRachel @Joanne1 I'm pretty sure I got it at Target.com, but you can probably find something similar on Amazon, too. 7y
Debiw781 I have this one on my kindle to read 7y
89 likes3 comments
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HardcoverHearts
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Oh, a witch story set in modern day Salem? Don't mind if I do! Thanks again, public library and Overdrive.

32 likes1 stack add
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Hooked_on_books
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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So, apparently I won a signed first edition of the Barry book from Reading Group Choices! Very cool--a big thanks to them. The other book is the completion of my Eden Robinson book binge. This one has an essay about rather than by her. I'm excited to learn about other Canadian writers as well!

RealBooks4ever Congrats! 🎉😄 7y
69 likes1 comment
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Iowalibrarychick
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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#BLUEDABADE. Just finished this one and loved it!!!

Liberty Please edit the hashtag so it will show up in the drawing: it's #BLUEDABADE. 😊 7y
Iowalibrarychick Oops! All fixed! 7y
8 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Iowalibrarychick
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I am a sucker for a good witch story, and this one definitely is a winner! Salem history, witches, and a murder mystery make for a fun page turner!

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Iowalibrarychick
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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I want to go to Salem.

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Jenni_Capps
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Bailedbailed

I tried to push through reading this one but I just can't make it... the basis of this book sounds amazing but it drags so bad for me. I really wanted to get hooked by it 😔

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LibrarianRyan
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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55 likes2 stack adds
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DGRachel
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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I should not be allowed near a bookstore when I'm having a bad day. This happens. I didn't even have a coupon. Thank goodness for my B&N membership card.

Hooked_on_books Books make every bad day better! 7y
Megabooks Definitely! 7y
dsfisher Yikes, more bookcases 7y
DGRachel @dsfisher Yes, Momma. We need more bookcases!!! 😂😱 7y
68 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Jenni_Capps
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Y'all this book is dragging.... there is way too much extra stuff in this that is not needed... I feel like if they cut half of that out then I wouldn't be able to put it down but I can't.... hoping it gets better or I'm bailing.

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MMFinck
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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A Q&A with Salem author Brunonia Barry for booksbywomen.org. We talked witches, banshees, and more. Enjoy! :) http://booksbywomen.org/qa-with-brunonia-barry-by-mm-finck/

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Jenni_Capps
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Suspense, seduction and Salem Witchs?!?! Where do I sign my name?!

coffeenebula Nice photo! Looks very relaxing 😎 7y
66 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Emily.caho
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
Pickpick

I liked the story, was slightly surprised at the ending (but not shocked). I think the character development could have been deeper but a solid read

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Nking5025
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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This is totally litsys fault!!!!!! Oh and @MrBook

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Lauren.Archer
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I really liked this story much better than The Lace Reader. Pretty good mystery, kept me guessing which is good. Love the setting of Salem, and the history of the Salem witches.

Beckys_Books What app is this? It's so cute! 7y
Lauren.Archer @Beckys_Books the app is call Bookout 7y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Ooo! Looks like a fun app! 7y
99 likes5 stack adds3 comments
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LindaGrace812
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry

Loved if! I had never read The Lace Reader so I read that first (thank you, Litsy!), then immediately read The Fifth Petal. I hope it isn't ten years before Ms. Barry writes a third novel featuring the denizens of Salem, Mass.!

9 likes1 stack add
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Lauren.Archer
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Just finished The Lace Reader and moving on to next one. Love stories set in in New England that has mentions of witches.

Ubookquitous I just won a publisher giveaway for this and like you will read both back to back. I'm looking forward to it. 7y
Bette Enjoy! 👍❤😊 7y
106 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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MMFinck
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
Pickpick

Great!! I love witchy books but they are easy to do badly. Barry is one of the best. Impeccable detail and research.

CherylDeFranceschi I love witchy books, too! 7y
9 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Garyrej
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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So far I'm enjoying it!

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CGeorge
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

I enjoy Brunonia Barry's books and this was no exception. A new story with familiar characters and a mystery that drew me right in.

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JacintaMCarter
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

#2017Book38
This novel started out super creepy, so that's what I was expecting for the whole book. Instead, it turned into a fast-paced suspense novel, drawing on the legends surrounding the Salem Witch Trials to add depth to the story. All the characters are complex, from the protagonist all the way down to minor people from town and those shown only in brief flashbacks. Every scene is carefully placed to progress the story at the perfect pace.

48 likes2 stack adds
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Rachbb3
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Mommamanzi Cinder is one of my all time fav. books! 7y
Rachbb3 @Mommamanzi A good friend of mine told me I had to read it and as much as I read she was surprised I hadn't yet. So now it's on the list! 7y
6 likes1 stack add2 comments
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DebinHawaii
The Fifth Petal: A Novel | Brunonia Barry
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Pickpick

It's had mixed feedback & it does bog down in places but I ended up quite enjoying The Fifth Petal. I liked the mysteries set in 1989 & 2014 & ties to the Salem MA Witch trials-the history & the characters. Lush & slightly spooky like its cover. Paired w/ herbal tisane of lemongrass, blood orange, rose water & other bewitching ingredients on my blog book tour review + a giveaway for a copy of the book if you want to try for yourself. Post link👇🏼

lynneamch Pretty 📷! 7y
SaraFair Great pic! 7y
ejgraves Look forward to reading this one! 7y
Hobbinol Such a wonderful photo!📷📸 7y
99 likes1 stack add5 comments