Secondhand Spirits

A witch named Lily Ivory moves to San Francisco and opens a vintage clothing store in hopes of settling down, living a normal life, and keeping her supernatural abilities hidden. But when a child is captured by a vengeful spirit and an old woman murdered under mysterious circumstances, Lily has to use her wits, magical powers, and the help of her new friends to solve the case, prevent more deaths (including her own), and banish the evil spirit. Xe Sands provides engaging narration, deftly rendering the likable Lily and easily capturing her charming Texas twang. Sands creates distinctive voices for the other characters as well, including an elderly murder victim and an entertaining gargoyle-like familiar. The novel’s pacing translates well to audio, with scenes alternating between Lily’s day-to-day life at the vintage clothing store, the suspenseful supernatural mystery, and a budding romance. A Signet paperback. (Mar.)