Maddy and her Goth friend Eve arrive at Sherry’s engagement party which is in full swing, with Sherry’s future mother-in-law Deborah threatening to take over the festivities of not only the evening, but of Sherry’s wedding. Also in attendance is Jasmine, who Deborah claims is the one that Justin allowed to get away, and Deborah is trying with all of her might to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Frustrated by all this, and because Jasmine just isn’t that nice of a person, Sherry has a minor breakdown, followed by threatening to kill someone and disappearing just as Deborah is ready to make a big presentation. 

When Maddy goes looking for Sherry, she finds Jasmine dead, Sherry’s wedding veil wrapped around her neck. Now Sherry finds herself number one suspect and Maddy, who had a big part in raising her younger sister after their mother died, must once again play mother hen and protect Sherry and prove her innocence. 

Not sure where to begin, Maddy turns to her mother’s dearest friend, who Maddy knows as Aunt Fiona. Fiona is an attorney, but is also Wiccan. Fiona helps Maddy uncover some of her own hidden talents, which include the ability to touch a garment of clothing and discover something about the previous wearer. With time running out before Sherry says “I do,” Maddy must first prove she didn’t.   

A smart, funny start to a new series, A Veiled Deception introduces readers to Maddy Cutler, a successful fashion designer, who is missing something in her life but who may just have found it in Mystick Falls. Maddy has a symbiotic relationship with FBI agent Nick, but settling back in her old home town may be just the thing the two need to put some stability in their relationship. Maddie mends old fences with Detective Werner, who she dubbed “Weinner” back in school, and is able to come to peace with her mother’s death. 

The mystery is cleverly plotted, with hints to the solution found in Maddy’s visions as she holds the VanCortland family heirloom wedding gown. An absent-minded professor, brother Alex, Nick’s FBI partner, and sister Brandy, who is seen very little, round out Maddy’s new world, a place where she may just be comfortable enough to call home once again.                                          

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry