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Wildwood Witch Mystery #1
A Tail of Murder
Robin Wildwood has always been the black sheep of her family… or red squirrel, as it were. She and her familiar, Tansy, left their coven to strike out alone, with no intention of returning home. The Wildwood witches are the best at everything they do, and their leader - who happens to be Robin's grandmother - is the Head Witch of the entire region. As for Robin? Screwing up is her only major talent.
After her grandmother's unexpected death brings her back to the small town of Wildwood Heath, Robin finds herself surrounded by bickering relatives and rival covens wanting to claim the coveted title of Head Witch. It seems her grandmother didn't name a successor, and it all gets worse when Robin stumbles upon the dead body of another coven member and realises that her grandmother may have been murdered, too.
Even the family screw-up isn't inclined to lie down and accept defeat, so Robin teams up with her tarantula-collecting cousin, her gardener extraordinaire best friend and her former crush (turned hot sports captain) in an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery. But will she survive long enough to see the Wildwood Coven's leadership change hands… and who will be the next Head Witch?
After her grandmother's unexpected death brings her back to the small town of Wildwood Heath, Robin finds herself surrounded by bickering relatives and rival covens wanting to claim the coveted title of Head Witch. It seems her grandmother didn't name a successor, and it all gets worse when Robin stumbles upon the dead body of another coven member and realises that her grandmother may have been murdered, too.
Even the family screw-up isn't inclined to lie down and accept defeat, so Robin teams up with her tarantula-collecting cousin, her gardener extraordinaire best friend and her former crush (turned hot sports captain) in an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery. But will she survive long enough to see the Wildwood Coven's leadership change hands… and who will be the next Head Witch?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2021
About the author
Elle Adams
83 books280 followersElle Adams lives in the middle of England, where she spends most of her time reading an ever-growing mountain of books, planning her next adventure, or writing. Elle's books are humorous mysteries with a paranormal twist and tons of magical mayhem.
She also writes urban and contemporary fantasy novels as Emma L. Adams.
She also writes urban and contemporary fantasy novels as Emma L. Adams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 27, 2025
Great Story!
This book starts with a somewhat slower pace and I had difficulty at first to be drawn by the writing, but few chapters in and I found myself almost at the end. The characters are great, as always with Adams books, and the story is both familiar and original at the same time. All in all a very good read.
This book starts with a somewhat slower pace and I had difficulty at first to be drawn by the writing, but few chapters in and I found myself almost at the end. The characters are great, as always with Adams books, and the story is both familiar and original at the same time. All in all a very good read.
Did Not Finish
July 1, 2025DNF at 15%
🙄
🙄
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars
September 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this one
The start of a new series is always going to need a delicate balance between introducing characters and having a solid storyline that holds it together.
Adams has really balanced it beautifully; we aren't dragged into excessive, long-winded details about the past and neither are we left guessing the dynamics of the primary characters lives.. we have just enough to understand exactly how the Wildwood family and coven fit together.
Robin has come home, having moved away from her domineering mother and grandmother, following the death of her grandmother who was also head of the Wildwood coven and Head Witch and holder of the sceptre.
Both those places needs to be filled and Robin's mother, Roxanne, is next in line although her younger sister, Shannon, is not about to concede without a fight. Whilst the Head of Coven position is voted for by the council the Head Witch is not; the sceptre alone determines for itself who is worthy enough to hold it.
When Robin discovers the body of Tessa in the fountain at her grandmother's funeral questions about how to proceed are asked, Aunt Shannon tries to divide and conquer by spreading rumours, her oldest daughter, Vanessa, joins in and Robin is roped in to take Tessa's place in the Head Witch ceremony. With her thoughts firmly believing that there's more to her grandmother's death than first thought it's not long before she's flat out investigating, with the help of Rowan her younger cousin and Piper her best friend, even though her brother, Ramsey is in charge of the police.
The start of a new series is always going to need a delicate balance between introducing characters and having a solid storyline that holds it together.
Adams has really balanced it beautifully; we aren't dragged into excessive, long-winded details about the past and neither are we left guessing the dynamics of the primary characters lives.. we have just enough to understand exactly how the Wildwood family and coven fit together.
