The Unlucky Mister Locke

Shadowvale, Book 8

By: Kristen Painter

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Shadowvale isn’t typical small-town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.

For Gideon Locke, that curse has haunted his family for generations. Branded a jinx since boyhood, he’s retreated into the quiet sanctuary of his repair shop, The Clockwork Owl, determined to keep his bad luck from touching anyone else. Better to live alone than risk destroying anyone else’s life.

Sabrina Moreau has her own burden: an irresistible compulsion to rescue broken things. From cracked teacups to tarnished silver, her antique shop, Bits & Pieces, is a refuge for forgotten treasures, but nothing has ever called to her quite like Gideon does.

Hired to restore an antique music box for the powerful witch Amelia Marchand, Sabrina ropes reluctant Gideon into the job. The work draws them into each other’s lives—and into a mystery that hints Gideon’s curse may not be what it seems. As secrets surface and the past refuses to stay buried, they’ll have to decide if some things are better left unrepaired … or if two damaged hearts might finally be worth mending.

©2025 Kristen Painter (P)2026 Kristen Painter

Always a good story

Love the shadow vale stories. From the story to the narrator- the continuity is perfect.

Good tale

If you have read other Painter novels and enjoyed them then you ought to like this story too.

Such a cool book!!

This was such a cool book!! I loved it so much, especially the cat and the sprite.. what a pair!! The story was so much fun to read and I was not ready for it to end! In fact I listened to it twice already!!

Good, but not best in series

I love the Shadowvale series because the books have always been comfort listens. I found the series while I was struggling with an acute anxiety disorder, and I find the low-conflict stories narrated by B.J. Harrison very soothing.

This was a welcome addition to my library, but it was slightly less comfortable than others have been. The MMC abruptly withdrew from the FMC a couple of times in ways that were objectively hurtful, even if he told himself (and later, her) that he was doing so to protect her from harm caused by his curse.

Of course by the end of the book they’ve communicated and resolved all conflicts, so warm fuzzies all around

Favorite Series!!!!

I absolutely adore this series. It is my favorite!! I get so excited when I get to return to Shadowvale and visit these characters!! This one was no exception, I loved it!! A terrific opposites attract that had so many laugh out loud moments, I was so sad when it ended!!
The audio narration is phenomenal. The narrator, BJ Harrison, is outstanding, and I could not imagine this world being read by any other voice!!
Must Read Series!!!