Moonset on Desert Sands
Sherri L. Dodd
Black Rose Writing (2025)
ISBN: 978-1685135799
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Reader Views (03/2025)
In “Moonset on Desert Sands,” the second installment of Sherri L. Dodd’s Murder, Tea & Crystals-A Trilogy series, Arista is finding a little peace after surviving a year marked by a serial killer. Living temporarily in Sedona with her beloved Auntie and doing her best to settle in, Arista is working at a metaphysical shop. She’s also catching glimpses of a certain charming security guard named Dakota. But soon her sense of control is shaken after experiencing strange fainting spells. Also, a return to her hometown of Boulder Creek reveals unfinished business—both magical and emotional. Tension builds as an old enemy, her dangerous uncle Fergus, resurfaces with unsettling new allies, forcing Arista to draw on everything she’s learned about her craft, her spirit, and her strength to protect those she loves.
Dodd’s prose flows easily with the tone expected of a cozy paranormal mystery. It has its light moments but is also grounded in a character-driven story that touches on grief, family, and healing. Arista is both sensitive and strong, a young woman still finding her footing in both relationships and power. Dodd thoughtfully handles Arista’s emotional range, like when she tells Auntie,
‘I know my sadness will ebb and flow… Just know the in-betweens… I know I’ll be okay.’
Her connection to Auntie remains one of the strongest parts of the book. The affection and guidance between them hold the story together, especially as Arista’s gifts continue to develop in sometimes overwhelming ways.
The plot shifts smoothly between daily life and supernatural suspense, fusing magic spells, haunted objects, and an ancestral presence that threatens to consume Arista. One powerful moment happens when she reflects,
‘Actually, it’s kind of the opposite. I had no control over my rage… then felt… like… a slice right through my brain.’
That raw vulnerability makes her increasingly high-stakes conflict with Fergus feel real. Fergus himself is deeply disturbing. He is a villain whose presence creeps across the pages with an escalating menace. Dodd manages to balance this dark energy with the warmth of the coven, the support of Dakota, and even with some surprisingly light romance.
Readers who enjoy paranormal elements without an overly heavy or horror-driven atmosphere will appreciate the magical realism in the book. The pacing isn’t heavy on the plot twists but leans more on the emotional side. But it works well for readers who enjoy character growth and interpersonal tension. The metaphysical shop scenes, family reunions, and horseback rides through the Sedona landscape all contribute to the charm.
That said, a few moments are repetitive—some inner reflections or descriptions might have benefited from a slight trim to maintain tension. Still, Dodd’s unique voice and well-developed characters carry the story forward with sincerity and a sense of purpose.
This installment will best appeal to fans of cozy paranormal fiction with witchy themes, gentle suspense, and emotional depth. Readers who enjoy books by Juliet Blackwell or Heather Blake will likely enjoy Arista’s world. And for those invested in the series, “Moonset on Desert Sands” feels like a natural and satisfying continuation of Arista’s journey.
This heartfelt and magical sequel blends supernatural tension with deeply human themes of grief, identity, and healing. Fans of gentle paranormal fiction and emotionally complex heroines will find so much to enjoy in Sherri L. Dodd’s “Moonset on Desert Sands.”