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Wits' End #5
Gnome Alone
Christmas is coming… and so is murder…
It’s holiday season in small-town Doyle, and the town is pivoting from UFO tourism to Bigfoot Days. For Susan Witsend, the owner of Doyle’s only UFO-themed B&B, this is a problem.
But when Bigfoot is blamed for a mass garden gnome theft, control-freak Susan is drafted to track down the kidnapped gnomes. And when one of the members of her caroling group is murdered, it will take all her organization skills to juggle missing gnomes and track down a killer.
As Susan unwraps motives and alibis, she’s forced to face hard truths about her own limits and about just how far a crafty killer will go…
It’s holiday season in small-town Doyle, and the town is pivoting from UFO tourism to Bigfoot Days. For Susan Witsend, the owner of Doyle’s only UFO-themed B&B, this is a problem.
But when Bigfoot is blamed for a mass garden gnome theft, control-freak Susan is drafted to track down the kidnapped gnomes. And when one of the members of her caroling group is murdered, it will take all her organization skills to juggle missing gnomes and track down a killer.
As Susan unwraps motives and alibis, she’s forced to face hard truths about her own limits and about just how far a crafty killer will go…
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
15 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Kirsten Weiss
111 books1,301 followersKirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.
She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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October 31, 2021It's finally here! Squeeeeee!!!
October 29, 2021
Gnome Alone, by Kirsten Weiss, is the fifth book in the Wit’s End cozy mystery series. Although I’m late to the party, this installment was a fun, fast-paced stand-alone read.
Where to begin. I suppose at the Wit’s End UFO/B&B. Yes, you read that right. Susan Witsend runs a space-themed inn in the small town of Doyle, a place known for strange UFO sighting, especially around Christmas. No reason to believe the town, or the B & B’s claim to fame, would change. Not until the gnome-napping spree began.
Norbert, the gnome from Norway is the first casualty. The hand-carved treasure is not only swiped from Mr. Bolinsky’s garden, eyewitnesses swear Bigfoot was the thief! Susan reputation as an amateur detective around town made her the logical choice to investigate the gnome-nappings. Although Susan was one of the few residents with no faith in the town legend’s six-foot hairy monster, believed to skulk through backyards and even break in houses, she agreed to look into the disappearance.
The author’s ability to write page-turning (or Kindle-swiping) dialogue is what makes Gnome Alone a delightful cozy mystery. Add quirky characters and an entertaining storyline and you have a winner.
I’m looking forward to reading the first four books in the series, along with # 6, The Woman from Planet X, launching in February, 2022.
Where to begin. I suppose at the Wit’s End UFO/B&B. Yes, you read that right. Susan Witsend runs a space-themed inn in the small town of Doyle, a place known for strange UFO sighting, especially around Christmas. No reason to believe the town, or the B & B’s claim to fame, would change. Not until the gnome-napping spree began.
Norbert, the gnome from Norway is the first casualty. The hand-carved treasure is not only swiped from Mr. Bolinsky’s garden, eyewitnesses swear Bigfoot was the thief! Susan reputation as an amateur detective around town made her the logical choice to investigate the gnome-nappings. Although Susan was one of the few residents with no faith in the town legend’s six-foot hairy monster, believed to skulk through backyards and even break in houses, she agreed to look into the disappearance.
The author’s ability to write page-turning (or Kindle-swiping) dialogue is what makes Gnome Alone a delightful cozy mystery. Add quirky characters and an entertaining storyline and you have a winner.
I’m looking forward to reading the first four books in the series, along with # 6, The Woman from Planet X, launching in February, 2022.
November 13, 2021
I work in a locale known as Murphys in the motherlode, which might just be a close kin to Doyle. Generations of my family attended one of the two nearby rival high schools, and I am reasonably convinced big foot attended classes with us - if you had ever attended a community potluck, you might well be convinced too
given the number of grandma ladies who are involved with one if the local gun clubs, and the large number of other I have seen comparing key chains equipped with bear spray versus pepper spray versus other noxious substances at the local senior center and the humane society thrift store, I doubt that gnome thieves would have much success- but I could be wrong
Susan seems to have found a certain niche in Doyle, embracing the other-ness of Doyle and the residents
It is sad for the community, and especially disheartening for Susan to think murder, petty theft and vandalism have struck close yo home, and within her home- likely perpetrated by folks who knew her, perhaps who knew her well
Mysteries, the bizarre and the soul damaging are part of holiday mayhem and some friendships for Susan, Aarsen and her caroling cohorts in the always engaging Doyle cozies
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
given the number of grandma ladies who are involved with one if the local gun clubs, and the large number of other I have seen comparing key chains equipped with bear spray versus pepper spray versus other noxious substances at the local senior center and the humane society thrift store, I doubt that gnome thieves would have much success- but I could be wrong
Susan seems to have found a certain niche in Doyle, embracing the other-ness of Doyle and the residents
It is sad for the community, and especially disheartening for Susan to think murder, petty theft and vandalism have struck close yo home, and within her home- likely perpetrated by folks who knew her, perhaps who knew her well
Mysteries, the bizarre and the soul damaging are part of holiday mayhem and some friendships for Susan, Aarsen and her caroling cohorts in the always engaging Doyle cozies
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2021
The crazy cast of characters from the town of Doyle is back again. This time the UFO-obsessed town is trying to add Bigfoot Days into their holiday celebrations. So naturally, a Bigfoot creature is stealing yard gnomes.
Our intrepid heroine, Susan, is recruited to investigate since the sheriff’s office is busy. But, when a murderer strikes, the investigation takes a deadly turn.
The author writes with a delightful sense of humor and sarcasm. She has the ability to make the words form a movie in your head. The intrigue builds page by page with red herrings and misdirections galore.
The covers of this series are so well done. They are funny, bright, and vibrant. I also reviewed War of the Squirrels from this series and featured Never Say Chai from Kirsten's Tea & Tarot Cozy Mystery series
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. With cozy mysteries though, I find I enjoy them more if I read them in order.
Grab a copy of this laugh-out-loud tale today. Gnome Alone is a great holiday stress reliever!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Our intrepid heroine, Susan, is recruited to investigate since the sheriff’s office is busy. But, when a murderer strikes, the investigation takes a deadly turn.
The author writes with a delightful sense of humor and sarcasm. She has the ability to make the words form a movie in your head. The intrigue builds page by page with red herrings and misdirections galore.
The covers of this series are so well done. They are funny, bright, and vibrant. I also reviewed War of the Squirrels from this series and featured Never Say Chai from Kirsten's Tea & Tarot Cozy Mystery series
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. With cozy mysteries though, I find I enjoy them more if I read them in order.
Grab a copy of this laugh-out-loud tale today. Gnome Alone is a great holiday stress reliever!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
November 2, 2021
This wacky murder series features a B&B with an UFO theme and a highly organized owner who "helps" the sheriff solve local murders and mysteries. If you like dry humor and lots of chuckles, you will love Wits End B&B and Susan Witsend. When three older gentlemen have garden gnomes stolen from their yard during a new and controversial Bigfoot Days celebration, only Susan is willing to help her friends, and take on the missing gnomes mystery. Soon gnomes are disappearing all over the town of Doyle. Bigfoot is mentioned over and over as being seen near the location of these thefts. Before long there is a murder, and rumors fly around the town. Is Bigfoot a murderer?
I love the idea of a fun B&B with a UFO theme and Susan's UFO foods and decorations. The characters (both series regulars and story specific ones) are interesting and frequently quirky people. The scenes are very descriptive and I can close my eyes and picture clearly the places and people described. I feel like I am enjoying a mini vacation with each book I read.
A delightful series, and this episode is one of my favorites. I loved the snowmen scene especially!
I love the idea of a fun B&B with a UFO theme and Susan's UFO foods and decorations. The characters (both series regulars and story specific ones) are interesting and frequently quirky people. The scenes are very descriptive and I can close my eyes and picture clearly the places and people described. I feel like I am enjoying a mini vacation with each book I read.
A delightful series, and this episode is one of my favorites. I loved the snowmen scene especially!
November 19, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am glad that I decided to take a chance. This is a fun cozy mystery. This is book 5 out of the Wits End Series. I was able to enjoy it without having first read the other books. Susan Witsend is the owner and operator of a UFO themed B&B in the town of Doyle. It begins innocently enough. Garden Gnomes are being stolen throughout town during the controversial Big Foot Days Celebration. Stranger still, Big Foot is seen near each crime. Susan decides to investigate to help her friends get their missing gnomes back. Unfortunately this escalates to murder. Is Big Foot the culprit? This fun, cozy mystery has lots of interesting characters to enjoy. It is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the people who live there. I look forward to the next book in this series. I really enjoyed this well written and fun cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2021
There’s nothing I wanted more to read than a Christmas mystery with Bigfoot, UFO’s, murder, and gnomes. If you noticed my sarcasm, it’s because like this author, I love sarcasm. Cozy mysteries are some of my favorites and this one is a doozy! This book is hilarious! Susan owns and manages the UFO B & B, but her real passion is solving crimes.
Because the town of Doyle is having a crisis, she agrees to help her friends by solving the crime…..their garden gnomes have been stolen. And, why has everyone seen Bigfoot in the vicinity of each missing gnome?
When a local businesswoman is murdered with a strand of Christmas lights, Susan is determined to help find the murderer. The sheriff hates it when Susan gets involved and warns her to stay out of the way. Will Susan listen? Or, will she keep investigating after the murderer has tried to kill her?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Because the town of Doyle is having a crisis, she agrees to help her friends by solving the crime…..their garden gnomes have been stolen. And, why has everyone seen Bigfoot in the vicinity of each missing gnome?
When a local businesswoman is murdered with a strand of Christmas lights, Susan is determined to help find the murderer. The sheriff hates it when Susan gets involved and warns her to stay out of the way. Will Susan listen? Or, will she keep investigating after the murderer has tried to kill her?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 18, 2022
Looks like the holidays are not going to be all fun and games around here. There is a serious (?) crime spree to solve instead!
This is book five in the series but it works just fine as a standalone.
This is a cozy mystery with serious (there is that word again) case of the weird and wacky. The story is well written, easy to read and full of mischief. The setting is well developed and the characters are great, bringing the story to life in very odd ways. I really enjoyed the mix of the holidays with the strange inhabitants of this setting, creating a really fun story and a solid mystery to boot. Overall, it was a wonderful story and I look forward to exploring more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book five in the series but it works just fine as a standalone.
This is a cozy mystery with serious (there is that word again) case of the weird and wacky. The story is well written, easy to read and full of mischief. The setting is well developed and the characters are great, bringing the story to life in very odd ways. I really enjoyed the mix of the holidays with the strange inhabitants of this setting, creating a really fun story and a solid mystery to boot. Overall, it was a wonderful story and I look forward to exploring more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
November 30, 2021
Gnome Alone: A Laugh-out-loud Cozy Mystery is the 5th book in the Wits' End Cozy Mystery series by Kirsten Weiss.
Susan runs a UFO-themed B&B in a town celebrating Bigfoot Days. There were a lot of businesses unhappy with the expense of the celebration. Did that lead to murder?On top of that, Bigfoot has been seen stealing garden gnomes.
This was the first book I’ve read in this series. This was an ok book for me. Humor is subjective, but I didn’t find any humor in this let alone any laugh-out-loud moments. There was a lot going on with Christmas, caroling practice, missing gnomes, and murder.
If you are a fan of UFOs, Bigfoot, and gnomes, this may the book for you. Check it out.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Susan runs a UFO-themed B&B in a town celebrating Bigfoot Days. There were a lot of businesses unhappy with the expense of the celebration. Did that lead to murder?On top of that, Bigfoot has been seen stealing garden gnomes.
This was the first book I’ve read in this series. This was an ok book for me. Humor is subjective, but I didn’t find any humor in this let alone any laugh-out-loud moments. There was a lot going on with Christmas, caroling practice, missing gnomes, and murder.
If you are a fan of UFOs, Bigfoot, and gnomes, this may the book for you. Check it out.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 15, 2021
Susan Witsend runs the Wits End B & B, which has a total UFO theme from furnishings to food, and helps the local cops solve mysteries. The newest mystery is the disappearance of gnome decorations from around town. Then a murder happens, which brings even more comedy and banter. Prepare to laugh a lot and leave the book with a huge smile on your face. Great characters and storyline full of entertaining banter and hijinks. The quirky townspeople and the UFO and Bigfoot festivals sound like great fun. Ending was perfect and I really enjoyed this locale and group.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2021
One thing Kirsten Weiss has mastered is being able to keep me turning the pages! Gnome Alone is another delightful read that has you guessing until the reveal at the end. Weiss writes so that you see the story in your head and that’s not always an easy thing to do. Add Gnome Alone to your reading list now.
November 4, 2021
Wonderful and witty story . Entertaining characters help tell the story. There are few twist and turns but plenty of humor as well. The holidays and a small town setting always add an unexpected and humorous twist to any story. You'll enjoy reading this story. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2021
Laugh-out-loud, Fun, Light heart cozy Mystery!!!
This book is a laugh-out-loud, fun, enjoyable, light heart cozy mystery with delightful characters, a fast-paced mystery that is very entertaining, it's hard to put down book. I am looking forward to read
the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a laugh-out-loud, fun, enjoyable, light heart cozy mystery with delightful characters, a fast-paced mystery that is very entertaining, it's hard to put down book. I am looking forward to read
the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Kirsten Weiss; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 5th book in the Wits’ End Cozy Mystery Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about the town of Doyle, their missing gnomes and a murder.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 5th book in the Wits’ End Cozy Mystery Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about the town of Doyle, their missing gnomes and a murder.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
Another funny part in this hilarious series. I really love Susan‘s obsession with planning and it got highlighted beautifully in this one.
I also enjoyed the few more serious moments, even wished there were more. And I would really love to see more of Arsen or rather a few more intimate moments.
On to the next one!
I also enjoyed the few more serious moments, even wished there were more. And I would really love to see more of Arsen or rather a few more intimate moments.
On to the next one!
November 3, 2021
I thought that the book, was such a page turner. A great read. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait to read another book by this author. A new favourite author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2025
I didn't enjoy the characters (with the exception of Mr. Gomez' crew), and the plot was pretty typical of a cozy. I did enjoy the Christmas theme and the ending. The killer's motive was my favorite part of the mystery.
November 1, 2021
Great plot and characters
Highly recommended to all whom love their cozies, with some humor and sarcasm
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Highly recommended to all whom love their cozies, with some humor and sarcasm
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 24, 2021
I love the characters and the story lines of the many books on the Doyle sisters. The characters and plots let me escape from reality for a while and just enjoy their antics. Great read!
January 31, 2022
Gnomes, Bigfoot, a lovely relationship, and a murder mystery. Excellent!
March 11, 2025
The cover alone is worth 5 stars! It really brightens up my day!
The story was wonderful as well. I loved the characters the most but having a book with Bigfoot and Gnomes is a huge plus!
The story was wonderful as well. I loved the characters the most but having a book with Bigfoot and Gnomes is a huge plus!
October 14, 2021
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Well, this was a joy. I love a good Christmas mystery anytime of year, and since it’s nearly Halloween, the UFO and Bigfoot stuff fit right in for my reading experience. Long story short, I loved this a lot.
Weiss creates such fun characters who also feel very real. Her dialogue is snappy and honest. Her voice is hilarious, and the animal buddies are just adorable. This is exactly the kind of feel-good cozy I wanted to read right now, so the timing was perfect.
I could wax poetic about this, but I think I’ve gotten the essentials across. Fun characters/tone, laugh-out-loud and heartfelt, cute pets—go read this book.
More reviews at kitnkabookle.com
Well, this was a joy. I love a good Christmas mystery anytime of year, and since it’s nearly Halloween, the UFO and Bigfoot stuff fit right in for my reading experience. Long story short, I loved this a lot.
Weiss creates such fun characters who also feel very real. Her dialogue is snappy and honest. Her voice is hilarious, and the animal buddies are just adorable. This is exactly the kind of feel-good cozy I wanted to read right now, so the timing was perfect.
I could wax poetic about this, but I think I’ve gotten the essentials across. Fun characters/tone, laugh-out-loud and heartfelt, cute pets—go read this book.
More reviews at kitnkabookle.com
December 27, 2021
I like reading holiday themed mysteries just after Thanksgiving and this fits the bill and I really like Kirsten Weiss' books. She has several series and each one is unique. I am not always fond of authors who have several series or are extra prolific. She is both and I still really like her. This is a fun series that has a well-told story, excellent characters and setting and really nifty mysteries to solve. And the humor.
This book has two mysteries to solve, suspicious death and gnome-napping, that Susan has on her full, well-planned plate. As well as running her UFO-themed B&B and enjoying her blooming relationship with her best friend since childhood, Arsen.
The gnome-napping made me smile and it is a really excellent mystery to solve. The suspicious deaths and the turbulence it causes Susan are a bit grim and scary. A nice mixture.
There's some soul-searching too for Susan. She loves her planner and sees some similarities in herself and the victims personalities. There will be some personal growth coming soon in upcoming books in the series.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
This book has two mysteries to solve, suspicious death and gnome-napping, that Susan has on her full, well-planned plate. As well as running her UFO-themed B&B and enjoying her blooming relationship with her best friend since childhood, Arsen.
The gnome-napping made me smile and it is a really excellent mystery to solve. The suspicious deaths and the turbulence it causes Susan are a bit grim and scary. A nice mixture.
There's some soul-searching too for Susan. She loves her planner and sees some similarities in herself and the victims personalities. There will be some personal growth coming soon in upcoming books in the series.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
January 2, 2022
Disappearing Gnomes and Murder
A fast paced, at times truly hilarious, story. Susan is determined to find her friends' missing gnomes. She also finds herself collecting clues to two murders. Thank goodness she has Arsen!
Fun read. I highly recommend it and the series. Each book is better than the previous one. And they are all good.
A fast paced, at times truly hilarious, story. Susan is determined to find her friends' missing gnomes. She also finds herself collecting clues to two murders. Thank goodness she has Arsen!
Fun read. I highly recommend it and the series. Each book is better than the previous one. And they are all good.
February 12, 2022
this book was so much fun!
I laughed at all the chaotic Christmas story lines going on thru the book and paused to think about the quieter moments of reflection . If you love a good story line and great characters you will love all of this series.
I laughed at all the chaotic Christmas story lines going on thru the book and paused to think about the quieter moments of reflection . If you love a good story line and great characters you will love all of this series.
May 27, 2022
missing gnomes, Bigfoot and murder, what could go wrong.
Entertaining reading for anytime of the year. Every time you think nothing stranger good happen in Doyle, you get proven wrong.
Entertaining reading for anytime of the year. Every time you think nothing stranger good happen in Doyle, you get proven wrong.
November 12, 2021
Good Christmas party
Made a good mystery and nice
Christmas party love Story good read can't wait for next one to be written
Made a good mystery and nice
Christmas party love Story good read can't wait for next one to be written
November 23, 2021
A witty tale of Bigfoot and stolen garden gnomes, and a murder or two make this an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews