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Witchwood by Willa Blackmore Narrator: Sarah Sampino
Series: The Carolina Files #1
Published by Tantor Audio on October 14, 2025
Genres: Magic, Mystery, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Witches
Length: 7 hours and 38 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Chirp
Goodreads
My family, the Whitlows, are basically the supernatural Corleones of the Carolinas. We run a magical safe house disguised as a quaint inn, backed by more old money than sense. My sisters are more likely to start an apocalypse than prevent one—Alafair's never met a margarita she didn't like, and if Emmery had to choose between her spellbook and her heels, I'm pretty sure the stiletto sling-backs would win.
So who gets stuck with the messes? That would be me, Tula Whitlow, because I'm competent enough to be useful and way too lazy to argue.
I'm not the most powerful witch in town (that'd be my aunt Ruby, who treats dark magic like a contact sport), but I'm the only one who bothers to show up.
Now there's an FBI agent on my doorstep with a case that's way above my pay grade. His sister's life is on the line, and all signs point to an upscale vineyard with some dark secrets. Ancient curses, old gods, and the kind of magic that makes even my aunt Ruby nervous. I'm going to have to wrangle my family into helping.
Look, I know what you're thinking—why not call in the magical equivalent of SWAT? Trust me, in this town, my family IS the nuclear option. Heaven help us all.
©2021 Willa Blackmore (P)2021 Tantor Media
Witchwood is book one in The Carolina Files series by Willa Blackmore and narrated by Sarah Sampino. It’s a cozy urban fantasy filled with mystery and humor.
We meet Tula Whitlow and her sisters, Alafair and Emmery. Her sisters aren’t embracing their supernatural side. However, Tula is a witch who often helps law enforcement when paranormals are involved.
The story unfolds pleasantly with ancient curses, old gods and dark magic. It’s a well crafted mystery, fraught with danger, a worthy villain and a dark god.
The author flushes out her characters well. I enjoyed Tula and her Great Aunt. Tula is in the dark about a lot of her powers and we see her stretch her wings and grow. The story is lightened up a bit with a vampire who is helpful and who Tula denies being attracted to. We also get angry plants, kidnappings and double crosses.
Witchwood was entertaining. I was surprised at the double cross; because I didn’t see it coming. The story wraps up nicely and we do get hints that more trouble is on the horizon. I’m looking forward to listening on in the series.
Audio: Sarah Sampino did a splendid job with her narration. Both her male and female voices are crisp, clear, and fit the characters. She captured the snark, suspense, and chemistry. I enjoyed the audiobook.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
About Sarah Sampino
Sarah Sampino is an actor from Long (LAWWng) Island – but you only hear her accent after she’s had a few drinks. She is continuously surprised by the support of her business-oriented parents, who swear that she sang “Part of Your World” before she could talk. Apparently that can’t go on a resume.
Sarah earned her B.F.A in Drama from New York University, and her BF from England – She highly recommends studying abroad. She learned to sword fight at RADA, which is brought up at any opportunity, because it’s really, really cool. She also trained at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and Stonestreet Studios.
Life as an actress has provided Sarah with invaluable knowledge and self discovery. For example, she now knows how difficult it is to ride a horse sidesaddle in Amish skirts. On the occasion that Sarah is not being actor-y, she can be found procrastinating everything by burying her face into a fantasy novel.
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It has a pretty cover, only 3.5 stars though? You did say you enjoyed it though, so I might have to check it out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/12/09/review-love-letters-for-other-people-by-shaylin-gandhi/
I did enjoy and plan to listen on. It’s just not one I’ll revisit so it went into the half point ^_^. Thanks for visiting. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for putting this one on my radar, Angela! I like a paranormal mystery.
You are welcome. I’m looking forward to listening to the next novel.
THis sounds like a good start to a promising series. I do enjoy cozies.
I’m finding I like paranormal cozies. I used to just be UF or PNR, but I’m glad I’m branching out. Thanks for checking out my review.