What do you think?
Rate this book
The Audrey Rose Mysteries #1
Witchful Thinking: A Small Town Cozy Mystery
Running into corpses isn’t new to Audrey Rose. But magic is.
Things are looking up for the new witch Audrey when she escapes to the sleepy town of Harborview with her trusty cat, Victoria. But moving to a new town should be a fresh start and not a recipe for murder, right?
Wrong!
As bodies pile up, Audrey's hope for a quiet, quaint new life becomes entangled in a murder spree.
When she happens to be at the crime scene, the police suspect her.
Audrey’s quirky charm and latent magic becomes her only defense. To prove her innocence, she must share her space, secrets, and maybe even a spark with the handsome Detective Clayton Cooper.
Audrey must solve the crime to clear her name before the real killer casts a deadly spell on the whole town.
The question isn't just whodunit, but whether Audrey can unlock her powers in time to outwit a killer, catching them before they catch her!
Things are looking up for the new witch Audrey when she escapes to the sleepy town of Harborview with her trusty cat, Victoria. But moving to a new town should be a fresh start and not a recipe for murder, right?
Wrong!
As bodies pile up, Audrey's hope for a quiet, quaint new life becomes entangled in a murder spree.
When she happens to be at the crime scene, the police suspect her.
Audrey’s quirky charm and latent magic becomes her only defense. To prove her innocence, she must share her space, secrets, and maybe even a spark with the handsome Detective Clayton Cooper.
Audrey must solve the crime to clear her name before the real killer casts a deadly spell on the whole town.
The question isn't just whodunit, but whether Audrey can unlock her powers in time to outwit a killer, catching them before they catch her!
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
10 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 10, 2024
First book of a new series
I quite enjoyed the book with good characters and a good story too.
I quite enjoyed the book with good characters and a good story too.
March 4, 2025
Just a cozy mystery. Good story
July 14, 2024
This book really needed to be longer. I felt it made a massive jump going from the end of chapter 3 to the beginning of chapter 4. I actually went back after reading to make sure I hadn’t accidentally skipped a chapter.
The book went from 0 to 100 in a matter of pages and I guess when a book is only 8 chapters long it tends to be rushed but even the ending after the murderer was captured was weird. He obviously was back at his own place but I didn’t realize it had already been months since the arrest! And her saying that she knew he would come home - ok….weird. He stayed there because she was a murder suspect. I have no idea how long he actually stayed at her cottage.
I’ll read book 2 to see if it’s any better.
The book went from 0 to 100 in a matter of pages and I guess when a book is only 8 chapters long it tends to be rushed but even the ending after the murderer was captured was weird. He obviously was back at his own place but I didn’t realize it had already been months since the arrest! And her saying that she knew he would come home - ok….weird. He stayed there because she was a murder suspect. I have no idea how long he actually stayed at her cottage.
I’ll read book 2 to see if it’s any better.
July 10, 2024
2.5/5
The premise was good, but the execution and the writing was subpar.
The book starts off good, when the new witch is found near a dead body, but it goes downhill very quick. I had to re-read a lot of parts to understand what was happening as a lot of things were jumbled up. Characters were not introduced properly, there were some irrelevant points too (which is weird since it's a novella).
The book goes on as if the reader would understand what was going on in the characters' mind, which was a pain point for me.
I am intrigued enough to read part 2 and will not leave the series as of now, hoping that it would be better and gives more answers to the unexplained part.
The premise was good, but the execution and the writing was subpar.
The book starts off good, when the new witch is found near a dead body, but it goes downhill very quick. I had to re-read a lot of parts to understand what was happening as a lot of things were jumbled up. Characters were not introduced properly, there were some irrelevant points too (which is weird since it's a novella).
The book goes on as if the reader would understand what was going on in the characters' mind, which was a pain point for me.
I am intrigued enough to read part 2 and will not leave the series as of now, hoping that it would be better and gives more answers to the unexplained part.
April 28, 2024
I both loved and hated parts of this book. The story and characters were great; however the ending felt wat rushed.
Audrey Rose was great, it seemed odd that a woman she hadn’t even gotten a name from would bail her out of jail without knowing her. Especially if it is a small town and she probably knew the victims and not the main character. Saying this as somebody living in a small town.
Two, a detective is not going to be like hey your a suspect can I live in your house while we work on the case together. I loved the chemistry between the characters but it was a leap for me to get them all to where that would have been a logical thing for them to all be together the way they were in this book.
