A seaside inn, a witch in hiding, and a murder that won’t stay buried

After losing everything in a divorce, a woman retreats to a crumbling Devon inn—only to discover her new start comes with ghosts, spells, and one very inconvenient corpse.

Amanda “Alfhild” Tulle can’t decide which is worse: her cheating ex, her burned-out career, or the ramshackle inn she’s just inherited from an eccentric aunt. The Devon coastline might be gorgeous, but her new home—the Wonky Inn—leans like its name, creaks in all the wrong places, and comes with a curious set of rules left behind by its previous owner.Determined to make the best of it, Alf sets about cleaning up the property, only to find that the locals are whispering about magic—and about her. When she discovers a dead body where her breakfast room should be, the whispers turn to suspicion, and the police aren’t her biggest problem. The inn’s odd energy, strange guests, and uninvited spirits suggest that “wonky” might be literal—and that Alf’s own forgotten heritage could be the key to solving the mystery.Between repairing the plumbing, appeasing the locals, and untangling the truth about her aunt’s death, Alf finds herself at the center of a centuries-old conflict between good and evil. And if she can’t get the Wonky Inn’s ghosts and secrets in order soon, her fresh start could be her final check-in.

Cozy Like a Fox

Jeannie Wycherley balances whimsy and danger with an unmistakably British charm. Her Devon setting feels lived-in—misty mornings, uneven floors, and gossip steeped as strong as the tea. Alf’s voice is brisk, modern, and relatable, the perfect guide to a world where witchcraft is as ordinary as a seaside cream tea. The mystery unfolds with the rhythm of a traditional cozy, but Wycherley’s humor and heart keep it delightfully offbeat. The result: a debut that’s quirky, comforting, and sneakily spellbinding.

Highlights

  • It’s a witchy twist on the classic “fresh start” cozy—equal parts renovation story, magical mystery, and second-chance tale.
  • Alf’s humor and grit make her an unforgettable narrator who keeps calm (mostly) and carries on, broom or no broom.
  • The Devon setting hums with atmosphere, from sea spray and stone cottages to midnight lights in the fog.

Comfort & Content Notes

  • Gore/Violence: Minimal; one on-page death, light tension.
  • Romance/Heat: Mild flirtation; closed-door.
  • Language: Mild Britishisms; nothing stronger than a scone pun.
  • Paranormal Elements: Witchcraft, magical realism, friendly ghosts.

About the Author

Jeannie Wycherley is a British author whose cozy mysteries, witchy tales, and seaside settings have earned her an international following. She blends humor, folklore, and a love of small-town eccentrics into stories that feel timeless and distinctly modern.

Before writing full time, Wycherley worked in academia and creative arts administration—careers that honed her knack for character observation and sharp dialogue. Her books often feature strong women rebuilding their lives, supported by unexpected friends and a touch of otherworldly help. You can find her online at jeanniewycherley.co.uk.

Book Details

  • Title: The Wonky Inn
  • Series: The Wonky Inn Mysteries (Book 1)
  • Author: Jeannie Wycherley
  • Publisher: Bark at the Moon Books
  • Publication Date: October 24, 2017
  • Length: ~260 pages
  • Formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook

Purchase Links

Cielle Kenner