Review: An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder by D.S. Dalloway
I must admit that when I first stumbled upon An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder by D.S. Dalloway, I was drawn in by its charm—all thanks to that adorable mauve comic cover. Little did I know that behind that inviting façade lay a thrilling rollercoaster of dark humor, supernatural chaos, and unexpected gore. Having recently dipped my toes into the world of BookTube, I was beyond excited to dive into this ARC I received from Alcove Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spoiler: I was utterly enchanted!
At its heart, this story spins a spellbinding tale of Mateo, a broke witch tangled up with a demon who desperately needs exorcising. What intrigued me right from the get-go was the novel’s unique setting—a rare portrayal of queer demon stories. Dalloway introduces us to a vibrant cast, including Mateo’s best friend Ophelia, an astral projecting Traveller who brings her own flair to the chaotic escapades. Together, they stumble into the life of Topher, a wealthy boy cursed in ways that lead to deadly consequences. Honestly, if you’re hunting for a thrilling blend of horror and humor, look no further!
The pacing of the story often kept me on the edge of my seat, combining rapid-fire banter with moments of unexpected heaviness. I felt connected to these characters, not just because of their magical misadventures, but thanks to the beautifully crafted found-family trope. The relationship dynamics felt refreshingly real—like watching three emotionally stunted teenagers navigating their chaotic life decisions, you can’t help but chuckle while shaking your head in disbelief. I found myself rooting for them even as they made morally questionable choices! It was akin to witnessing a toddler caught with chocolate smeared all over their face confidently insisting they hadn’t eaten any. That complex mix of exasperation and affection made my reading experience all the more enjoyable.
Among the standout characters, Topher was a sunbeam of charm despite his vulnerability, and let’s not forget Quincy—their unsung hero managing to keep three chaotic teens from falling apart. Seriously, Quincy deserves a medal for his poker face amidst the madness! Through the trio’s misadventures, Dalloway adeptly captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the grit required to survive life’s darker moments.
I’d be remiss not to highlight the twisted humor and graphic details that caught me off guard. While I expected a fun, fluffy narrative, the thrilling gore added a fascinating layer of depth that surprised and delighted me. When Mateo’s inner demon grows hungrier with every spell, you realize this story has some serious bite—literally!
In conclusion, An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder is a wild ride that delivers more than I initially anticipated. It will appeal to readers who enjoy quirky characters, supernatural escapades, and a good mix of dark humor and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of found-family stories with a side of chaos and charm, this book could very well be your next favorite read. For me, it was a total page-turner that left me hungry for more. Plus, I’m desperately hoping Dalloway decides to continue the story! If you’re looking for something unique in the realm of queer horror, this one’s a must-add to your TBR.
Happy Reading! 🌈🔮
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