Three other than being found at the crime scenes multiple times with no reason, they are like you can help with the case but not have any logical explanation on how you get your information. She comments a couple times about Danny’s cologne smelling the same as the crime scenes but doesn’t mention it to the Detective staying in her house. Then she tells hims she’s a witch and to go to evidence and get personal items from all the victims and he’s like ok. She then uses said items to make a stone that changes colors to say who the real killer is but she’s the only one that can see it and the detective is like I believe you?!?
Plus she makes it and Danny the partner cop immediately walks in and the stone lights up and she tells the detective that’s been living there maybe a couple weeks it’s his partner with her eye and he leaves them alone in her house and goes outside to get his handcuffs (why he didn’t have them with him and why if he thought Danny was the killer he’d leave an innocent person alone with him). Then proceeds to come in a day we searched your apartment and found all the evidence you’re under arrest. When in the two minutes he walked out to get his cuffs did they do that. How small is this town?
I loved the characters and the idea of the book, but the delivery felt rushed and unorganized. This could have been a great short story with a little more effort put into it.
Audrey Rose was great, it seemed odd that a woman she hadn’t even gotten a name from would bail her out of jail without knowing her. Especially if it is a small town and she probably knew the victims and not the main character. Saying this as somebody living in a small town.
Two, a detective is not going to be like hey your a suspect can I live in your house while we work on the case together. I loved the chemistry between the characters but it was a leap for me to get them all to where that would have been a logical thing for them to all be together the way they were in this book.
Three other than being found at the crime scenes multiple times with no reason, they are like you can help with the case but not have any logical explanation on how you get your information. She comments a couple times about Danny’s cologne smelling the same as the crime scenes but doesn’t mention it to the Detective staying in her house. Then she tells hims she’s a witch and to go to evidence and get personal items from all the victims and he’s like ok. She then uses said items to make a stone that changes colors to say who the real killer is but she’s the only one that can see it and the detective is like I believe you?!?
Plus she makes it and Danny the partner cop immediately walks in and the stone lights up and she tells the detective that’s been living there maybe a couple weeks it’s his partner with her eye and he leaves them alone in her house and goes outside to get his handcuffs (why he didn’t have them with him and why if he thought Danny was the killer he’d leave an innocent person alone with him). Then proceeds to come in a day we searched your apartment and found all the evidence you’re under arrest. When in the two minutes he walked out to get his cuffs did they do that. How small is this town?
I loved the characters and the idea of the book, but the delivery felt rushed and unorganized. This could have been a great short story with a little more effort put into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
I didn't like this book. I started reading it, and almost immediately, had to reread a section, because I thought I had missed something. Lots of jumping around and details missing. Like when the paragraph starts out saying "later that evening", and the second sentence says " the afternoon sun"... So is it evening or the afternoon?? Another example, when the book says," I had finally gotten him on board... Making you think she had been trying for awhile to get him to agree to something, but it's the first time it's mentioned in the book. Or this section "Why was he so obsessed with winning every argument? I was doing my best to help solve this case. The least he could do was share information with me." When she has not even started helping him. It's like the author forgot where she was or put pieces together from different parts of the story, and they don't fit together.
There are also instances where the main character would say something like she was reiterating it, but she had not said it previously. There were also multiple times where she just repeated something that didn't need to be repeated. There were also editing issues. Sometimes a sentence would be worded out of order. In my opinion, this book is very poorly written.
Unfortunately this is the first book I've read by this author, so I'm wondering if I should even bother trying another by her?
There are also instances where the main character would say something like she was reiterating it, but she had not said it previously. There were also multiple times where she just repeated something that didn't need to be repeated. There were also editing issues. Sometimes a sentence would be worded out of order. In my opinion, this book is very poorly written.
Unfortunately this is the first book I've read by this author, so I'm wondering if I should even bother trying another by her?