Robin has come home, having moved away from her domineering mother and grandmother, following the death of her grandmother who was also head of the Wildwood coven and Head Witch and holder of the sceptre.
Both those places needs to be filled and Robin's mother, Roxanne, is next in line although her younger sister, Shannon, is not about to concede without a fight. Whilst the Head of Coven position is voted for by the council the Head Witch is not; the sceptre alone determines for itself who is worthy enough to hold it.
When Robin discovers the body of Tessa in the fountain at her grandmother's funeral questions about how to proceed are asked, Aunt Shannon tries to divide and conquer by spreading rumours, her oldest daughter, Vanessa, joins in and Robin is roped in to take Tessa's place in the Head Witch ceremony. With her thoughts firmly believing that there's more to her grandmother's death than first thought it's not long before she's flat out investigating, with the help of Rowan her younger cousin and Piper her best friend, even though her brother, Ramsey is in charge of the police.
November 16, 2024
Wildwood Witch Mystery #1: A Tail of Murder
Suggested Rating: 4 stars 🌕🌕🌕🌕
In a Nutshell:
Wildwood Witch Mystery #1: A Tail of Murder introduces Robin Wildwood, a witch, returning to her hometown of Wildwood Heath for her grandmother’s funeral. Her plans for a quick visit are upended when a murder casts a shadow over the already tense family dynamics. With the help of her spirited squirrel familiar, Tansy, Robin must navigate the mystery, familial expectations, and her independence in this fast-paced and engaging paranormal cosy mystery.
Why Read It?:
Fast-Paced and Fun: The story moves at a brisk clip, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
Relatable Protagonist: Robin is a strong and determined lead, balancing her magical responsibilities with personal struggles, making her easy to root for.
Delightful Familiar: Tansy the squirrel steals the show with her wit, charm, and unwavering loyalty to Robin.
Complex Family Dynamics: The tension between Robin and her family adds depth to the story. However, there’s room for more exploration, particularly regarding her relationships with her brother and mother, which feel intriguing but underdeveloped.
Summary:
A Tail of Murder is a charming and fast-paced start to the Wildwood Witch Mystery series. Robin and Tansy’s dynamic shines against the backdrop of a magical English village filled with intrigue and secrets. With a compelling mystery and plenty of character moments, this book is hard to put down.
Would I read the next one? I already am! Book 2, here I come!
Suggested Rating: 4 stars 🌕🌕🌕🌕
In a Nutshell:
Wildwood Witch Mystery #1: A Tail of Murder introduces Robin Wildwood, a witch, returning to her hometown of Wildwood Heath for her grandmother’s funeral. Her plans for a quick visit are upended when a murder casts a shadow over the already tense family dynamics. With the help of her spirited squirrel familiar, Tansy, Robin must navigate the mystery, familial expectations, and her independence in this fast-paced and engaging paranormal cosy mystery.
Why Read It?:
Fast-Paced and Fun: The story moves at a brisk clip, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
Relatable Protagonist: Robin is a strong and determined lead, balancing her magical responsibilities with personal struggles, making her easy to root for.
Delightful Familiar: Tansy the squirrel steals the show with her wit, charm, and unwavering loyalty to Robin.
Complex Family Dynamics: The tension between Robin and her family adds depth to the story. However, there’s room for more exploration, particularly regarding her relationships with her brother and mother, which feel intriguing but underdeveloped.
Summary:
A Tail of Murder is a charming and fast-paced start to the Wildwood Witch Mystery series. Robin and Tansy’s dynamic shines against the backdrop of a magical English village filled with intrigue and secrets. With a compelling mystery and plenty of character moments, this book is hard to put down.
Would I read the next one? I already am! Book 2, here I come!
July 6, 2021
A fun and new entertaining urban fantasy Series
This is an entertaining new urban fantasy series. A great cast of characters with an entertaining storyline. A small town of different supernaturals with multiple covens of witches and other supernatural living there. One of the families is the Wildwood family. The regional high which is the grandmother of the clan and she is also the head of the Wildwood Coven. Our story begins with the death of Highway H/grandmother. Her main character is her granddaughter who left town a few years back because she just did not seem to get along with her family in one it out. As she returns for the funeral. Many things begin to happen and the adventure begins. Read on and be entertained. This story while in a different town and region is set in the same world as one of the authors other series. I can’t think of the name at the moment but it may be the Blair Wilkes series. I could be wrong. Either way it mentions the high which from that series it was a young girl she cleaned the scepter in their region. So there could be opportunities of crossovers in the future.
