The Bewitching Miss Blair by Darcy McGuire:

4 stars

The Bewitching Miss Blair introduces us to Clio Blair—a witch of hidden talents who is assisting her Uncle Lachlan with a murder case. Unfortunately, this requires working alongside Lieutenant General Thomas Grey, making it increasingly difficult to keep those talents concealed.

The story keeps its focus firmly on Clio and Thomas, with Uncle Lachlan, Aunt Rowan, Ellie, and Cousin Helena serving as supporting characters. On one hand, this tight focus works well for pacing; on the other, I would have enjoyed getting to know some of those secondary characters better—particularly Lachlan and Rowan. Those two are a mystery unto themselves.

The character development for Clio and Thomas is thorough. Their histories are well established, and their motivations are easy to understand. That said, Clio’s prejudice against men becomes a bit repetitive over time. Her raven, Sir Robin Goodfellow, almost makes up for it, though; he is a delight—both informative and charming. Thomas’s reasons for not defending himself in the past feel less solid on their own, though when considered alongside Lissa’s actions, they form a more convincing foundation. I would have liked him to have made greater progress toward recovery before meeting Clio.

Where the story truly shines is in its use of magic. As a narrative device, it is priceless—establishing mood, conveying emotion, and heightening tension. The image of rain turning to steam is especially evocative. I loved how Clio’s magic manifests and how those around her—Lady Langley in particular—respond to it.

The historical time period adds a distinct flavor to the novel, enhancing its sharp, theatrical tone. Clio’s fashion sense is bold and expressive; however, by that era, women’s fashion had already incorporated many traditionally masculine elements, making her choices less singular than they might initially appear.

The Bewitching Miss Blair wasn’t what I expected, but it is an engaging, fast-heating battle of the sexes. It will appeal to readers looking for spice, magic, a historical setting, and a haunted mystery.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read The Bewitching Miss Blair. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.