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The Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery #21
Hip to be Witchy
It's the big day for Holiday Hills—the opening of the Magical Market, a veritable emporium where the enchanted sell anything and everything from old-world treasures to sparkling baubles. The buzz is thick, and, yeah, even I've caught the excitement bug. So, when Bessie roped me into lending a hand at the Enchanted's booth slinging coffee and treats, how could I say no?
Let's just say, my reputation precedes me. It's not like I bring trouble, but somehow, trouble—specifically the deadly kind—just has a way of finding me. It's as if the universe is dropping morbid breadcrumbs and ignoring them isn't in my nature. What am I supposed to do? Ring up the cops and saunter off? Not on your life.
So there I was, meandering through the bustling market, when I decided to drop by Edgar Holloway’s stand, Nightshade Antiquities. Lo and behold, there he was, in the back, only he’d been turned to stone. Cooper, my snarky cat familiar, suggested I whip out a chisel to free him—but that wasn’t an option. Instead, I set my sights on hunting down whoever bring to life the popular 70s song.
Don’t get me wrong, Holloway was famously cranky, nabbing the title of Holiday Hills’s most cantankerous historian for several years running. People had reason not to like the guy. He wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular, which meant the list of suspects stretched through town. Sure, the local police were on the case, and dating the police chief did have its perks, like getting to snoop around without too much fuss or thrown in the slammer.
But when the killer starts getting bold, leaving threats on a new friend’s doorstep, it’s clear this isn’t just a game. Knowing the who, what, and how is all fine and dandy, but it’s the where, why, and when that'll spring the trap. And you better believe, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to catch a killer. Step aside, because it’s game on.
Let's just say, my reputation precedes me. It's not like I bring trouble, but somehow, trouble—specifically the deadly kind—just has a way of finding me. It's as if the universe is dropping morbid breadcrumbs and ignoring them isn't in my nature. What am I supposed to do? Ring up the cops and saunter off? Not on your life.
So there I was, meandering through the bustling market, when I decided to drop by Edgar Holloway’s stand, Nightshade Antiquities. Lo and behold, there he was, in the back, only he’d been turned to stone. Cooper, my snarky cat familiar, suggested I whip out a chisel to free him—but that wasn’t an option. Instead, I set my sights on hunting down whoever bring to life the popular 70s song.
Don’t get me wrong, Holloway was famously cranky, nabbing the title of Holiday Hills’s most cantankerous historian for several years running. People had reason not to like the guy. He wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular, which meant the list of suspects stretched through town. Sure, the local police were on the case, and dating the police chief did have its perks, like getting to snoop around without too much fuss or thrown in the slammer.
But when the killer starts getting bold, leaving threats on a new friend’s doorstep, it’s clear this isn’t just a game. Knowing the who, what, and how is all fine and dandy, but it’s the where, why, and when that'll spring the trap. And you better believe, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to catch a killer. Step aside, because it’s game on.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
92 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
155 books550 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 28, 2024
I just love this title! The book is fantastic as well. Abby and Stella are once again on the hunt to find a killer. Gabe believes he has found the person who turned a certain cranky witch to stone while attending the town's Magical Market, but Abby isn't so sure! With the help of their familiars, Cooper and Pony, they set out on a dangerous chase to bring the culprit to justice and avoid themselves from being turned to stone! This is another great addition to the Witches of Holiday Hills series, with lots of action, a little romance, and of course magic! It's a fun read for sure.
August 29, 2024
Turning someone into stone is just part of mythology, right? Well, it appears that a real live Medusa is in Holiday Hills! The opening night of the Magical Market is marred by the discovery that one of the most despised witches in Holiday Hills has been turned to stone. He was notorious for swindling anyone who did business with his Nightshade Antiquities making for a potentially large group of suspects. Abby and Stella, along with their familiars, Cooper and Pony, need to narrow the suspect pool quickly to bring the culprit to justice before anyone else is turned to stone. The characters in this series are great and the storylines are creative and entertaining. This is another very fun, action packed addition to this magical series!
September 3, 2024
It’s the big day for the opening of the Magical Market and Abby Odell is looking forward to the market along with her friend Stella. Stella is dealing with the end of her relationship with Alex, who is not sure that he wants to get married. As usual, there are issues between the various inhabitants of Holiday Hills, including newcomers Seraphina Lumina and Gregor Silverpaw, a werewolf. When disagreeable witch Edgar Holloway is turned to stone, no one, including Abby, is able to reverse the curse. When Abby learns that witch Dorian Blackwood is arrested for Edgar’s death, she offers to post bail for Dorian to be released from jail. She believes that Dorian is innocent, but now she needs to prove it, much to the disapproval of her significant other, Police Chief Gabe Ryder. There are other suspects including Lilith who didn’t receive a potion from Edgar, Gregor the werewolf, and newcomer Seraphina who is trying to get close to Stella’s ex, Alex. Will Abby prove Dorian’s innocence or should she have devoted her time to writing her next book? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
September 2, 2024
The Magical Market is opening in Holiday Hills providing the residents a chance to sell everything magical. There’s a lot of excitement except Stella has broken off with Alex. Seraphina seems to be the new Bianca and has everyone in an uproar. But finally the time has come and everyone is off to shop. The market is crowded and excitement is brewing until Edgar is found to be turned to stone. Abby can’t believe Dorian is guilty so Abby’s off to prove Dorian’s innocence. As usual nothing goes smoothly but the guilty party is finally found and romance is in the air. Fun book!
September 20, 2025
So, I listen to audiobooks to fall asleep, and when I wake up in the middle of the night…
This was painful. Literally the worst audiobook I’ve ever listened to. The “narrator “ is AI and it’s so obvious. The inflection is off and the book just sounds fake.
I had it a second star because I might actually like the book if I read it on kindle or in paperback.
Let’s hope this isn’t a trend because AI needs to stay far away from book narration.
This was painful. Literally the worst audiobook I’ve ever listened to. The “narrator “ is AI and it’s so obvious. The inflection is off and the book just sounds fake.
I had it a second star because I might actually like the book if I read it on kindle or in paperback.
Let’s hope this isn’t a trend because AI needs to stay far away from book narration.
September 2, 2024
Turned to stone
It’s a new festival and everyone’s excited to see what will be at the market. No one expects on of the vendors to be turned to stone. Never fear, Abby & Cooper are on the case. Some fun and laughs as they try to figure things out. Great book/series. I recommend reading them all.
It’s a new festival and everyone’s excited to see what will be at the market. No one expects on of the vendors to be turned to stone. Never fear, Abby & Cooper are on the case. Some fun and laughs as they try to figure things out. Great book/series. I recommend reading them all.
August 30, 2024
Hip to be Witchy is a fantastic paranormal cozy mystery. It is fun and entertaining. This book is full of magic, mystery and action. I love the characters. I could not put the book down and there are so many twists you are kept guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book.
February 1, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews