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Wisteria Witches #12
Winter in Wisteria
Something evil has been unleashed and is heading toward Wisteria. With its lawyer.
Meanwhile, Zara Riddle is picking winter snowberries when an old friend makes a surprise appearance. Zara is led to a remote log cabin, where she finds a zookeeper in trouble.
No good deed goes unpunished, and Zara gets caught up in a mysterious conspiracy involving something called Activator X.
Zara learns the hard way that some people will do anything to get their hands on Activator X.
Can Zara and her supernatural friends save the day and still get home in time to welcome a new family member?
Trouble has been unsealed, and it's coming to town!
Meanwhile, Zara Riddle is picking winter snowberries when an old friend makes a surprise appearance. Zara is led to a remote log cabin, where she finds a zookeeper in trouble.
No good deed goes unpunished, and Zara gets caught up in a mysterious conspiracy involving something called Activator X.
Zara learns the hard way that some people will do anything to get their hands on Activator X.
Can Zara and her supernatural friends save the day and still get home in time to welcome a new family member?
Trouble has been unsealed, and it's coming to town!
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2020
377 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Angela Pepper
60 books592 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Angela Pepper lives with her family in the rainy Pacific Northwest, surrounded by spoiled kitties, deer, raccoons, and the biggest woodpeckers you've ever seen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 23, 2021
2021 bk 13. I finished this book just as the crowds rushed the Capital building on January 6. I wasn't able to pick up a fiction book again until after the January 21. (The later is more a memory note to myself, not necessarily those who read my reviews.) Image : a winter's snow covers the mountain outside of town. Zara and friend go out to pick winter snowberries and stumble upon a remote log cabin and a zookeeper badly beaten. It appears that Zara's half sister can be placed at the scene and is in trouble with her boss. Helping her sister is Zara's number one goal - learning about a mysterious substance called Activator X just happens to fall into sight. A fun read and the start of a new adventure for her boyfriend, Bentley.
January 29, 2024
Loved this. I hated how there was a special serum that granted a regular person powers. I hate how obsessed Xavier’s cousin was with it and I hate what she did because of it. I love that it all starts off with berry picking and then everything goes wrong. I love that her sister finally comes clean about who she was seeing and how they’re able to figure out what happened to the poor zookeeper. I felt bad for Xavier but I’m glad he survived and was able to continue living his life. I hate how Zara’s mom comes back into the story and is as usual sleeping with the zookeeper.
March 20, 2023
Charming, eccentric characters; insight & humor; murder mystery
I love the slice-of-life insights into humans and assorted creatures, the character- and plot-based surprises and challenges, and the resolutions that arise from the creative determination and efforts of the quirky characters. Tossed in are honesty, perceptive evaluations of others, humor, successful and unsuccessful dissembling, chance, dangers, naturally developing relationships, and personal growth.
I love the slice-of-life insights into humans and assorted creatures, the character- and plot-based surprises and challenges, and the resolutions that arise from the creative determination and efforts of the quirky characters. Tossed in are honesty, perceptive evaluations of others, humor, successful and unsuccessful dissembling, chance, dangers, naturally developing relationships, and personal growth.
November 3, 2020
I received this as an ARC copy to read and review. Every once in a while you read a book and just fall in love with it. That's what happened with me and this book. I love the characters; Ribbons the Wyvern, Frank Wonder and his new look, the Snow Vole and the regular witches plus some of the new ones. I had some of those wonderful laugh out loud moments while reading - especially the woolbirds and their antics. The story starts with Zara picking snowberries with a new witch and then the sighting of a ghost and an almost ghost. They follow them to an old cabin and find the almost ghost clinging to life and then trying to find out if it was an accident or attempted murder. There are some really WOW moments as Zara learns of a secret experiment and drug. Some quirky twists and turns that all come together in the ending. I can't wait until the next one comes out to see how everything plays out in the long run. This is one of my favorite series and I am always thrilled when a new book comes out.
