Arista Kelly, a young witch, cherished her life alongside her Aunt Bethie in Sedona, Arizona, in Moonset on Desert Sands: The Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy by Sherri L. Dodd. Concerned about a series of fainting spells, Arista decided to seek a remedy after Bethie witnessed one of these episodes. At her home in Boulder Creek, Arista had to confront Shane, her unforgettable ex-boyfriend, and her ailing mother. Together, Arista and Bethie honed their magical skills, while Arista’s parents each possessed unique supernatural abilities. Her Uncle Fergus held the family heirloom, the athame, and was in search of Arista to acquire her foretold powers. Boulder Creek was a sanctuary for Arista, keeping her safe from Fergus’s relentless pursuit, but his insatiable greed was a constant threat. As danger loomed nearer, Arista braced herself for the fight of her life. Would she have what it takes to emerge victorious in this battle?

Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd was packed with mystery, murder, and paranormal elements. Although it is the second book in the series, it can easily stand alone. I found it straightforward enough to understand the story. The suspense, complex plot twists, and mesmerizing display of magical chaos kept me thoroughly engaged and on the edge of my seat. Each character was distinct in their unique abilities and traits. The helpful reference section at the end, which included phrases used in the book, was quite useful. The storyline was expertly constructed and captured my interest right from the beginning. I enjoyed the themes of the supernatural, magic, and witchcraft, making my reading enjoyable. I eagerly look forward to the third installment of this series.

Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L Dodd revolves around Arista, a young woman who belongs to a family of witches. After surviving a terrifying encounter with a serial killer in the previous year, Arista decides to leave her home in Boulder Creek, California, and relocate to her aunt's home in Sedona, Arizona. Arista is content with her job as a shop attendant in Cosmic Prisms, selling metaphysical meditation merchandise. Meanwhile, her devious uncle Fergus and aunt are trying to retrieve a stolen athame--a powerful family heirloom. While on a trip to Ashfork, Arista has a very unusual fainting spell. After this incident, her aunt and her coven deduce that Arista should return to Boulder Creek to confront some unfinished business. Arista comes face-to-face with her diabolical uncle and a mysterious child with paranormal powers. Can she escape Fergus' sinister grasp once and for all?

Sherri L Dodd's Moonset on Desert Sands is a capricious, cozy tale that features life in a small town. The author skillfully blends magical elements, mystery, and suspense into the plot. The author's ability to seamlessly weave together several genres makes it a worthwhile read. The character development is both profound and engaging. I connected with Arista and her aunt's characters right away. I enjoyed gradually learning more about their witch heritage, coven life, and the unfortunate events that resulted in the disappearance of Arista's parents when she was a child. Arista's persona makes for an interesting focus point because of her unique peculiarities and journey to self-discovery. While she works through some shocking truths and confronts her mystifying family history, readers will be intrigued by her story arc. Likewise, the aunt is the perfect source of emotional support and unwavering guidance for Arista as she navigates her way through this heartfelt journey. If you are fascinated by magical paranormal fiction, this novel is definitely for you.

Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is a paranormal story that follows Arista, a young witch who has survived a terrifying year haunted by a serial killer. After relocating to Sedona, Arizona, with her aunt, Arista continues her practice of witchcraft while also selling at the Cosmic Prisms store. She hopes to find healing and a fresh start. However, her past continues to haunt her. She tries to get closer to Dakota to move on from Shane, although circumstances force her to return to Boulder Creek. Complicating matters further, Arista receives alarming news from authorities: someone has stolen the Athame, a ritual blade with immense power. With evidence suggesting that her malevolent Uncle Fergus has it, Arista realizes he is coming for her, and she must prepare for his impending attack.

Moonset on Desert Sands is part of The Murder, Tea and Crystals Trilogy by Sherri L. Dodd and continues to follow Arista's tumultuous journey. This captivating tale features intriguing characters and a dynamic plot that skillfully weaves elements of the supernatural, romance, and personal growth. Arista is a compelling protagonist you can't help but root for, characterized by her love of learning, compassion for friends and family, and determination to confront her fears. The ongoing battle between good and evil makes this an engaging and suspenseful read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author presents the story from both the heroes' and villains' perspectives, allowing readers to grasp each character's motivations. Dodd also includes references and a Witchy Dictionary at the end of the book, showing her in-depth research and passion for the paranormal. Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys supernatural dramas that explore themes of family ties, grief, personal growth, and resilience.

Moonset on Desert Sands is the second installment of The Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy by Sherri L. Dodd. Arista was settling down with her aunt in Sedona, along with a new job in an occult shop. She decided to stay away from the triggers she associated with the traumatic experiences in her cottage in Boulder Creek, hoping to recover from the PTSD caused by the stress and heartbreak of the past year. But Boulder Creek keeps creeping back when she realizes that her fainting spells have something to do with the place. Arista knew she had to return, as she summoned the courage to not only face a disturbing memory and her relationship problems but also deal with the destructive and violent events and threats to her life from her obsessive and relentless Uncle Fergus. She needed to be prepared for what seemed to be a greater danger than before. Will Arista gain enough skill and strength to conquer her diabolically powerful nemesis or will her world be shattered by this battle?

The fast-paced storyline is intriguing and thrilling and hooks the reader from start to finish. The gripping and breathtaking suspense is compelling with highly imaginative scenarios and intricate plot twists. The language and dialogue style is conversational and in some parts dramatic. The characters are well-drawn, dynamic, memorable, and multi-faceted. The author’s attention to detail and accuracy give the vibrant setting a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere at times. Aspects of ritual, magic, and the paranormal are woven into enigmatic otherworldly and real-world circumstances in a story that is unpredictable and mystifying. It essentially depicts the conflict between good and evil. Moonset on Desert Sands has the charm of a cozy mystery and is disturbing enough to be a dark fantasy or thriller. It is highly recommended for both mystery and suspense fans and those who enjoy new age, witchcraft, and occult themes.