Parents and Poisonings — Raven Snow

Rowen's cousin, Rose Greensmith, has been dating Ben Williamson for a while now. He's the Lainswich Chief of Police, a good boyfriend, and an all-around great guy. It was only a matter of time before Rose had dinner with his parents. Rose has high hopes, but Rowen tries to prepare her cousin for the worst. The Williamsons are a difficult bunch. Back when Rowen and Ben were a high school item, it was Mrs. Williamson that put an end to their relationship. She's an absolute witch, and not in the good sense like Rowen and her family are. As fate typically ordains for the Greensmiths, not all goes as planned. During the dinner, Ben's Uncle Willard is poisoned. It's a murder that sets everyone on edge. Emotions are running high and tensions are raised. Can Rose's relationship with Ben survive this ordeal? Mrs. Williamson certainly isn't helping matters. She's distrusted the Greensmiths her whole life, and the Greensmiths certainly don't hold any love for her in return. Things get especially complicated when she starts to look like a likely suspect in the murder of her younger brother. As reluctant as Ben Williamson is to hear anything bad about his own mother, the evidence is piling up against her. Never mind his relationship with Rose, his position as chief of police could be in jeopardy. Rowen takes it upon herself to solve this mystery. Deep down, she doesn't think Mrs. Williamson is to blame -- which is really a shame. She can't stand that woman. Sixth Volume of the Lainswich Witches Mystery Series. Approx. 40,000 words in length. It is a standalone (reading prior or future volumes not required to enjoy the book, no cliffhanger).