Kindle Edition Amazon Burford's Fantasy Odditorium Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Speculations ISBN-10:  B0852TBBNH Type: Fiction Pages: 294 Copyright: Feb 23, 2020 Price: $2.99 (eBook) An unfortunate bystander is caught between dueling rivals Baba Yaga and the CEO of Laveau Pharmaceuticals as the bizarre effects of chaotic magic become increasingly drastic: something’s gotta give. A Russian witch steps through her magic mirror. The heir of a voodoo queen makes more conventional travel plans. But why are they headed for Texas? "Lighthearted with a plot that is fun from beginning to end and characters that are charming . . . the perfect read."--Readers' Favorite Once upon a time (a year ago, if you’re a stickler for details), chaotic magic leaking from Alamo excavations triggered an improbable event, drawing the attention of two unlikely rivals in search of a rare prize. The Russian witch Baba Yaga and her two sisters have been around since--even she can’t remember when. She normally stays at home in her chicken-legged hut, grumpily aiding those who come to her for help or . . . otherwise. M. C. Laveau, the CEO of Laveau Pharmaceuticals, merchandizes products that exploit the magic of her grandmother Marie (yes, that Marie). Unfortunate bystander Rachel Vargas is caught between the dueling rivals as the bizarre effects of the magic become increasingly drastic: something’s gotta give. Book 1 of the Baba Yaga Chronicles, in which she and her sisters confront the modern world, with unexpected, alarming, and comical results.

Great read for this time
Kathy Burford’s Hexed in Texas, first book of a series featuring Baba Yaga, an irascible witch from Russian folklore, is a timely and delightful distraction from the seeming hex of the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only is it incredibly imaginative, but it offers humorous commentary on the foibles of American culture such as the greed of big pharma personified by M. C. Laveau, CEO of Laveau Pharmaceuticals which specializes in such products as eye of newt, Komodo dragon blood, owl parts. The town of San Antonio has an outbreak of leaking magic centered around an excavation related to the Alamo, and this eventually brings about a spine tingling confrontation between the two very powerful females, Baba Yaga and M. C. Laveau. There are a variety of interesting (and often funny) characters besides the two woman and many vivid details about the workings of magic throughout that make Hexed in Texas a fascinating read.

Lighthearted and entertaining
Hexed in Texas is a lighthearted blend of folklore, mystery, and comedy. Burford walks a fine line in portraying the legendary Russian witch Baba Yaga. She retains her true nature, not saccharine at all, but we can all relate--how many days have I wished I had the powers to deal with irritating people. The female characters here are strong, as Baba Yaga tangles with the granddaughter of Marie Laveau, but with the even more frightening big-haired ladies of the Daughters of the Alamo. If you’ve ever even been to Texas you know what I mean. Bewildered heroine Rachel Vargas somehow makes it through all the magic flying around. Finally, I really liked the way the strands of the plot came together for an ending that was unexpected and satisfying. Take a vacation from reality and enjoy this book.

Fun and engaging and you get to learn some Russian
This is a thoroughly fun read, witty and engaging. Rachel, the very likable young protagonist, lives in a world that contains both a crummy job with a hateful boss--and magic. Raggedy, half-understood magic leading to a lot of chaos and some wonderful slapstick. She deals with a rich set of characters that includes Baba Yaga (hence the Russian), who, despite her own best efforts, is an endearing old witch, homesick for her beloved hut home. I'm happy to note that is the first of a series., so that we can look forward lo more of the whole family of characters.