I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Mystic and the Missing Girl
by Vikki VanSickle
Published by Minotaur Books on September 8, 2026
Setting: Ontario, Canada
Genres: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Pages: 319
Format: Audible Audiobook, Hardcover, Kindle
Source: the Publisher
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon
Small town secrets, a reluctant psychic, and a cold case that could expose them all.
Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects―she just never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case.
Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.
But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain―finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging―could change everything.
In The Mystic and the Missing Girl, Vikki VanSickle seamlessly draws readers into an utterly charming world in this unputdownable, small town mystery.
The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is funny, full of misdirection, and a great read.
Will Drew and Nick figure out what happened to Ginny?
Drew Benson
Our sleuth, not completely willing, but ready to save her aunt’s name. Drew is in her thirties and looking for a place to become who she is meant to be. She recently inherited her aunt’s building and business. The business is a new age shop, but what kept it going was her aunt’s intuition and mystic abilities, which Drew seems to also have. Since being back in her small hometown, she is facing lots of prejudice and innuendo. I do like how she handles it, though.
Drew and her group of friends are extremely likable. I also like that she is nice even when people aren’t nice to her. Drew does have a bit of an attraction to bad boys. Hopefully, she won’t let that slow down her growth.
Drew partners with Nick, her old lab partner, who has changed a lot since high school. Now he is a journalist. Nick talks Drew into helping him find Ginny.
Drew’s best friend owns a local bar and makes amazing drinks. Gigi is great and helps encourage Drew to be herself. She is Drew’s sounding board.
The Mystery
Nick and Drew are trying to wrap up a cold case for many reasons near to both of them. I was surprised by Nick’s ability to believe in Drew’s gift, when he mostly deals with logical things. Ms. VanSickle plotted a wonderful mystery. I thought I had it, but her last-minute twist, which was so well played, got me. The setting and characters are all wonderfully written.
Five Stars
My rating for The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is five stars. I really hope that Ms. VanSickle continues to write. This mystery was amazingly magical and filled with such true-life characters. I highly recommend this story.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle.
Until the next time,
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About Vikki VanSickle
Everything I need to know in life I learned from children’s literature. I have worked in a library, managed a children’s bookstore and I currently split my time between writing and working in children’s publishing. I have always been bookish. Growing up I spent my summers searching for treasures at flea markets and for my next great read at the library. I once added an “e” to my middle name (Lynn) to be more like Anne of Green Gables, and in grade seven my biggest hero was The X-Files’ Dana Scully. I currently live in Toronto with my cat and too many books- just kidding, there is no such thing as too many books!
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
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