October 31, 2020
Zara is picking berries with Fatima when show up to see her. Zara follows the ghost to the house of the zookeeper. Zara discovers that he is still alive, she does her best to save him. Zara is also mentoring her Ambrosia, since she has the same abilities she does.
Zara decides to go see the guy that was hurt, is given information to give to Bentley. Zara decides to take Fatima to ask some questions in regards to the zookeeper. Zara also learns that Persphone was also at the cabin as well.
Zara is dealing with her ghost, she is pretty sure her mother is coming to town. There are a lot of things that happen in this book. I didn't want to give to much away. This book was really fun, entertaining, the aspects of family, and the mystery to needs to be solved. I recommend reading this book.
Zara decides to go see the guy that was hurt, is given information to give to Bentley. Zara decides to take Fatima to ask some questions in regards to the zookeeper. Zara also learns that Persphone was also at the cabin as well.
Zara is dealing with her ghost, she is pretty sure her mother is coming to town. There are a lot of things that happen in this book. I didn't want to give to much away. This book was really fun, entertaining, the aspects of family, and the mystery to needs to be solved. I recommend reading this book.
May 12, 2021
What Is Going On Here?
I picked this up needing a light fluffy read, to balance out the other books I'm currently reading. I've enjoyed the Wisteria books. I will put it out there and say, the first five - at most - are the best. After that point Pepper seemed to get bored of her own creation. She did a sub-series (the City Hall duo) which, in my opinion, fell flat. Then started a new "Daybreak" section of the Wisteria world. Not my favorite era of the series so far, but still enjoyable enough.
Then I opened this one ... I couldn't even make it through the first chapter. Who is writing this? It doesn't feel like the other books. There's no prep, no charm, no energy. I nearly fell asleep trying to read it. I like the character of Fatima, but that whole opening "conversation" felt like a bad way to fill up page space.
What is going on? I know Pepper is writing books under the different name of Angie Pepper, and under that name has a book coming out every month through September 2021. That seems ... insane? Since she has two or three series going at the same time.
I fear she might be turning into one of those authors that has seventeen unfinished "series" going, and splits a 100k book into two or three novellas to scrape more money out of readers. I wonder if she bit off more than she could chew? Or just got bored of Wisteria, and instead of giving it a proper ending, it's just going to die out.
I do plan to come back to this one at another date, but wow. This a rough start. I hope all my cynical predictions are wrong and she's still having a blast with this series.
I picked this up needing a light fluffy read, to balance out the other books I'm currently reading. I've enjoyed the Wisteria books. I will put it out there and say, the first five - at most - are the best. After that point Pepper seemed to get bored of her own creation. She did a sub-series (the City Hall duo) which, in my opinion, fell flat. Then started a new "Daybreak" section of the Wisteria world. Not my favorite era of the series so far, but still enjoyable enough.
Then I opened this one ... I couldn't even make it through the first chapter. Who is writing this? It doesn't feel like the other books. There's no prep, no charm, no energy. I nearly fell asleep trying to read it. I like the character of Fatima, but that whole opening "conversation" felt like a bad way to fill up page space.
What is going on? I know Pepper is writing books under the different name of Angie Pepper, and under that name has a book coming out every month through September 2021. That seems ... insane? Since she has two or three series going at the same time.
I fear she might be turning into one of those authors that has seventeen unfinished "series" going, and splits a 100k book into two or three novellas to scrape more money out of readers. I wonder if she bit off more than she could chew? Or just got bored of Wisteria, and instead of giving it a proper ending, it's just going to die out.
I do plan to come back to this one at another date, but wow. This a rough start. I hope all my cynical predictions are wrong and she's still having a blast with this series.
October 31, 2020
It’s never just a simple week for Zara, stumbling upon a crime scene is the norm. Between her job as librarian, mom, witch and occasional detective Zara is quite busy. I really enjoy her adventures because the people and critters surrounding her are very intriguing. The way the crime is solved creates a wonderful puzzle of clues and accurate assumptions. You could probably pick this book up and read without the previous stories but there is depth to the characters and imbedded history you’d feel as if you missed something. I’m always thankful to receive an early copy from the author and I wrote this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2020
I love Wisteria. I can’t wait to see how the new ideas added in this book play out in the next one. Zara seemed a little impatient (and sometimes kind of mean) in this one, but she’s been through a lot so I’m cutting her some slack. I’m ready for another Zinnia book! For as long as this author continues to write Wisteria, I’ll continue to read it.
August 7, 2021
WINTER IN WISTERIA is the twelfth book in the Wisteria Witches series. I recommend reading the full series and in the order of release.
Zara and Persephone are becoming closer as sisters. To me it’s odd to think of meeting a sister as you’re both adults. You don’t have the family memories to fall back on. Instead, they are building new history that will be their memories in the future.
I love this family that teases, loves, harasses, and will always defend one another.
As always, I love my moments listening to my friends from Wisteria. This book is no different – entertaining, funny, a ghost, and a mystery to be solved. I recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
Narration: Once again Tiffany Williams brings our many favored characters to life with no loss of individuality. Only she could be the voice for the Wisteria Witches and friends.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WINTER IN WISTERIA
Series: Wisteria Witches # 12
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)
Zara and Persephone are becoming closer as sisters. To me it’s odd to think of meeting a sister as you’re both adults. You don’t have the family memories to fall back on. Instead, they are building new history that will be their memories in the future.
I love this family that teases, loves, harasses, and will always defend one another.
As always, I love my moments listening to my friends from Wisteria. This book is no different – entertaining, funny, a ghost, and a mystery to be solved. I recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
Narration: Once again Tiffany Williams brings our many favored characters to life with no loss of individuality. Only she could be the voice for the Wisteria Witches and friends.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WINTER IN WISTERIA
Series: Wisteria Witches # 12
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)
February 10, 2021
Magic, Mentorship, Mystery and Mayhem
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is the 12th novel in the Wisteria series. Zara is in full on mentor role to multiple younger characters. How far she has come in the past year! However that doesn't mean she doesn't still have a lot to learn.
The main plot concerns a blood soaked cabin and the injured man inside. The question comes up - what would you be willing to do to have powers in a world when you're surrounded by witches, shifters, ghosts, genies and more.
The tale itself is a self contained, closed room mystery but there are several swerves along the way. The answers tie together mysteries from throughout the history and behind the scenes of Wisteria.
The cast of characters and connections continues to grow. This book is accessible but I would read the previous volumes first (and they're wonderful to boot)
Tiffany Williams give another luminescent performance bringing the tale to life. This is just the thing to brighten your day.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is the 12th novel in the Wisteria series. Zara is in full on mentor role to multiple younger characters. How far she has come in the past year! However that doesn't mean she doesn't still have a lot to learn.
The main plot concerns a blood soaked cabin and the injured man inside. The question comes up - what would you be willing to do to have powers in a world when you're surrounded by witches, shifters, ghosts, genies and more.
The tale itself is a self contained, closed room mystery but there are several swerves along the way. The answers tie together mysteries from throughout the history and behind the scenes of Wisteria.
The cast of characters and connections continues to grow. This book is accessible but I would read the previous volumes first (and they're wonderful to boot)
Tiffany Williams give another luminescent performance bringing the tale to life. This is just the thing to brighten your day.
April 2, 2021
This is my review of the audio version as posted in Audible:
Every comeback to Wisteria means fun, entertainment, and a lot of laughter...
There's murder, there's humour, there's magic and there's Riddle craziness and madness - what more can you wish for? :)
As usual, Zara gets involved in a criminal investigation, this time with some help from her younger apprentices, as usual the solution comes as a nice surprise after a few well done twists and as usual, the house almost steals the show:) One thing is certain - with the Wisteria series, you can be sure to get a good cozy mystery, a great comedy and a bit of healthy madness in a book that is unputdownable:)
Narration by Ms Williams is wonderful again - distinctive voices perfectly match the individual characters, the pace of her reading is just right and the story just comes to life with her voice:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Every comeback to Wisteria means fun, entertainment, and a lot of laughter...
There's murder, there's humour, there's magic and there's Riddle craziness and madness - what more can you wish for? :)
As usual, Zara gets involved in a criminal investigation, this time with some help from her younger apprentices, as usual the solution comes as a nice surprise after a few well done twists and as usual, the house almost steals the show:) One thing is certain - with the Wisteria series, you can be sure to get a good cozy mystery, a great comedy and a bit of healthy madness in a book that is unputdownable:)
Narration by Ms Williams is wonderful again - distinctive voices perfectly match the individual characters, the pace of her reading is just right and the story just comes to life with her voice:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 18, 2024
This installment was full of twists and turns, right from the very beginning. Fatima Nix has landed a solid spot on my bad list, and I don’t expect her to come off of it anytime soon. On the other hand, I’m admittedly liking Bentley more and more. And of course, I’m glad that to see our old friend back from his vacation.
It was fun to see more about Xavier, and we gained a lot of insight about why he hates the “Red Shirt” nickname. The whole roommate situation was crazy, but also not super unexpected. He’s an interesting character, and I’m excited to see more about him.
I will say that this is one of those books that really showcases Zara’s more frustrating traits—specifically, her inability to perceive how she affects others and why they get annoyed with her. That being said, I’m still on her side when it comes to the two characters who really went head-to-head with her in this book.
All in all, another solid addition to the series. Looking forward to the next one.
It was fun to see more about Xavier, and we gained a lot of insight about why he hates the “Red Shirt” nickname. The whole roommate situation was crazy, but also not super unexpected. He’s an interesting character, and I’m excited to see more about him.
I will say that this is one of those books that really showcases Zara’s more frustrating traits—specifically, her inability to perceive how she affects others and why they get annoyed with her. That being said, I’m still on her side when it comes to the two characters who really went head-to-head with her in this book.
All in all, another solid addition to the series. Looking forward to the next one.
April 28, 2021
Fantastic YA Witchy Mystery
Parents: this is really geared for the YA to adult reader, there's a lot of joking, insinuations made and near bedroom happenings but overall is still kept pretty clean (free of f-bombs and minimal bad language)... It's on a PG13 level and I would say high school and up readers.
Zara's such a fun, colorful and sassy character that it is simply a really entertaining read, and the mystery side is always well done with enough twists to keep you on your toes. The narration is top notch as always and a ton of fun to listen to. This series is one that I can listen to again and again and continue to enjoy it. I do recommend reading them in order or you may be a touch lost as this is the 12th book.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: this is really geared for the YA to adult reader, there's a lot of joking, insinuations made and near bedroom happenings but overall is still kept pretty clean (free of f-bombs and minimal bad language)... It's on a PG13 level and I would say high school and up readers.
Zara's such a fun, colorful and sassy character that it is simply a really entertaining read, and the mystery side is always well done with enough twists to keep you on your toes. The narration is top notch as always and a ton of fun to listen to. This series is one that I can listen to again and again and continue to enjoy it. I do recommend reading them in order or you may be a touch lost as this is the 12th book.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 7, 2021
I'm still loving this series. I love the whole concept of this story, the mystery about what really happened to the zookeeper and the Activator X.
And it seems that the relationship between Zara and her mother might be in the mend. At least, Zara's house seems to think so *laughs*
I also loved the storyline about the ghost and her budgie ♥
As always, there were a lot of out-laugh moments and some surprises like Frank Wonder's new look :P
Another great story in this series and, as always, Tiffany Williams does an excellent job with the narration.
And it seems that the relationship between Zara and her mother might be in the mend. At least, Zara's house seems to think so *laughs*
I also loved the storyline about the ghost and her budgie ♥
As always, there were a lot of out-laugh moments and some surprises like Frank Wonder's new look :P
Another great story in this series and, as always, Tiffany Williams does an excellent job with the narration.
February 24, 2021
Great characters! Lots of imagination! Tons of laughs!
This is the most recent in a fantastic fun series that a reader can drop into anywhere but will be so intrigued that more in the series must be read.
The laugh-o-meter is still stuck on high! No recap here and spoilers are silly when the best part of the book is how it makes us laugh regardless of reality!
The audio is narrated by Tiffany Williams who has the character interpretation skills of an operatic coloratura (that means that she can make character definitions no matter how many there are!).
This is the most recent in a fantastic fun series that a reader can drop into anywhere but will be so intrigued that more in the series must be read.
The laugh-o-meter is still stuck on high! No recap here and spoilers are silly when the best part of the book is how it makes us laugh regardless of reality!
The audio is narrated by Tiffany Williams who has the character interpretation skills of an operatic coloratura (that means that she can make character definitions no matter how many there are!).
March 9, 2021
As winter comes to Wisteria, Zara Riddle finds her days filled with ghosts, a pair of new interns and a mystery after she saves the life of a young zookeeper when he suffers from an unexplained head injury. Like all of the Wisteria stories, Zara's more persistent than efficient investigative techniques eventually bring her to the guilty parties though it's more by accident, or perhaps ghostly intervention, than through sleuthing skills.
This 12th volume was a fun romp through Zara's life and a completely entertaining read.
This 12th volume was a fun romp through Zara's life and a completely entertaining read.
July 9, 2021
Winter in Wisteria (WIsteria Witches #12) was a good read by Angela Pepper. Some sort of evil was unleashed with his lawyer and heading towards Wisteria. While Zara is picking winter snow berries, an old friend makes a surprise appearance. Zara finds herself at a remote log cabin and finds a zookeeper in trouble. Zara finds herself caught in a conspiracy that involved something called Activator X. She finds out quickly that some people will do anything to get their hands on Activator X. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
November 15, 2020
Love these books!
I pre-order them all before they come out,and try to stretch it out over a week or so. Otherwise, I would devour the whole thing in one sitting, and then where would we be? Haha!
Visiting Wisteria feels like going to visit your best friend (what even is that anymore, amirite? 😬), and get in some good girl time. Don't we all need a little more of that in our lives?
I pre-order them all before they come out,and try to stretch it out over a week or so. Otherwise, I would devour the whole thing in one sitting, and then where would we be? Haha!
Visiting Wisteria feels like going to visit your best friend (what even is that anymore, amirite? 😬), and get in some good girl time. Don't we all need a little more of that in our lives?
Read
January 31, 2021Always a delight
I love the direction this series has taken. I was hooked from chapter 1 but had no idea how Pepper was developing the story from three different perspectives. There are revelations that are both shocking and delightful with a few on going series' questions answered. I read to escape the real world and I love a good laugh. Pepper's comedic timing is perfect. I always finish an Angela Pepper book with a smile and that's my idea of an awesome book.
I love the direction this series has taken. I was hooked from chapter 1 but had no idea how Pepper was developing the story from three different perspectives. There are revelations that are both shocking and delightful with a few on going series' questions answered. I read to escape the real world and I love a good laugh. Pepper's comedic timing is perfect. I always finish an Angela Pepper book with a smile and that's my idea of an awesome book.
February 7, 2021
Audtiobook review: Another great Wisteria Witches Mysteries book! A few loose ends are tied in this book along with a mystery or two. :-). Enjoy the characters and ongoing action. The storyline arc is interesting and captivating. The narrator did a fantastic job with providing unique voices and appropriate tone inflections for each scene. I received a free copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Read
March 2, 2021l can't believe that this is book 12, Zara the red head witch, her wyvern and magical house are so entertaining l can see why this series is so successful. I recommend strongly you get the whole series and start at book one because often characters and references of past event are integrated into the current story. I love these books, they always make me smile. I have the audio book too and this narrator does a fantastic job with the voices, Count Chocular is a hoot,, the cat too.
February 22, 2021
Witchy Wonderland
As always the delightful Tiffany Williams has provided distinctive voices for all of the Riddle women and their companions. But the author, Angela Pepper, is the real culprit here, once more creating a unique plot replete with mystery and humor. I am very much looking forward to the next story!
As always the delightful Tiffany Williams has provided distinctive voices for all of the Riddle women and their companions. But the author, Angela Pepper, is the real culprit here, once more creating a unique plot replete with mystery and humor. I am very much looking forward to the next story!
March 1, 2021
Oh how I missed Zara! I was so excited to hear that the next audiobook came out so I had to dive right in. As usual, there is a lot of things that are going on and kept me entertained the whole time. Such great characters with a really great plot with vials that could possibly bring out the magic from within! I loved this book and hope to get another soon.
April 6, 2021
It was good!
I can’t ever seem to get enough of Ms. Pepper’s work. Especially when it comes to the crazy days spent in Wysteria! Zara is the best character ever and her relationship with her mother is laugh out loud funny to me. I’d recommend this book to all my friends. Along with the rest of the series! It’s just a fun read. Always a page turner.
I can’t ever seem to get enough of Ms. Pepper’s work. Especially when it comes to the crazy days spent in Wysteria! Zara is the best character ever and her relationship with her mother is laugh out loud funny to me. I’d recommend this book to all my friends. Along with the rest of the series! It’s just a fun read. Always a page turner.
April 24, 2021
Loved this book
I love the Wisteria Witches series. I also love the fact that this takes place at Christmas. I love it when the writers do seasonal stories. My favourite part of this book was the Dinner at the Italian Restaurant with Frank and Zara's Mom I laughed out loud. A must read.
I love the Wisteria Witches series. I also love the fact that this takes place at Christmas. I love it when the writers do seasonal stories. My favourite part of this book was the Dinner at the Italian Restaurant with Frank and Zara's Mom I laughed out loud. A must read.
January 12, 2022
It is always fun visiting Wisteria.In this twisted tale of family loyalty,we find out just why Zirconia is now a Vampire. I'm not sure that pesky ghost situation was settled.It is like a phone call to family.lol Tiffany Williams was a wonderful narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 6, 2022
Fantastic instalment of Wisteria Witches Mysteries
As the story continues and we meet and love more characters in this brilliant series. I'm getting sad because I'm nearing the end of the available publications in this series, but Ms. Pepper assures me she'll get back to writing soon.
As the story continues and we meet and love more characters in this brilliant series. I'm getting sad because I'm nearing the end of the available publications in this series, but Ms. Pepper assures me she'll get back to writing soon.
October 1, 2022
Another great adventure and what an adventure.
This book is rampant with surprises. First Nick is a on and off ghost so Zara bean save his life. then her sister is a suspect and then not. A former friend shows up as a ghost and stays around. Conflicts occur lives are threatened. I loved this book because of all the twists and turns.
This book is rampant with surprises. First Nick is a on and off ghost so Zara bean save his life. then her sister is a suspect and then not. A former friend shows up as a ghost and stays around. Conflicts occur lives are threatened. I loved this book because of all the twists and turns.
August 6, 2023
i’m thinking this time out the story meanders, it’s still compelling and draws you in,
the story is seen through a selection of characters and pets,
it seems that the covid pandemic influenced the development and twists in the tale.
it’s still a fun read, but felt self indulgent, i have bought the next in the series.
the story is seen through a selection of characters and pets,
it seems that the covid pandemic influenced the development and twists in the tale.
it’s still a fun read, but felt self indulgent, i have bought the next in the series.
January 19, 2025
Zara is getting super annoying. She is starting to have a god complex where she thinks she knows better than everyone else. How many times do you have to rush in WITHOUT informing the police. How many times do you think you're invincible? Do you not realize that you have a child- witches die too.
At this point, I'm just trying to finish the series because I'm over 10 books deep in.
At this point, I'm just trying to finish the series because I'm over 10 books deep in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews