What do you think?
Rate this book
Smokethorn Paranormals #3
Wicked Witch of the Wolf
“One thing, though. What was the last straw that made Maya file for divorce?”
“She told me Desmond said he was going to kill her.”
Betty Lennox, earth witch and paranormal investigator, has a whole slew of problems. Her magic is as finicky as a jackrabbit in the desert; the local werewolf alpha lurks around every corner, giving her death threats; and a certain sexy werewolf isn’t returning her calls.
What’s a witch to do? Focus on work.
Betty is hired to investigate a one-eighty personality change in a woman who was going to divorce her husband but suddenly loves him again. That’s suspicious by itself, but the fact that he’s a member of the local coven puts Betty on high alert.
With her team of allies—Ida, her BFF and a retired necromancer; Fennel, a magical cat, and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome with a penchant for explosives—Betty digs deeper into the case and quickly realizes this deadly plan goes far beyond Maya’s marriage. She finds herself facing off with witches, shifters, and dark, arcane magic.
The good news? Betty finds unexpected new allies to join her crew and help her solve the case. The bad news? Some of them start disappearing. It’s up to Betty and her unreliable magic to find her friends, protect her client, and save Smokethorn as something wicked this way comes…
For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.
“She told me Desmond said he was going to kill her.”
Betty Lennox, earth witch and paranormal investigator, has a whole slew of problems. Her magic is as finicky as a jackrabbit in the desert; the local werewolf alpha lurks around every corner, giving her death threats; and a certain sexy werewolf isn’t returning her calls.
What’s a witch to do? Focus on work.
Betty is hired to investigate a one-eighty personality change in a woman who was going to divorce her husband but suddenly loves him again. That’s suspicious by itself, but the fact that he’s a member of the local coven puts Betty on high alert.
With her team of allies—Ida, her BFF and a retired necromancer; Fennel, a magical cat, and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome with a penchant for explosives—Betty digs deeper into the case and quickly realizes this deadly plan goes far beyond Maya’s marriage. She finds herself facing off with witches, shifters, and dark, arcane magic.
The good news? Betty finds unexpected new allies to join her crew and help her solve the case. The bad news? Some of them start disappearing. It’s up to Betty and her unreliable magic to find her friends, protect her client, and save Smokethorn as something wicked this way comes…
For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
325 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Rider
19 books339 followersC.P. Rider has worked as a decorative and mural painter, a fitness instructor, and a background investigator for nuclear power plants, all of which prepared her in strange and different ways for writing paranormal and urban fantasy romance.
Originally from the California southwestern desert, she now lives a little closer to the ocean with her family, including 3 dogs, a cat, 2 fish, and the occasional friendly ghost.
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
January 31, 2026
This series has me hooked!!! I loved the development in this book, the way Rider developed Betty's character is delicious.
Plus, I'm very impressed with how she handles heavy themes such as domestic abuse, and mental health, as well as more benign ones as communicating with your partner etc.
I can't believe I have only 1 book left, the 5th one can't come fast enough!
Plus, I'm very impressed with how she handles heavy themes such as domestic abuse, and mental health, as well as more benign ones as communicating with your partner etc.
I can't believe I have only 1 book left, the 5th one can't come fast enough!
August 2, 2025
Really enjoying this series. Book 3 saw growth in all the character, especially Betty who has to face some had truths about why her magic isn’t working, her parentage, her mom’s best friend and her relationship with Robin. Her partners ( familiars) continue to be her rock and hilarious as always. The story is fast paced, action filled and the cliff hanger ending is 😩😩😳
June 1, 2025
absolutely my favorite and most satisfying read of this terrific series.
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Wicked Witch of the Wolf: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 3 by C.P. Rider is absolutely my favorite and most satisfying read of this terrific series.
When Betty’s friend, Bronwyn, asks her to investigate why Maya, a woman and close friend who had been seeking a divorce now has an odd personality and is content in her marriage. Marriage to a male witch known to be problematic and in Bronwyn’s coven.
Wicked Witch of the Wolf resolves a number of complex conflicts and character issues that have been long standing elements within the series. And it makes the book so compelling, satisfying and fascinating as it moves so many relationships forward.
The personal growth that Betty undergoes is enormous. That’s aligning with the magical power that comes from the knowledge and acceptance that she achieves here. Betty’s stubbornness or resistance to acknowledge certain truths, a trait she’s been slowly working through, is a main element of her storyline.
And the characters who have impacted her life in the past , here are the ones who will help her finally move forward.
There’s so many layers to this book . So many threads, great characters, new and old, fantastic developments, and one or two where I just want to thump Ronan, as he’s still too much “controlling, save the weak women” figure. Luckily, the women here are quick to tell him to knock it off, and they don’t need saving, and btw, they just saved him. He, however, is in need of much change or growth.
That may be coming next book.
As always the mysterious omnipresent DJ with their on point selection of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s rock music is fabulous.
I need to know if each book has a complete set list. Awesome.
Highly recommended and wish I had the next book now.
Cover design by The Book Brander”
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3
The Wolfing Hour #4 - Nov 30,2025
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Wicked Witch of the Wolf: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 3 by C.P. Rider is absolutely my favorite and most satisfying read of this terrific series.
When Betty’s friend, Bronwyn, asks her to investigate why Maya, a woman and close friend who had been seeking a divorce now has an odd personality and is content in her marriage. Marriage to a male witch known to be problematic and in Bronwyn’s coven.
Wicked Witch of the Wolf resolves a number of complex conflicts and character issues that have been long standing elements within the series. And it makes the book so compelling, satisfying and fascinating as it moves so many relationships forward.
The personal growth that Betty undergoes is enormous. That’s aligning with the magical power that comes from the knowledge and acceptance that she achieves here. Betty’s stubbornness or resistance to acknowledge certain truths, a trait she’s been slowly working through, is a main element of her storyline.
And the characters who have impacted her life in the past , here are the ones who will help her finally move forward.
There’s so many layers to this book . So many threads, great characters, new and old, fantastic developments, and one or two where I just want to thump Ronan, as he’s still too much “controlling, save the weak women” figure. Luckily, the women here are quick to tell him to knock it off, and they don’t need saving, and btw, they just saved him. He, however, is in need of much change or growth.
That may be coming next book.
As always the mysterious omnipresent DJ with their on point selection of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s rock music is fabulous.
I need to know if each book has a complete set list. Awesome.
Highly recommended and wish I had the next book now.
Cover design by The Book Brander”
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3
The Wolfing Hour #4 - Nov 30,2025
July 21, 2025
Of all of the books in the Smokethorn series, "Wicked Witch of the Wolf" is the best so far. Betty Lennox, the main character is definitely starting to grow into her own abilities and we are starting to learn more relevant information about the key characters in this series.
Additionally, up to this point the pacing is the series was a little sluggish. How, this time around everything was happening quickly and concisely. The action was off the chart and the friendships that are being forged were surprising.
This time around Betty has been asked to investigate the strange behavior of a friend of Brownwyn's who was planning to leave her husband but all of a sudden was sooo in love. This is just the start of wider conspiracy. The husband is linked to Alpha Floyd who has sanctioned a hit on none other but his son. Neither situation is not about to fly with Betty.
As Betty gets ready for action she manages to gather support from some of the most unlikely of acquaintances. There is a great deal of subterfuge and evil afoot and Betty is not about to allow any of this.
I really enjoyed this installment and really looking forward to the next one!
Additionally, up to this point the pacing is the series was a little sluggish. How, this time around everything was happening quickly and concisely. The action was off the chart and the friendships that are being forged were surprising.
This time around Betty has been asked to investigate the strange behavior of a friend of Brownwyn's who was planning to leave her husband but all of a sudden was sooo in love. This is just the start of wider conspiracy. The husband is linked to Alpha Floyd who has sanctioned a hit on none other but his son. Neither situation is not about to fly with Betty.
As Betty gets ready for action she manages to gather support from some of the most unlikely of acquaintances. There is a great deal of subterfuge and evil afoot and Betty is not about to allow any of this.
I really enjoyed this installment and really looking forward to the next one!
June 15, 2025
Things are hotting up all around! 🔥😁
Wow, another mighty fine instalment in Betty’s magical and personal journey. Things are not as they seemed to have been regarding some people in this story, in both good and bad ways, mostly bad tbf. Some remain an enigma - yes Mason, I’m looking at you! 🤨 And the Rat pack become more involved 🐀👀 I’ve said it before, but it really does feel like I’m travelling this rocky but wonderful road alongside our Betty. Love Cheryl’s writing and all her books, but this series I feel even more connected to and invested in. I think that one of the (many) reasons I love Betty so much is because she’s got flaws, issues and insecurities, but has/is recognising and working on them in a (mostly!) mature way.
Cecil, as always, is an unpredictable delight. As is Fennel ✖️Love them both 💖
Gah, I really want to say so much more, but will be spoilering all over the place if I do! 😆🤷🏼♀️ Very much looking forward to the last (😢) book and the showdown that is definitely coming - sooner rather than later if the epilogue is any indication! 😮😁💖
Wow, another mighty fine instalment in Betty’s magical and personal journey. Things are not as they seemed to have been regarding some people in this story, in both good and bad ways, mostly bad tbf. Some remain an enigma - yes Mason, I’m looking at you! 🤨 And the Rat pack become more involved 🐀👀 I’ve said it before, but it really does feel like I’m travelling this rocky but wonderful road alongside our Betty. Love Cheryl’s writing and all her books, but this series I feel even more connected to and invested in. I think that one of the (many) reasons I love Betty so much is because she’s got flaws, issues and insecurities, but has/is recognising and working on them in a (mostly!) mature way.
Cecil, as always, is an unpredictable delight. As is Fennel ✖️Love them both 💖
Gah, I really want to say so much more, but will be spoilering all over the place if I do! 😆🤷🏼♀️ Very much looking forward to the last (😢) book and the showdown that is definitely coming - sooner rather than later if the epilogue is any indication! 😮😁💖
December 3, 2025
Hired secretly by the witch Bronwyn to help a friend of hers who has had a complete personality change – from going to leave her abusive husband to a Stepford wife, Betty has some interesting work to do.
Finding out the husband is in the coven and an earth witch doesn’t make things easier. Tracking down the cause of the change is difficult as well.
This book has a bit of mystery, lots of magic, kidnappings, surprises, suspense, humour, danger, new and old friends, new and old enemies, in other words a bit of everything. There is even the bit of romance.
Betty is still struggling with her power but at times it seems easier than others.
One of my favourite things was the description of the ex-mayor, a rat shifter, saying it was a perfect description, rat politicians.
Everything is described so well, you feel like you are there. The characters are wonderful as are the interactions – everything seems perfectly normal when there are such sarcastic people involved.
This is a really good series.
Finding out the husband is in the coven and an earth witch doesn’t make things easier. Tracking down the cause of the change is difficult as well.
This book has a bit of mystery, lots of magic, kidnappings, surprises, suspense, humour, danger, new and old friends, new and old enemies, in other words a bit of everything. There is even the bit of romance.
Betty is still struggling with her power but at times it seems easier than others.
One of my favourite things was the description of the ex-mayor, a rat shifter, saying it was a perfect description, rat politicians.
Everything is described so well, you feel like you are there. The characters are wonderful as are the interactions – everything seems perfectly normal when there are such sarcastic people involved.
This is a really good series.
June 3, 2025
Smokethorn is the place to be!
I have never read a C.P. Rider series or book that fails to knock my socks off. This series and this book especially take it to another level. Betty is back her friends and enemies list seems to be merging and changing in ways she doesn’t quite understand. Her relationship with Ronan seems to be great one day and radio (and telephone) silent the next and her Grandfather the demon is lurking in the shadows. Her magic is stronger and stranger but still not what it was and she is scared but her friend Bronwyn asks her to help a shifter friend of hers and things go from bad to oh so worse. She has new allies and of course her posse is with her but it will take everything she has and more to defeat the evil in Smokethorn. The level of action is non stop and the descriptions of the earth magic are profound and affecting in the best ways possible. Get this book today.
I have never read a C.P. Rider series or book that fails to knock my socks off. This series and this book especially take it to another level. Betty is back her friends and enemies list seems to be merging and changing in ways she doesn’t quite understand. Her relationship with Ronan seems to be great one day and radio (and telephone) silent the next and her Grandfather the demon is lurking in the shadows. Her magic is stronger and stranger but still not what it was and she is scared but her friend Bronwyn asks her to help a shifter friend of hers and things go from bad to oh so worse. She has new allies and of course her posse is with her but it will take everything she has and more to defeat the evil in Smokethorn. The level of action is non stop and the descriptions of the earth magic are profound and affecting in the best ways possible. Get this book today.
June 3, 2025
Another great book
The characters continue to grow through each book. The magic seems real. The action moves the story forward and the romance is handled with the perfect amount of spice. Conversations have a touch of humor. The world building sounds like somewhere I would like to live.
The characters continue to grow through each book. The magic seems real. The action moves the story forward and the romance is handled with the perfect amount of spice. Conversations have a touch of humor. The world building sounds like somewhere I would like to live.
June 6, 2025
Fantastic Book
The author drew me into the story. I found myself reading until I finished it. I am a big fan of urban fantasy and C. P. Rider writes some really great urban fantasy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
The author drew me into the story. I found myself reading until I finished it. I am a big fan of urban fantasy and C. P. Rider writes some really great urban fantasy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 16, 2025
Best book in the series. Betty finally connects with her magic in many great ways. Plenty of action and character growth across the group. Changes come to her relationship with Ronan also. The secondary characters frequently make the story. There is a definite hook for book 4 at the end.
November 2, 2025
I Need More
OMG- I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!. This story just keeps getting better and better. I’ve never been so invested in a series before. The author is so good at sucking you in and being a part of the story.
OMG- I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!. This story just keeps getting better and better. I’ve never been so invested in a series before. The author is so good at sucking you in and being a part of the story.
November 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book. There was actually some forward movement with main character as well as the romance, so that part didn't get pushed off into yet another book. But for sure a slow burn, so if you are not into that, this series is not for you. Otherwise it is a very enjoyable read, good story line, etc.
June 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this. Betty finally found her true self.
June 8, 2025
great series
Strong women, confident men, a gnome, a cat who’s not a cat and some adventures, crisis, mayhem and magic. I am really enjoying this story
Strong women, confident men, a gnome, a cat who’s not a cat and some adventures, crisis, mayhem and magic. I am really enjoying this story
June 8, 2025
4.5 stars
June 9, 2025
Best Book of the Series (So Far)
Betty finally comes into her own. Rat shifters enter into the power equation and the shifter Omega concept comes into play. Fun, fun, fun!
Betty finally comes into her own. Rat shifters enter into the power equation and the shifter Omega concept comes into play. Fun, fun, fun!
June 11, 2025
Solid series.
June 13, 2025
Another great book!
Lots of character growth in this installment and I really enjoyed it. Betty and Ronan are so much fun to follow. I can't wait for Book 4!
Lots of character growth in this installment and I really enjoyed it. Betty and Ronan are so much fun to follow. I can't wait for Book 4!
June 20, 2025
Good story
I like this series. The murderous gnome cracks me up. Can't wait for third installment. Wish it would be here sooner
I like this series. The murderous gnome cracks me up. Can't wait for third installment. Wish it would be here sooner
June 26, 2025
Enjoyed Betty’s development and looking forward to the next
The Ronan conflict felt a bit off
The Ronan conflict felt a bit off
July 4, 2025
This is a fun series. I love the characters. A highly recommended urban fantasy with a slow burn romance and quirky characters.
August 4, 2025
love this writer but too slow burn but getting there
August 27, 2025
This is a fun read that progresses the story well. A lot of the unanswered questions are answered and the MC continues to show growth. If you liked the previous books you will love this one.
October 25, 2025
Such a good urban fantasy series!! Great character development. Pyro gnome. Demons. Elementals. Found family. Sexy shifter. What more could you want?
Read
November 29, 2025This is on my saved but really not sure if I’ll go back and finish
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews