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Riddler's Edge #1

A Little Bit Witchy

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There has most definitely not been a murder on the Riddler’s Express.Aisling Smith is about to try out for a new job – a job writing for a paper she’s never heard of. But seeing as she’s currently writing classified ads and obituaries, it would be foolish not to give it a shot.Riddler’s Edge might be a small town, but it’s definitely not boring. The train hasn’t even pulled into the station, and already a woman has been murdered.According to the grumpy but gorgeous Detective Quinn, the passenger’s death wasn’t a murder at all. He insists that Bathsheba Brookes died of a nut allergy. Aisling doesn’t believe it for a minute. She intends to discover the real story – a difficult challenge, considering the town’s inhabitants seem to be keeping some very big secrets.Riddler’s Edge is a town where people wear sunglasses after dark, and creatures howl in the woods. It’s also a town where, despite the strange occurrences, Aisling feels right at home.But even if she gets to the bottom of Bathsheba’s death, Aisling might not get to be the Daily Riddler’s newest reporter. There’s one final, mysterious test that she must pass – a test carried out by the newspaper’s owner. And Aisling suspects he might be looking for more than just a journalist …

259 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2018

691 people are currently reading
504 people want to read

About the author

A.A. Albright

74 books107 followers
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

Or visit her website: https://aaalbright.com/

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5 stars
501 (47%)
4 stars
368 (35%)
3 stars
146 (13%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Micheline Ryckman.
Author 8 books409 followers
May 20, 2020
Ok, I had no idea there was such a thing as cozy mysteries—why did no one tell me before? This was delightfully fun! I loved the witty narration, the upbeat characters, and the paranormal twist. Definitely recommend! Especially if you’re in need of something that’ll push you out of a reading slump, or even if you just need a change of genre scenery. Looking forward to the next books!
Pssst... special thanks to my friend Caryn for recommending this! You are the best!
Profile Image for Caryn - iam.caryn.
787 reviews87 followers
February 25, 2021
Holy smokes this was FUN! I had no idea the genre of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries existed. Now my life is forever changed.

Quite frankly, this book was hilarious. The narrative the author chose is above and beyond any cozy mystery I’ve read. I giggled a lot throughout this whole book.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, then you’ll love this. It has everything a classic cozy mystery has, but with a little bit of magic mixed in for good measure.
Profile Image for Mel (ReadUntilTheLastPage).
960 reviews
August 28, 2020
I have been getting into cozy mysteries lately and this was my first paranormal one and I LOVED IT! If the paranormal aspect wasn't enough for me, the author is from Ireland so the book is set there and the audiobook is narrated by someone with an Irish accent which was super cool!

If you're looking for some quick, light reads for the Halloween season, I recommend giving this book a try!
Profile Image for Lauren.
149 reviews
Read
October 14, 2021
DNF - abandoned around 30%

I liked the idea of a cozy set in Ireland and that the audio was narrated by an Irish reader, but the story didn’t grab me. Nothing particularly wrong or bad about it, just too slow to hook me.
Profile Image for Maureen.
908 reviews
April 6, 2020
This was adorable! I sat down to read it and finished it a few hours later! I've enjoyed cozy mysteries before, but add the paranormal, great characters, and an Irish country setting, and you've hooked me! I'll definitely be continuing this series.
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,740 reviews646 followers
October 23, 2021
OH DID I ADORE THIS.

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I read A.A. Albright’s other series, Wayfair Witches, last year for October and this year I’m reading Riddler’s Edge! I adored this so much and can’t wait to binge the rest.

This was so much fun and introduced the new town and characters well. I liked the mystery and meeting all of magical souls. Witches, vampires, weredogs/wolves and more. Fuzz (the familiar) was cute and gives me all the black cat witchy vibes I love.

There’s clearly a set-up for the long game and I’m curious how that’ll all shake out as well. Not to mention this has what appears to be a great romantic plot line too and I am HERE FOR IT.

Can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal cozy mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: murder
Profile Image for Regina.
428 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2022
Ever have a book series you almost don't want to rate on GoodReads because then it'll have to be on your GoodReads? This would be one of those. Downloaded the series to my Kindle since it was free and I was traveling.
The writing is very subpar, the Mary Sue protagonist is far too oriented on boys, but the concept is... cute. The "Paranormal Cozy Mystery" byline does sum this up quite well. Honestly, having read about half of this series at this point, the general plot is pretty decent. But I would absolutely NOT recommend this to anyone who has standards for good writing; I've read fanfiction that is much, much better than this.
Actually, it would please me greatly to see this author get picked up by a quality editor so that someone could help them excavate their decent plot and good sense of humor out of what's currently here.
834 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2022
Started a little iffy to me but enjoyed it more the further into it I got. Looking forward to next book.
Profile Image for Alayne.
2,429 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2025
Very enjoyable! An entirely different sort of witchy book, and I loved it.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews53 followers
July 21, 2018
Will she pass the probation period?

Wonderful start to a new spin off series. Although she hasn't let the fact that she's an orphan get her down, the fact that she can't work as an investigative reporter does. However the new job might be just the answer she's looking for. Just as she's close to arriving at the village where she is to work a death occurs on the train. Why are some of the resident's strange, what is the strange mist she keeps seeing, what is the actual reason for her job offer? Will she get any answers whilst she looks into the death or will her new job be cut short by death. Great new characters, loads of different supernaturals all wrapped up in a plot that will not only have you changing your mind about the killer but also wanting to find out more about her origins. A terrific read.
Profile Image for Darkness.
42 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2022
This story was so cute! I really enjoyed the plot and it kept me not wanting to put my phone down because I just wanted to read another chapter!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
171 reviews17 followers
December 13, 2020
Okay so I loved this book. It was a quick read but a really entertaining one: if you are into cosy mysteries, and love a bit of magic in a book, then this is definitely for you!

I generally stay away from the paranormal/supernatural genre, but have been on a cosy mysteries binge (..ahem, all of 27 The Violet Carlyle cosy 1920s murder mysteries were consumed rather hungrily in about 10 days) and that drew me in. Plus, the hints of supernatural in the description didnt leave me thinking it was all about vampires and werewolves. And I was right?

The supernatural side of things was sort of... matter of fact? For the town Aishling arrives at, any paranormal/supernatural stuff seems to be part of daily lives, and as a result it was more like the background and context within which the murder was set. I think this was part of the reason I enjoyed it so much. It wasn't trying to be in this area. It was about a murder that just happened to be in supernatural setting. Or at least, I felt that way through reading it.

Also, the murder was by no means the only plot-line, and I really enjoyed the way all the questions were entwined within the book as a whole. I laughed a lot, and having finished it there are several of the characters I wish I could actually be friends with!

I finished it about 10 minutes ago, and now I’m off to go download the sequel!
Profile Image for Anita Sobreira.
292 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2025
A Little Bit Witchy is a charming and engaging read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal fiction. A.A. Albright has created a unique world filled with lovable characters and intriguing mysteries.

* **Engaging Plot:** The mystery surrounding the murder in Riddler's Edge is well-crafted and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

* **Charming Characters:** The characters in the book are quirky, lovable, and relatable. Aisling Smith is a strong and independent protagonist, and the supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story.

* **Unique World:** Riddler's Edge is a town unlike any other, with its own set of rules and secrets. The paranormal elements add an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

* **Humorous Tone:** The book is filled with witty banter and humorous situations, making it a light and enjoyable read.


A Little Bit Witchy is a fun and entertaining read that is perfect for those looking for a lighthearted mystery with a touch of the paranormal. A.A. Albright has created a world that is sure to captivate readers and leave them wanting more.
1,041 reviews5 followers
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August 9, 2019
As a child, Aisling Smith was been in and out of foster homes for one reason or another. Now she's a reporter on the hunt for the big story that will bring her out of the basement and get her writing somewhere near the front page. When her boss finds her notebook of suspicious things she's looking into, she gets a mysterious job offer for a newspaper in the town of Riddler's Edge that's owned by the same editor. The train ride there kicks off her visit with a bang: the woman she chats with in the food car winds up dead. Aisling knows it's murder, Detective Quinn brushes off her help, and Aisling is seeing so many things to add to her notebook: sunglasses and face wraps during the day, bizarre police batons that may or may not emit light, a cat that can walk through doors, etc. Finally, Quinn fills Aisling in, and together(ish) they solve the mystery. Meanwhile, the job offer was more of a trial, and there's a test looming at the end that Aisling wants no part of, regardless of the job.
Lots of paranormal elements explained. Interested start to a new series.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,602 reviews102 followers
July 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the start of this new to me series and definitely plan to continue reading. I loved all the new friends that Ash made when she transferred to Riddler's Cove to work a trial period at the magical newspaper there. It took a little bit for her to find out all of this, but everything was so cool when she found out. I enjoyed Greg's character a lot! I think if I was magical, I'd really be into all the fun tech and gadgets that could detect different things like he always worked on. Pru was an awesome new friend for Ash, and I have a feeling they might end up as besties and hopefully sleuth together.

The killer was a real twist. There was a showdown before the actual end of the book that was exciting, and Ash's new cat friend Fuzz got a lot of the credit for saving her life. I'm thinking of starting the next book right away. This one didn't leave anything hanging as far as mysteries go though, no worries.
Profile Image for Susan.
455 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2020
OMG-my perfect kind of book. Not sure how or why I got this book but I read it in one go and hope there are more with this group. Ash has been demoted to a crappy job at a newspaper when she gets a lunch meeting with the owner. He wants her to go to a village for a trial that will be a promotion and a pay raise. Ash grew up in foster homes and moved from one to another—she was strange and she saw strange things also—always thought it was a migraine but the Drs couldn’t figure it out. Never lt she belonged anywhere. Now she does, she loves the town although most people she works with don’t seem to like her but she is used to it. All sorts of weird , strange, interesting things go on that week and by the time she is to meet the boss to be told if she is staying or going no one wants her to leave—but does the boss and what is this all about? Well, you will have to read the book to find out—I hope you love it as much as I did!!
Profile Image for Brad.
696 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2019
Enjoyable Story and Mystery

Aisling finds herself thrown into a world of magic starting with a strange train ride to a new job and a murder. As a investigative journalist, she dives into the mystery only to find she’s living in a very strange place.

The story slowly reveals the truth to Aisling and to us as she starts to learn about herself, her history, and the people around her.

This supernatural world is different, in nice ways, from other magical worlds I’ve encountered. There are some refreshing twists, a lot less evil, and a look at the daily lives of magical characters.

There is some good character development and scenes brought to life by good descriptions. This was fun to read, hard to put down, and had a few twists that were surprising including the ending.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
338 reviews1 follower
Read
February 24, 2020
I don't do book reviews

I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2018

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.
1,769 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2019
Wavering Sight

What an absolutely magical read ,so many wanderfull and wimsicle caracters,.Ireland has always been known for I'ts others and A.A.Albright is giving os readers her imaginative version of a twenty-ninish woman who has never known family abandoned in her first years of life. She's seen things others can't making for a difficult childhood, an odd life in foster care but she's may have found a home, as well friends, a cat and a new job. But on the way to her new life a murder happens lieveing a mystery to be solved, is she up for the task along with making a few discovery about herself .This storey is piled with humor, mayhem, compassion and twists and turns. ENJOY Kat
Profile Image for S.J. Higbee.
Author 15 books41 followers
April 20, 2020
This is an engaging paranormal murder mystery, with an interesting premise. I like Aisling and the situation is well written, giving me a strong sense of the world in which this is set. However I did have issues with the pacing – it took too long for our plucky heroine to fully realise she was in a place where the rules are different. Because until that hurdle was overcome, the story couldn’t really take off and so it was a case of the reader getting there before the protagonist, which got rather old, rather fast.