March 28, 2024
Audrey and her cat Victoria have moved to the small town of Harborview to begin a new life. Her powers are slow to come out, but when she finds herself at the murder scene, she is starting to see things now. But when she is booked as suspect number one by Detective Clayton Cooper she knows she must figure out how she got there. And when a new friend bails her out, she knows she must find the answers. But then here she is again at a second murder site not knowing how she got there or what the significance is of these happenings. She knows that her secret may have to come out. Is she ready? Will anyone believe her? Will Detective Cooper? But Audrey and Victoria have to figure out who the murderer is before another one happens and she is there again. With so many twists and turns and red-herrings and maybe the start of a little romance, you are hooked from the beginning and keeps you guessing to the end and wanting more. I can't wait to see what Audrey will get into next. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 28, 2025
Meet Aubrey Rose, at twenty-four she discovered she has banshee abilities to predict death and is drawn to those who have died. Tired of the high crime rate in New York, she moves to small town Harborview -- funny thing is, the day she arrives, she finds herself in the middle of not one, but two murder mysteries where she is the prime suspect! The story focuses on her attempt to prove her innocence with the help of the arresting officer, Detective Clayton Cooper, and find the real killer.
This is a two-hour short story, and the author did a decent job presenting her characters and story, however I found the sudden ending, practically in mid-sentence to be confusing. I also like more layers to a murder mystery to keep me off-tract, and unfortunately, I was able to immediately figure out who the killer was in this story.
But, if you like short paranormal cozy murder mysteries, with a slow-burning romance I think you will find this one okay and there are only three in the series, so quick read for a lazy weekend.
This is a two-hour short story, and the author did a decent job presenting her characters and story, however I found the sudden ending, practically in mid-sentence to be confusing. I also like more layers to a murder mystery to keep me off-tract, and unfortunately, I was able to immediately figure out who the killer was in this story.
But, if you like short paranormal cozy murder mysteries, with a slow-burning romance I think you will find this one okay and there are only three in the series, so quick read for a lazy weekend.
May 9, 2024
This book is an entertaining read.
Ross’s ability to blend, murder mystery, paranormal, and the warmth of a romance, is commendable.
Die-hard advocates for these genres may not like the mixing with the other two. This is their loss.
The book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mystery with a supernatural twist and a dash of romance.
However, the novel stumbles with pacing issues. The plot occasionally feels rushed or slowed by exposition.
The magic system could benefit from a bit more consistency and depth to avoid confusion and strengthen the supernatural elements of the story.
Despite these minor criticisms, the novel is a read that gives enjoyment and leaves readers looking forward to more adventures from this writer.
Ross’s ability to blend, murder mystery, paranormal, and the warmth of a romance, is commendable.
Die-hard advocates for these genres may not like the mixing with the other two. This is their loss.
The book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mystery with a supernatural twist and a dash of romance.
However, the novel stumbles with pacing issues. The plot occasionally feels rushed or slowed by exposition.
The magic system could benefit from a bit more consistency and depth to avoid confusion and strengthen the supernatural elements of the story.
Despite these minor criticisms, the novel is a read that gives enjoyment and leaves readers looking forward to more adventures from this writer.
April 8, 2024
A well written introduction into a new series. Characters that are colorful and quirky to draw you in but of course this is a cozy mystery murder so there's a deadly perpetrator hidden in plain sight waiting for us to discover. This is more of a pocket size cozy so you can take it with you to read on the bus on the way to work or during your lunch break while gaining nourishment or a light read before bed that's when I read it and it was a perfect short read for snuggling down with. Acquire " Witchful Thinking " so you yourself can become aquainted with these characters and enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
September 18, 2024
Cozy mystery in a small town.
Audrey rose isn’t new to find a corpse But magic is new to her.
For the new witch things are looking up for her when she escaped to a new town call harbor view with her trusted cat. But moving to a new town should be a new start and not murder.
Wrong!
Audrey hope is for a quiet new life but not with bodies piling up and with a murder scene.
The police suspect her when she is at a crime scene.
Audrey only way to prove she is innocent is by her quirky magic She has to share her house with handsome detective Clayton cooper.
The question is who done it , but can she unlock her magic in time to find out who killed the person, before they catch her.
Audrey rose isn’t new to find a corpse But magic is new to her.
For the new witch things are looking up for her when she escaped to a new town call harbor view with her trusted cat. But moving to a new town should be a new start and not murder.
Wrong!
Audrey hope is for a quiet new life but not with bodies piling up and with a murder scene.
The police suspect her when she is at a crime scene.
Audrey only way to prove she is innocent is by her quirky magic She has to share her house with handsome detective Clayton cooper.
The question is who done it , but can she unlock her magic in time to find out who killed the person, before they catch her.
August 12, 2024
The pacing in this book sometimes feels a bit rushed, but with a short novel that is not more than to be expected.
Solving the murders could have taken a few more pages to make it feel a bit more rounded.
The ending was sweet but it could have been made clearer that there was some time between the solving of the mystery and the last few pages.
I wouldn't have minded more pages in this book to fill in the details.
All in all I did like this book and will certainly read the second one too!
Solving the murders could have taken a few more pages to make it feel a bit more rounded.
The ending was sweet but it could have been made clearer that there was some time between the solving of the mystery and the last few pages.
I wouldn't have minded more pages in this book to fill in the details.
All in all I did like this book and will certainly read the second one too!
May 19, 2024
Audrey has just moved to town with her cat Victoria, she left the city in hopes of finding a peaceful town to write her book. The only problem is she keeps finding bodies and she is arrested at the scene of a murder. Her Family has Witchy powers and she thought she did not have any. After the second body she has to solve the murders or go to jail. This was so fun I loved that she had to discover her own Witchy powers and prove she was innocent. I enjoyed this story and I recommend it.
July 9, 2024
Who dares doubt a witch from Oz?
A cute first in series novella featuring witch hopeful Audrey Rose and her cat Victoria. Tired of stumbling upon crime scenes in New York Audrey retreats to a small town and immediately becomes the prime suspect in multiple murders because of her habit of blacking out and waking up with a corpse at her feet. Determined to prove her innocence she teams up with the local police officer that had arrested her and...things get really entertaining!
A cute first in series novella featuring witch hopeful Audrey Rose and her cat Victoria. Tired of stumbling upon crime scenes in New York Audrey retreats to a small town and immediately becomes the prime suspect in multiple murders because of her habit of blacking out and waking up with a corpse at her feet. Determined to prove her innocence she teams up with the local police officer that had arrested her and...things get really entertaining!
March 14, 2024
I thought this was a good start to a new series and I hope it is. The story in "Witchful Thinking" is as much about perceived judgements as it is about solving a mystery. I found the book sweet and engaging. The mystery was well written with just a little romance. Characters were fun and likeable. Recommend reading.
August 18, 2024
A mystery set in a small town. The main character is arrested on suspicion of murder. She has magical powers that attract death, so of course, she's right there on the scene when someone turns up dead. The romance with the police investigator, though, seemed rather forced with not much chemistry. I wish the story had been fleshed out a little more. A quick read for a October.
October 17, 2025
While a super quick and easy read, I just couldn't get into the story or the characters. Some of the phrases are just off from the correct way of saying them, that I can't tell if it's purposely done or not. I feel like this story would have been better longer because the plot holes and quick jumps were hard to handle.
March 16, 2024
Very cute witchy hy short story! I enjoyed the interactions between Audrey and Clayton. The nanny cam incident was hilarious. Shocking twist when the murder is revealed. This was an easy read thar left me wanting more.
September 10, 2024
As the first book of a new series, “Witchful Thinking” needed to be a bit more detailed. Though there are gaps in the action leaving the reader to figure out what is happening, there are positive aspects in the characters.
November 2, 2024
It had potential, but the writing style wasn't for me. It definitely needs to be way longer to develop the characters and story line more.
"Something itches between my legs." Huh? Please rewrite this for sure.
"Something itches between my legs." Huh? Please rewrite this for sure.
November 25, 2024
Witchful Thinking
A wonderful book by author Amelia Ross.
I loved reading this awesome book. The characters are so good.
I highly recommend reading this book or any of her wonderful books...
A wonderful book by author Amelia Ross.
I loved reading this awesome book. The characters are so good.
I highly recommend reading this book or any of her wonderful books...
March 10, 2024
A quick easy read, great well written storyline. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
June 8, 2024
Audrey was found near a murder victim and so is the primary suspect. Naturally she starts investigating.
She gets upset because the detective won't share information with her. Why would he?
She gets upset because the detective won't share information with her. Why would he?
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this. It was a fast, fun read. The murderer was not what was expected, but it was made obvious by the clues. I’m going to enjoy this series.
February 9, 2026
Clunky sentences; awkward phrasing
May 24, 2024
Quirky ,witchy ,fun read . Audrey the witch has some odd gifts and still finding others . Finding dead bodies and being found at crime scenes is a tad weird though. With the help of Dishy Detective Clayton she aims to find answers. Her black cat Victoria is slowly coming around to the idea of their new home and other human guests too…. Great short story , looking forward to reading more of this series. I was forwarded this book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own thoughts
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews