All her life, Wanda thought that things would be better once she received her magical powers. Turns out, not so much.
The Minister for Magical Law is insisting that Wanda go back to school before she can become a working member of the Wayfair coven. Oh, and she’s also insisting that Wanda perform no magic at all until she’s passed all of her tests.
But Wanda’s coven needs her now more than ever. Witches are going missing, and skeletons are turning up in closets and changing rooms all over Ireland. Will Wanda stick to the Minister’s rules, or will she risk it all to help the people she loves?
A.A. Albright lives in the Irish countryside with her husband.
She loves reading in every genre, but writing cozy mysteries is just about the most fun she's had in a decade.
To keep up to date with the latest news from A.A. and to be the first to hear about new releases, you can join her mailing list: http://www.subscribepage.com/z4n0f4
Who knew? I’m usually not a witch (or paranormal) fan. But these? I’m really liking them! I found Bricking It, better than the first and once again had me downloading book three to continue these cozy mysteries.
I love Wanda’s outlook on life and her strength, and humorous self. She’s a great main character who keeps things lively and is always in the most interesting situations.
Some of the drama is, maybe, a bit ridiculous, but it works so well here. The absurdity of the Minister and other characters in Wanda’s world make me roll my eyes, then furiously read to make sure things work out in Wanda’s favor.
I’m curious how these will continue with Wanda learning more about her powers, and maybe falling in love?! I need to know.
Terrific concept that I really wish were better executed
Three things bother me quite a lot about the Riddler's Cove books, of which this title is one.
First of all, the protagonists in all three of them that I have read are perky to the point of being shallow. The author uses a rushed, self-conscious first person voice to write them that comes off as over-caffeinated and immature; the heroine of this book seemed closer to 14 than 21.
There is a glaring error/omission concerning the timing of witchcraft matters. The view of witchcraft itself is that espoused by most video games. Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching and Granny Weatherwax books from the Discworld series are much more accurate.
The perkiness bothers me a little more than the timing errors/video-game witchcraft, but it's a lack of commas that drives me nuts. A decent line editor is badly needed.
Beyond those faults, these Riddler's Cove books are adequately plotted, although the romances in all three I read are pretty vapid. Hot guy, love at first sight, yadda yadda. This one was actually better in that regard than the other two.
Characterization is noticeable mainly by its absence. Beyond a bare physical description, we have no idea what these people are like as individuals.
Riddler's Cove is a terrific concept. I really wish the series were better executed, and maybe a little more deeply imagined.
Very definitely a five star book. There are a number of paranormal/fantasy books which also involve murder mysteries available at present and many of them are at best a mediocre main story line with the paranormal added simply to explain away huge holes in the plot lines. It is amazing what you can get away with when all you have to do is add in a mysterious tip from a ghost or having a magical power that enables you to simply cast off your bindings and catch the baddie in the act. This series however have a good plot and any paranormal activities are an added extra rather than being used to fill in where the writers imagination failed them at a crucial moment. Added in a number of amusing comments that make you wonder if the writer is actually alluding to more than simply the plot and this book is well worth reading. You will certainly see Dublin in an entirely new light (and I will be looking for Luna Court the next time I drive through Phoenix Park/Dublin 7.
Wanda needs to pass some tests to become a licensed Wayfair. The problem is the person running things, the Minister, hates her and her family and is going to make it almost impossible for her to pass the exams. The minister is a good example of a person who wants to be a dictator and will do anything to anyone that they like on the idea that they will get away with it.
Witches are going missing but Plimpton, the Minister, won't allow Wanda to help in the investigation. Then there's the Minister's Peacemakers which are basically a form of Gestapo but rather stupid Gestapo.
Then you've got Max, a weredog and Dizzy, a bat, both of whom are interesting characters in their own right. Then Wanda's mother goes missing which puts even more pressure on Wanda.
It's a good story although I would have liked to have seen Plimpton deposed and exiled.
"Bricking It" is a delightful second installment in the Wayfair series that keeps the charm, humor, and heart of the first book alive. The characters are just as lovable (and sometimes frustrating!) as before, and it was great to see how their relationships and personal growth continue to develop. The setting is cozy and familiar, with just enough drama and twists to keep things interesting without losing the light, comforting tone that makes this series so enjoyable. I especially appreciated the witty dialogue and the sense of community that runs through the story. It didn’t quite hit the emotional highs of book one for me, which is why I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5, but it’s still a solid, entertaining read that fans of the series will definitely enjoy. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Absolutely Fabulous. Not only is she fighting to learn about her powers but also she is in a fight with the powers that be. Not allowed to carry out any magic or take part in any investigation she tries to do the best she can. However when her mother joins the number of missing witches that gets blown out of the water. No way is she just going to sit back now! Myths and legends raise their heads when they discover that the witches are not only being stripped of power but also life force. Can she survive and find the witches? Can she survive the establishment? Betrayal, magic and a broken heart follow her on her journey. The characters just keep getting better and better and the plot is a fresh look at the supernatural world. More please.
The author has a deft hand when it comes to world-building, and this story reads more as a link in an overriding story arc for this series. What exactly is the basis for the Wayfairs vs. Plimptons and Berrys enmity, and what's the more personal animus between Bea and Justine? The mystery feels like an afterthought plot device; there are no real clues to follow, and Wanda literally falls into the solution. The characters can also benefit from a bit more detailing; they are either stalwart and lovable or completely hateful. The bits of humor brighten this charming series, and the only substantive negative is the rather lax editing. And is it just me, or does this paranormal cozy feel oddly topical for these times?!
Omg I adore this series!!! I loved the first book and this book was even better!!
I adore reading about Wanda and her adventures! She is brilliant to read about with her fiery and stubborn nature that I loved! Another thing that I really enjoyed reading in this book was the family aspect and how much they obviously love and care about other as well as being super protective of each other
This author is so talented and I love the authors way of writing that really draws you in! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Wanda is still persona non grata as far as the Minister of Magical Law is concerned. She's even making Wanda take beginning with classes with children--on an accelerated schedule, of course. Then witches start disappearing and Wanda decides that she needs to find them. After all, she is a Wayfair. This is an intense story about prejudice and the conviction to overcome it. The politics could be found in many cities. An exciting read on what could be a great series.
This was a good followup to the rather different book one; we continue the world building and some characters are developed a bit better. The mystery this time is not terribly challenging, but is a necessity to the world building since it illuminates some characters and fills in some backstory. It was a good read.
The justice system in this world is so corrupt that it was extremely frustrating to read at times. But at least good trumps evil in a small way. But this place is ripe for a complete change of system. Let's hope they can achieve it sooner rather than later.
Witches are disappearing…just, POOF! How is Wanda supposed to get anything done for her classes so she can become a Wayfarer? How can she just not investigate? Even using her newly acquired power isn’t allowed. The Minister of Magic has made it all perfectly clear. Luckily, Wanda has a very supportive family and coven. This series is great!
The second book in this series is really great. It is well worth the time to read it. This is by far one of the best cozy mystery series that I have read so far. I cannot wait to get to the next book.
Wanda Wayfair is a delightful character and her coven is huge. I couldn't put it down. Great book. Max, Dizzy, and the wicked witch of the peacemakers and of course, Momma.
Wow, I never suspected this ending! Great story with lively character builds. I feel like I've gotten to know so many of the characters. Very hard to put this book down. I love the start, middle and end! Better than caramel!
4 and a half stars. An intriguing mystery involving people disappearing then turning up, not just dead, but as skeletons. I took off half a star because I'm finding the main character to be just about a clone of the main character in the Riddler's Edge mysteries.
A wonderful second book. The story was so interesting it was hard to put down until i was done. The continued battle with the minister of magical law is great.
Wanda has decided that she does want to pass the tests and become a full fledged witch, but of course the Berry coven is throwing obstacles in her way.