This is an entertaining new urban fantasy series. A great cast of characters with an entertaining storyline. A small town of different supernaturals with multiple covens of witches and other supernatural living there. One of the families is the Wildwood family. The regional high which is the grandmother of the clan and she is also the head of the Wildwood Coven. Our story begins with the death of Highway H/grandmother. Her main character is her granddaughter who left town a few years back because she just did not seem to get along with her family in one it out. As she returns for the funeral. Many things begin to happen and the adventure begins. Read on and be entertained. This story while in a different town and region is set in the same world as one of the authors other series. I can’t think of the name at the moment but it may be the Blair Wilkes series. I could be wrong. Either way it mentions the high which from that series it was a young girl she cleaned the scepter in their region. So there could be opportunities of crossovers in the future.
July 9, 2021
New series for me and I like this first book. This wasn't the typical new or inept witch story - this one had a different approach and was entertaining. The murderer wasn't on my radar and the conclusion was al most a surprise.
Robin Wildwood had left her coven without no plans to return home. Her Grandmother is the Head Witch the region and the leader of their coven. Ronin was known as the screwup and black sheep.
Robin and her red squirrel familiar, Tansy, came home after her grandmother's unexpected death. Surrounded by quarreling relatives and rival covens wanting to claim the Head Witch title. It gets more complicated whenRobin discovers the red body of another coven member and starts to think that her grandmother may have been murdered. Robin teams up with her cousin, her best friend and a former crush to try to solve the murder(s). Will she survive long enough to do this? And who will be the next Head Witch?
Robin Wildwood had left her coven without no plans to return home. Her Grandmother is the Head Witch the region and the leader of their coven. Ronin was known as the screwup and black sheep.
Robin and her red squirrel familiar, Tansy, came home after her grandmother's unexpected death. Surrounded by quarreling relatives and rival covens wanting to claim the Head Witch title. It gets more complicated whenRobin discovers the red body of another coven member and starts to think that her grandmother may have been murdered. Robin teams up with her cousin, her best friend and a former crush to try to solve the murder(s). Will she survive long enough to do this? And who will be the next Head Witch?
March 5, 2025
I was first acquainted with Robin Wildwood in one of the library witch book. I was interested in her because she could communicate with animals directly. So I decided to try her series: Wildwood Witch Mysteries. Robin's grandmother was head witch and when she died everyone expected Robin's mother to inherit the position; however, the scepter chose Robin. When she finds a dead body at her grandmother's funeral she must investigate although she often clashes with her brother who is the chief law enforcement officer. Also her mother is not happy about Robin taking her role in the coven. One thing I like about this series is the animals. The people in Robin's family can all talk to their familiars which for Robin is her red squirrel, Tansy.
July 22, 2021
Good
Robin has returned home with her squirrel familiar Tansy, to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
While there, the coven has to vote for a replacement leader and head witch.
Everything changes, however, when Robin discovers a dead body in the fountain at the funeral, and it makes Robin question whether her grandmother’s death was natural.
This enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery, is set in a witchy English town, and filled with colourful characters.
There’s a hint of romance in addition to the mystery, and plenty of magical hijinks.
An entertaining read for the paranormal mystery fan.
Robin has returned home with her squirrel familiar Tansy, to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
While there, the coven has to vote for a replacement leader and head witch.
Everything changes, however, when Robin discovers a dead body in the fountain at the funeral, and it makes Robin question whether her grandmother’s death was natural.
This enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery, is set in a witchy English town, and filled with colourful characters.
There’s a hint of romance in addition to the mystery, and plenty of magical hijinks.
An entertaining read for the paranormal mystery fan.
June 11, 2021
Another great series from Elle Adams
This story is set in the same world as Elle Adams' Fairy Falls series but a different town. Robin is a disgraced witch with a red squirrel familiar who comes home for her grandmother's funeral. She then became embroiled in the town politics, the selection of a new head witch, and solving a murder. If you are a fan of Fairy Falls, you'll love this Wildwood Witch Mystery.
This story is set in the same world as Elle Adams' Fairy Falls series but a different town. Robin is a disgraced witch with a red squirrel familiar who comes home for her grandmother's funeral. She then became embroiled in the town politics, the selection of a new head witch, and solving a murder. If you are a fan of Fairy Falls, you'll love this Wildwood Witch Mystery.
September 24, 2021
Great series start
This was a great start to a new series. Robin was an awesome character, not perfect but, tenacious, caring and thorough. Her family is a hot mess but, hey, whose isn't? Couple that with a murderer on the rampage and you have a mystery on your hands.
This was a really good book. It is funny, engrossing and keeps you guessing. I highly recommend it and am excited to read the next in series.
This was a great start to a new series. Robin was an awesome character, not perfect but, tenacious, caring and thorough. Her family is a hot mess but, hey, whose isn't? Couple that with a murderer on the rampage and you have a mystery on your hands.
This was a really good book. It is funny, engrossing and keeps you guessing. I highly recommend it and am excited to read the next in series.
April 26, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable story with a follow on series. Lost a nights sleep because I couldn’t stop reading. Take of a family of witches who are at each other’s throats to become the next Head Witch. Talking familiars and a keep em guessing till the end I won’t give away the plot . I am on book 2 and I am loving it. Wish I could award more than 5 stars. First time reader of Elle Adams work but I’m hooked now. Treat yourself to a copy. You definitely won’t regret it.
June 11, 2021
Tail of Murder is the first book in a brand new series by Elle Adams . This is a great cozy paranormal book with wonderful characters . The world building is fantastic . I love Robins character and her red squirrel familiar . I really enjoyed the mystery and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
June 16, 2021
A New Smash Series From Elle Adams
Robin is something of a misfit in her witching community. She has come home for her grandmother's funeral. But a murder entices her to stay, and try solve it. Will she be able to find the murderer, and reconcile with her estranged family? Buy the book and find out.
Robin is something of a misfit in her witching community. She has come home for her grandmother's funeral. But a murder entices her to stay, and try solve it. Will she be able to find the murderer, and reconcile with her estranged family? Buy the book and find out.
July 7, 2021
Robin returns home for her Grandmother's funeral. And despite her best intentions she becomes involved in local happenings and politics. Having her high school crush around doesn't hurt though. This book has a few twists and turns leaving it hard to predetermine if there was a crime and if so who did it. A good read.
July 25, 2021
Cute and entertaining
I really enjoy this author’s works, alway have and she definitely nailed this one for sure! She does a great cozy mystery without it being boring or too cozy, if you know what I mean. I love all the animals as familiars and that ehh can talk to everyone, it brings a lot of humor to the story.
I really enjoy this author’s works, alway have and she definitely nailed this one for sure! She does a great cozy mystery without it being boring or too cozy, if you know what I mean. I love all the animals as familiars and that ehh can talk to everyone, it brings a lot of humor to the story.
August 27, 2021
Rivalry's a Witch
Cute story in the beginning. Tbe prodigal daughter returning for the funeral of the Head Witch who was also her grandmother. Being ostracized by her mum & brother as well as her aunt & cousin is not new to Robin. Mum's aiming for coven leader & Head Witch. The action ramps up when Grandma's assistant is found drowned in the maze's fountain. Robin starts to wonder if maybe Grandma didn't pass in her sleep without a little help. Infighting in the Wildwood coven & shenanigans from a rival coven keep Robin searching for answers. Should she live long enough to find them.
Cute story in the beginning. Tbe prodigal daughter returning for the funeral of the Head Witch who was also her grandmother. Being ostracized by her mum & brother as well as her aunt & cousin is not new to Robin. Mum's aiming for coven leader & Head Witch. The action ramps up when Grandma's assistant is found drowned in the maze's fountain. Robin starts to wonder if maybe Grandma didn't pass in her sleep without a little help. Infighting in the Wildwood coven & shenanigans from a rival coven keep Robin searching for answers. Should she live long enough to find them.
May 6, 2022
A cute beginning
To be truthful the storyline about a family knocking you down instead of building you up was familiar to me. So much so that I dreamed of a childhood incident that I'd long forgotten. This pattern of behavior is far more hurtful than you cam imagine. The story is cute though.
To be truthful the storyline about a family knocking you down instead of building you up was familiar to me. So much so that I dreamed of a childhood incident that I'd long forgotten. This pattern of behavior is far more hurtful than you cam imagine. The story is cute though.
June 12, 2022
definitely a fun and enjoyable story
Very nice storyline. Was not predictable and very enjoyable. Very smoothly written and flowed nicely which allowed me to stay immersed in the story. Thank you for great editing too. No disruptive typos. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Very nice storyline. Was not predictable and very enjoyable. Very smoothly written and flowed nicely which allowed me to stay immersed in the story. Thank you for great editing too. No disruptive typos. Looking forward to the next adventure.
October 21, 2022
A Tail of Murder (A Wildwood Witch Mystery Book 1)
What a fun mystery with lots of witches competing for the head office. Lots of
witches fighting over each other even to the death. Guess it made sense that the witch that didn't want the burden and wasn't up to it actually won the sceptre! Great beginning to a fun new series!
What a fun mystery with lots of witches competing for the head office. Lots of
witches fighting over each other even to the death. Guess it made sense that the witch that didn't want the burden and wasn't up to it actually won the sceptre! Great beginning to a fun new series!
Read
April 19, 2024A good one!
This book is well written. The characters are superb and the storyline is darn near perfect. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but the ending is a big surprise. I am downloading the next book as I write this reciew, that should say something as I normally read post apocalyptic themed books.
This book is well written. The characters are superb and the storyline is darn near perfect. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but the ending is a big surprise. I am downloading the next book as I write this reciew, that should say something as I normally read post apocalyptic themed books.
April 20, 2025
The beginning was promising, but the story gets more and more boring by the page. I could not care less about the murders, and the tension between the characters leaves little room for love and comfort from friends and family. The romance is dull, and conversations between the friends and even between the protagonist and her familiar are soulless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Good story
Solving murders and becoming the Head Mistress when so unexpected. Surprise ghost shows up to help solve the mystery. An excellent, exciting story sure to keep you entertained.
Solving murders and becoming the Head Mistress when so unexpected. Surprise ghost shows up to help solve the mystery. An excellent, exciting story sure to keep you entertained.
August 23, 2021
A Cute Mystery
I read a lot of cozy mysteries, and I was pleasantly surprised at this book. The characters are relatable even in a magical setting and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I read a lot of cozy mysteries, and I was pleasantly surprised at this book. The characters are relatable even in a magical setting and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
August 25, 2021
Good witchy mystery
I really liked this book. The characters were well written. Robin was a believable character because anyone can sometimes feel that their family is at odds with them. The mystery was really good as well.
I really liked this book. The characters were well written. Robin was a believable character because anyone can sometimes feel that their family is at odds with them. The mystery was really good as well.
December 22, 2021
Cute story.
This would be good, especially, for young adult readers. There is mild, not graphic, violence. Not at all graphic, actually. This is a relax and calm your brain book. I so dearly need that on occasion! lol.
This would be good, especially, for young adult readers. There is mild, not graphic, violence. Not at all graphic, actually. This is a relax and calm your brain book. I so dearly need that on occasion! lol.
August 12, 2022
A mess
My gosh I never read a book thats to all over the place, whats with all the female lead having no confidence in themselves and a mother who seems to think she needs to tell her kids what to do all the time, they need to think for themselves
My gosh I never read a book thats to all over the place, whats with all the female lead having no confidence in themselves and a mother who seems to think she needs to tell her kids what to do all the time, they need to think for themselves
February 14, 2023
This is my favorite of the Elle Adams books I've read! I really enjoy Robin as a character, and the mystery is fun and intriguing. I had my eye on the killer from the beginning, but I wasn't sure it was [spoiler] until the reveal. I'm excited to read the second book in this series!
April 27, 2023
A good first book for a new to me series. I liked the characters I was supposed to like and didn't like the ones I was supposed to dislike. I loved most of the animal familiars, even the ones belonging to the not so likeable characters. I'm not so sure about the tarantula!
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Such a cozy and magical setting with a fun, lighthearted story (despite the murder, haha). I look forward to the rest of the series! And I absolutely adore the squirrel familiar! So wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews