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The Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery #5
Hungry Like the Witch
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson returns to Holiday Hills where cozy mystery author Abby Odell writes books and casts spells with the help of her hilarious familiar, Cooper, the cat.
My name is Abby Odell, and I’m a witch. Some call me a newbie because I didn’t know I was one until my mother died and her spell that bound my powers died along with her.
My mother…always full of surprises.
Fifteen years ago, my mother planned, funded, and managed Holiday Hills’ first annual Mum Festival to raise money for the Holiday Hills Library. The wonderful volunteers working with her took charge when she passed a few years ago, but I made sure things went off without a hitch.
I didn’t expect that would include hunting down a murderer.
It won’t be easy. My significant other, the town sheriff, is MIA on a secret magical assignment, I’ve got to tread carefully. His replacement, the deputy chief, isn’t my biggest fan and will so whatever’s necessary to keep himself the boss in town.
But the entire town is on edge, and he wants to cancel the festival altogether. I can’t let that happen, not after my mother worked so hard for all those years. Besides, the library depends on the donation. And I know if I can find the killer, I can ease the fear growing in town.
It you like southern cozies with a paranormal element and a fun cat, you'll love the witches of Holiday Hills.
My name is Abby Odell, and I’m a witch. Some call me a newbie because I didn’t know I was one until my mother died and her spell that bound my powers died along with her.
My mother…always full of surprises.
Fifteen years ago, my mother planned, funded, and managed Holiday Hills’ first annual Mum Festival to raise money for the Holiday Hills Library. The wonderful volunteers working with her took charge when she passed a few years ago, but I made sure things went off without a hitch.
I didn’t expect that would include hunting down a murderer.
It won’t be easy. My significant other, the town sheriff, is MIA on a secret magical assignment, I’ve got to tread carefully. His replacement, the deputy chief, isn’t my biggest fan and will so whatever’s necessary to keep himself the boss in town.
But the entire town is on edge, and he wants to cancel the festival altogether. I can’t let that happen, not after my mother worked so hard for all those years. Besides, the library depends on the donation. And I know if I can find the killer, I can ease the fear growing in town.
It you like southern cozies with a paranormal element and a fun cat, you'll love the witches of Holiday Hills.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2022
279 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
148 books543 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 24, 2023
I want to move to Holiday Hills, there seems to never be a dull moment! <3
April 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This is the first book in this series that I have read or listened too but it won't be my last as it was a lot of fun. I liked the characters and the mix of who was in the know about magic and who wasn't but I think the animals stole the show for me. I just loved the way the parrot repeated everything, very amusing and the cats demands for food all the time reminded me of my own four legged fur baby. I also enjoyed the spells going wrong which helped sell the idea of a novice witch.The mystery was interesting with all.the different motives to keep you guessing and I don't think I guessed right but then again I kept changing my mind. I think I might have to go back to the start of the series to learn more about why the boyfriend was missing because that was the only thing that didn't get resolved (or explained).
With the first festival after her mother's death fast approaching, Abby wants to do her mother proud. However dreams and fears for her boyfriend have her running let for the planning meeting. She arrives late to discover not everybody had left yet, a body outside the back door is a sure sign things didn't go well. Could one of the commit members be responsible? With the deputy chief wanting to close the festival for fears of an old grudge resurfacing, Abby will have to use all her skills to find the really killer. When she discovers a second committee member dead is saving the festival the least of her worries? Could the police really think she was behind it?
I liked the narrator, she gave each character there own voice and did a great parrot impersonation.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntary left this review
With the first festival after her mother's death fast approaching, Abby wants to do her mother proud. However dreams and fears for her boyfriend have her running let for the planning meeting. She arrives late to discover not everybody had left yet, a body outside the back door is a sure sign things didn't go well. Could one of the commit members be responsible? With the deputy chief wanting to close the festival for fears of an old grudge resurfacing, Abby will have to use all her skills to find the really killer. When she discovers a second committee member dead is saving the festival the least of her worries? Could the police really think she was behind it?
I liked the narrator, she gave each character there own voice and did a great parrot impersonation.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntary left this review
April 4, 2023
Hungry Like The Witch
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is a fabulous and renowned mystery writer and it certainly shows in this cozey paranormal mystery murder with an array of bold and colorful characters that so easily draw you into their lives as if you're old friends hanging out in the super natural town of Holiday Hills. Enticing you further is the intriguing mystery of why Chase the chief of police has been missing for so many months and who could have committed the violent murder of a fall festival committee head that nobody seemed to like. There are plenty of clues but even more suspects . While the plot thickens and unravels around each mystery there are lies, secrets and more drama than anyone could expect. I couldn't put this mystery down once I started reading it's so well written that I ended up missing lunch so be sure to grab something to eat and drink beside you then get ready to fall into this cozey mystery murder until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Hungry Like the Witch " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is a fabulous and renowned mystery writer and it certainly shows in this cozey paranormal mystery murder with an array of bold and colorful characters that so easily draw you into their lives as if you're old friends hanging out in the super natural town of Holiday Hills. Enticing you further is the intriguing mystery of why Chase the chief of police has been missing for so many months and who could have committed the violent murder of a fall festival committee head that nobody seemed to like. There are plenty of clues but even more suspects . While the plot thickens and unravels around each mystery there are lies, secrets and more drama than anyone could expect. I couldn't put this mystery down once I started reading it's so well written that I ended up missing lunch so be sure to grab something to eat and drink beside you then get ready to fall into this cozey mystery murder until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Hungry Like the Witch " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
November 19, 2022
Abby Odell, a witch in Holliday Hills, received her “powers” after the death of her mother. She is also taking over, for her mother, the plans for the Mum Festival that raises money for the library. When one of the committee members is murdered, the mayor considers cancelling the festival. Abby needs to help solve the murder to save the festival. Abby’s significant other, Police Chief Gabriel Ryder, is away on a clandestine mission and tells her to move on without him as there are those who will target her to get to him. When another committee member is threatened, will Abby be able to find the killer in time? This is the fifth book in the series with fascinating characters and a twisted mystery as the author takes the reader along for the wild ride! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
October 11, 2022
Abby Odell is a witch in Holiday Hills. She’s only recently found she’s a witch and is still developing her skills. She’s trying to become an author. But she’s ultimately in charge of the mum festival to honor her mom and fundraise for the library. However, the mum festival seems to be getting away from her. The committee of paranormals are vying against each other and Abby can’t seem to get a handle on them. When she finds one of them dead, Abby needs to go on the hunt. The sheriff is off on assignment and his temporary replacement is less than qualified. But will Abby be able to solve this crime before the mum festival is cancelled?
This is a fun series that I have enjoyed. I look forward to more in this series.
This is a fun series that I have enjoyed. I look forward to more in this series.
April 22, 2023
Facing the challenges of love and romance is an issue for an enchantress, a relative newbie witch, and some other angry characters
intense and distressing distortions in perceptions- and some creepy clown figures - bleh! I hate clowns too!
my mom tells me when I was s child I said I hated the white face clown because you never know who is hiding behind the makeup .
Misleading and misdirection are an issue for more than one character, sometimes because of the nature of who and what they are in terms of their magical natures
like in the crazy funhouse, some perceptions are dangerous, and possibly deadly.
Are more new beginnings ahead?
Cannot wait to find out!
intense and distressing distortions in perceptions- and some creepy clown figures - bleh! I hate clowns too!
my mom tells me when I was s child I said I hated the white face clown because you never know who is hiding behind the makeup .
Misleading and misdirection are an issue for more than one character, sometimes because of the nature of who and what they are in terms of their magical natures
like in the crazy funhouse, some perceptions are dangerous, and possibly deadly.
Are more new beginnings ahead?
Cannot wait to find out!
August 23, 2023
Abby is busy working with the committee for the Fall Festival and Gabe is still away on some secret mission. When one of the committee members is murdered the mayor threatens to call off the festival but Abby is investigating. Along with dealing with the murder and the festival Abby has been having strange dreams that keeps telling her Gabe's not coming back. As she's struggling to juggle everything another committee member is murdered and it's just total chaos, but Abby suspects she knows who the murderer is and sets a trap and while she does catch the murderer it's not who she thinks it is and she is completely surprised by who did do it. To make things worse Gabe comes to see her and gives her shocking news. Great read.
October 6, 2022
This is a fun series where the paranormal community is hidden in plain sight from the mundane community, and especially from Abby's best friend, Stella. Abby's familiar Cooper, a very vocal cat, just sounds like a cat, instead of the partner he really is to Abby. It is fun to hear all Cooper's comments and have Stella sit right there and not have a clue!
There's murder and mayhem, and red herrings as well. Some major surprises along the way make this episode in Abby's life both interesting, and a struggle for her. Although the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, this is a series that will be much more interesting if read in order. Many great characters.
There's murder and mayhem, and red herrings as well. Some major surprises along the way make this episode in Abby's life both interesting, and a struggle for her. Although the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, this is a series that will be much more interesting if read in order. Many great characters.
October 15, 2022
This delightful paranormal cozy mystery series features Abbey Odell, witch, author, and currently manager of the towns annual Mum festival. When a citizen is found murdered Abbey worries that the festival will be cancelled, so she decides to find the killer herself. The characters are fun, my favorite being the parrot, Mr. Charming. The plot is nice and twisty! The author is an expert storyteller, which makes for very pleasant reading. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
October 19, 2022
Abby is a real life witch who is also an author, who has a talent for not only writing mysteries but solving them as well! Her significant other is away for an unknown amount of time, and someone is haunting her dreams telling her he will not return. Not only is this worrying her, a recent murder is causing havoc in her little town and possibly getting in the way of an important event raising funds for the library, an event Abby's deceased mother started and Abby is determined to solve the murder and save the event. This is a real cute paranormal cozy series with magical characters, adorable familiars, and overall a very fun story.
May 15, 2023
This series is the paracozy genre at its best!
"Hungry Like The Witch" is such an enjoyable read. Abby is a charming protagonist, and the inhabitants of Holiday Hills are personable as well; even the familiars are loaded with personality! The mystery is engaging and layered, and this reader is not convinced that the resolution is quite complete. And now there's the added element of romantic complications...Holiday Hills is the place to be!!
"Hungry Like The Witch" is such an enjoyable read. Abby is a charming protagonist, and the inhabitants of Holiday Hills are personable as well; even the familiars are loaded with personality! The mystery is engaging and layered, and this reader is not convinced that the resolution is quite complete. And now there's the added element of romantic complications...Holiday Hills is the place to be!!
March 27, 2023
I loved this story so much!!
The characters were phenomenal like always and I still love Cooper and the Mr. Charming!! They definitely know how to lighten a serious mood.
The storyline was very well written and an absolute page turner with lots of suspense, laughter and jaw dropping scenes. I highly recommend this read!!
The characters were phenomenal like always and I still love Cooper and the Mr. Charming!! They definitely know how to lighten a serious mood.
The storyline was very well written and an absolute page turner with lots of suspense, laughter and jaw dropping scenes. I highly recommend this read!!
March 28, 2023
Intense
With all the usual zany characters and lots of magic snark and humor, this next in the series fits right in, although it's somewhat darker than previous books that's not a bad thing with two murders to deal with our heroine has her hands full. And with a twist at the end you definitely won't see coming, as usual a fun read, Baz.
With all the usual zany characters and lots of magic snark and humor, this next in the series fits right in, although it's somewhat darker than previous books that's not a bad thing with two murders to deal with our heroine has her hands full. And with a twist at the end you definitely won't see coming, as usual a fun read, Baz.
March 29, 2023
Intriguing
Great story.I love all the characters and especially an obnoxious cat named Cooper. The story is told well and will keep you guessing until the end who is the guilty party. The magic performed has a lot of humor to it also. I know I'm going to read another Holiday Hills book. I think this story is appropriate for 11 year olds and up. Enjoy!
Great story.I love all the characters and especially an obnoxious cat named Cooper. The story is told well and will keep you guessing until the end who is the guilty party. The magic performed has a lot of humor to it also. I know I'm going to read another Holiday Hills book. I think this story is appropriate for 11 year olds and up. Enjoy!
October 17, 2022
Abby and Cooper make a perfect team in this story. If you like witchy novels you will devour the Witches of Holiday Hills. Entertaining, witty, and delightful. Grab a copy and relax while submerging yourself in this FUNTASTIC book. Highly Recommended.
October 21, 2022
Good series
I am really enjoying this series about a witch coming into her powers a.little later than usual. The plot and subplots move quickly with surprising twists. I can't wait to see how Abby's story progresses.
I am really enjoying this series about a witch coming into her powers a.little later than usual. The plot and subplots move quickly with surprising twists. I can't wait to see how Abby's story progresses.
October 29, 2022
Very angry. I read these types of books with paranormal and a happy moving on.
Story is awesome. Writing too. I really hate heart wrenching. Won't read the next one. I can usually tell. I got fooled.
Story is awesome. Writing too. I really hate heart wrenching. Won't read the next one. I can usually tell. I got fooled.
November 20, 2022
really good
Always a fantastic read. Very well written with great characters. Lots going on in this story & I didn’t figure things out until the author revealed it. Highly Recommend, but start with book 1 so you have all the character background.
Always a fantastic read. Very well written with great characters. Lots going on in this story & I didn’t figure things out until the author revealed it. Highly Recommend, but start with book 1 so you have all the character background.
March 8, 2023
Losses
People are being murdered. The major wants to shut the fundraiser down. Abby is facing losses. Her friends are dying and now Gabe has put a spell.on her. Can she get through it all?
People are being murdered. The major wants to shut the fundraiser down. Abby is facing losses. Her friends are dying and now Gabe has put a spell.on her. Can she get through it all?
April 2, 2023
Cooper is a great familiar
This was a wonderful story. I loved Abby’s friends & especially her witty cat, Cooper. The search for the killers of 2 committee members was interesting with a surprise ending.
This was a wonderful story. I loved Abby’s friends & especially her witty cat, Cooper. The search for the killers of 2 committee members was interesting with a surprise ending.
May 7, 2023
Fun reading
Fun witch heroine with her cat familiar helps solving the mysterious murders of 2 people in.her small town and save a festival that is raising money to.help the town library
Fun witch heroine with her cat familiar helps solving the mysterious murders of 2 people in.her small town and save a festival that is raising money to.help the town library
January 10, 2025
Hungry Like The Witch
Another wonderful book in this series by author Carolyn Rider Aspenson. Loved reading this awesome book. Each book keeps getting better and better. This one is so good. I highly recommend...
Another wonderful book in this series by author Carolyn Rider Aspenson. Loved reading this awesome book. Each book keeps getting better and better. This one is so good. I highly recommend...
March 27, 2025
Hungry likes the Witch:Witches of Holiday Hills cozy mystery
Getting ready for a festival her mom had started, but of course murder happens and clues lead to the culprit being magical.
Getting ready for a festival her mom had started, but of course murder happens and clues lead to the culprit being magical.
July 10, 2025
Murders and Shifters!
Another murder mystery in the cozy little place called Holiday Hills! Another great one by Carolyn Aspen Ridder. And what about Gabe, Abby’s boyfriend. What happened to him? Will he come back? Does Abby forget about him and move on?
Another murder mystery in the cozy little place called Holiday Hills! Another great one by Carolyn Aspen Ridder. And what about Gabe, Abby’s boyfriend. What happened to him? Will he come back? Does Abby forget about him and move on?
May 9, 2023
Cute story. I read it as a stand alone and enjoyed it
August 28, 2024
Abby solves the mystery
Abby is a witch in a human and magical world. The story is filled with twists and turns. It’s fun to try and solve the mystery with her.
Abby is a witch in a human and magical world. The story is filled with twists and turns. It’s fun to try and solve the mystery with her.
September 28, 2024
Cooper and Abby make such a great team. Can't wait for Gabe to come back.
November 22, 2024
Rated
3 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Good Read
Kindle Unlimited
3 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Good Read
Kindle Unlimited
December 1, 2025
Gabriel
I’m not reading any more of these books, I just skipped to the end, and if Gabriel isn’t coming back I’m deleting them.
I’m not reading any more of these books, I just skipped to the end, and if Gabriel isn’t coming back I’m deleting them.
October 13, 2022
This is an enjoyable series filled with a blend of interesting characters! There is the magical community filled with witches, warlocks and shifters; the human community that generally has no knowledge of the magic around them; and we can’t leave out the familiars, who add their own unique personalities to the mix. Abby, along with Cooper- her snarky, tuna loving cat familiar- are under a time crunch to solve two murders before the mayor cancels the festival Abby’s mother started years before to benefit the town library. There are plenty of suspects who all had a motive and Abby needs to sift through the secrets, lies and misdirection to find the real culprit before it’s too late.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews