The Mystic and the Missing Girl

By: Vikki VanSickle

CRIME & MYSTERY FICTION MYSTERY & DETECTIVE WOMEN SLEUTHS FICTION (MYSTERY & DETECTIVE / WOMEN SLEUTHS)

Description

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.

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.

This Edition

Format
Hardback
Pages
336
Published
September 8, 2026
ISBN-13
9781250461100
Language
English
Publisher
St. Martin's Press
Imprint
Minotaur Books

Trade Reviews

"With great characters and a unique premise, this novel is an engaging read. Metaphysical topics such as astrology, psychometry, and tarot are raised naturally. The crime plot, and the drama of moving home again are also strongly drawn elements, creating a book with wide appeal. . . Perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series or of Cherie Dimaline’s VenCo for the mystical aspect.” –Library Journal (starred review)

“A delightful adult debut. . . The mystery is satisfying and will leave fans anxious for a second entry in the series.” –Booklist

“An affable cozy. . . a sweet small-town atmosphere and enough plot twists to keep readers turning pages.” –Publishers Weekly

“Quirky, well-drawn characters enrich a mystery with an ending you won’t see coming.” –Kirkus Reviews

“A gem of a book!” –Ashley Audrain

"Poignant, captivating, and fun to read." –Mark Waddell

"A witch’s cauldron bubbling over with charm, quirk, and enchanting characters, with a mystery that will have you reading into the wee hours.” –Maxie Dara

"A tale full of secrets, heart, and suspense. . . as charming as it is suspenseful.” –Tom Ryan

"My favorite kind of mystery. . . I can’t wait to see what Vikki VanSickle—and Drew Benson!—get up to next." –Kemper Donovan

“VanSickle turns over all the right cards in this magic spell of a novel.” –Kathleen West

“Both funny and poignant. . . VanSickle has arrived in this genre with a trumpet flare.” –Roz Nay

“A witchy delight! . . . VanSickle is a gift from the beyond for readers.” –Grace O’Connell

Additional Editions

— No additional editions available —

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