However, that was the only major niggle I had with this entertaining story, which had some intriguing twists, several romantic contenders and an interestingly nuanced antagonist. Overall, a strong start to the series.
8/10
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,841 reviews20 followers
June 3, 2020
Quirky

Aisling Smith is a reporter who likes to actually report what people say and see rather than the sanitized, ordinary reports her editor prefers she write.
When a new job opportunity in a small town called Riddler’s Edge arises, she jumps at the chance to be an investigative reporter once more.
Then there is a death on the train she came in on, and the odd behaviour of many of the locals has her questioning, just what IS going on in Riddler’s Edge?

This quirky supernatural cozy mystery introduces us, and Aisling, to a magical world, where the supernatural isn’t abnormal and where Aisling finds herself strangely at home.
It’s an enjoyable read, with a slightly different take. Recommended for fans of paranormal cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Ann Dewar.
855 reviews6 followers
July 29, 2020
Aw, this is just daft and fun and allows me to sink into an Irish accent, which is my happy place. It’s hard to describe: think a cross between Stephanie Meyers and Charlaine Harris if either of them had a sense of humour and wrote with their tongue in their cheek. There are vamps, witches, wizards, werewolves and Uncle Tom Cobbly and all but it made me smile and cheered me up so that’s a big thumbs up in my book.

I can’t help but wonder what the hell they are feeding fantasy writers in Ireland? How do they come up with brilliant characters and wicked humour, even when covering quite tired genres? I am talking to you Eoin Colfer, Derek Landy, et al. Whatever it is, please giving it to them.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,636 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2020
A winner!

Aisling is such fun; she's stubborn, resilient, and SO funny. I like the first person style that allows for the hilarious asides to the reader and a closer connection through her (sometimes convoluted) thought processes. The world-building is imaginative, and likable characters are much-needed allies for Aisling, because Mr. Albright seems sinister. The mystery is well imagined and bittersweet. And I love the adorable mental picture of Fuzz and the broom; there's a secret or two there, for sure! I enjoyed this author's Wayfair witches and the cameo from Greta; it's good that this Riddler's Edge series looks like another winner!
Profile Image for TP.
1,038 reviews48 followers
December 16, 2024
The first three books in this series were an entertaining read. Although the more the story progressed the less I liked the series and eventually I lost interest.
The plot is funny and keeps you a lot longer on the book, it is simply good.
But the characters start to lack and then suddenly fissures appear in the authors world building. It’s starts small, mentioned magical potential is not used in fights or as strategic measures, or things simply are overlooked by the characters. The characters get more one dimensional all of a sudden. And in the end the world building doesn’t add up with the characteristics we have been told. I didn’t finish the series.
Profile Image for Helen.
304 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2022
This was fun. A young reporter is given a chance to visit a new town and work for the paper there. On the train to the town another woman is killed and Aisling Smith is on the case. Some of the townsfolk like her, some seem to oppose her, but she finds answers by asking lots of questions.

Oh, and she was a foundling and someone in town thinks she might be a close relative....

This was amusing and light hearted and rather enjoyable. I would happily read another book in the series if I have the chance.
1,372 reviews21 followers
November 6, 2024
🎧4⭐️

This was available on audible plus at the time of listening

I had the audiobook read by Sarah-Jane Scott I really enjoyed her narration.

Aisling Smith is trying out for a new job on a paper that she hasn’t heard of.

This is a lighthearted fun witchy tale. It’s short at a smudge under 5 hours.

The world building is done well, it’s more of an ‘out there’ witch related book than I’m used to reading but I really enjoyed it first some light entertainment.
64 reviews
October 12, 2018
GREAT NEW SERIES!

I am happy to say that this is going to be another great series, imo! And it's great to find another one! 😁. I hope the series is as good as I hope it will be, based on the first book. I like Aisley, her spunk and feistiness, and that she's fitting in at her new town, job, and with her new friends. Great job! I like A.A. Albright books!
210 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2019
Witch? Maybe!

Don't usually read these kind of witch craft books but this was an exception. A funny mystery that dealt with witches, vampires and other unnatural elements. Interesting and enjoyable reading. Would read another book by this author. I like the fact that you at the end of the book all information was given about the different creatures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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