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The Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery #8
Bust a Witch
Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.
The thing magicals fear the most has happened. Our secret is out.
Jessie Rosenblatt, the Atlanta based news reporter, has learned the truth.
Magic is real.
As a paranormal cozy mystery author, I couldn’t have made up a more perfect mystery.
Intent on being the most famous reporter of all time, Jessie promises to tell the rest of the world about our secret. You can imagine her visit to town doesn’t go well. After being forced out by an unknown magical spell, Jessie is found floating in Lake Magical, the biggest fishing lake in North Georgia.
Everyone heard the commotion that night. The haunting howls, the eerie screams. No one was immune to the tragedy or the ramifications it’s caused.
Now the magicals of Holiday Hills are out of control, and I won’t even talk about the crazy humans and their upheaval. Things are spiraling into a hot mess of danger, but only get worse when a local shape shifter is accused of the crime.
But I think he’s innocent, and I intend to prove it. I’d like to say I’m handling things, but it turns out things are worse than I thought. You’d think I’d be shocked about that, but nope. Murder always wreaks havoc on both magicals and humans, and now they all think one of them is next.
The one that told Jessie our secret.
I just need to figure out who that is.
Nothing will stop me from doing what I need to do—to find the person or magical responsible for Jessie’s murder, and with the help of my chief of police boyfriend, I plan to do just that.
Let’s hope I can catch the killer before it catches me.
The thing magicals fear the most has happened. Our secret is out.
Jessie Rosenblatt, the Atlanta based news reporter, has learned the truth.
Magic is real.
As a paranormal cozy mystery author, I couldn’t have made up a more perfect mystery.
Intent on being the most famous reporter of all time, Jessie promises to tell the rest of the world about our secret. You can imagine her visit to town doesn’t go well. After being forced out by an unknown magical spell, Jessie is found floating in Lake Magical, the biggest fishing lake in North Georgia.
Everyone heard the commotion that night. The haunting howls, the eerie screams. No one was immune to the tragedy or the ramifications it’s caused.
Now the magicals of Holiday Hills are out of control, and I won’t even talk about the crazy humans and their upheaval. Things are spiraling into a hot mess of danger, but only get worse when a local shape shifter is accused of the crime.
But I think he’s innocent, and I intend to prove it. I’d like to say I’m handling things, but it turns out things are worse than I thought. You’d think I’d be shocked about that, but nope. Murder always wreaks havoc on both magicals and humans, and now they all think one of them is next.
The one that told Jessie our secret.
I just need to figure out who that is.
Nothing will stop me from doing what I need to do—to find the person or magical responsible for Jessie’s murder, and with the help of my chief of police boyfriend, I plan to do just that.
Let’s hope I can catch the killer before it catches me.
- GenresParanormalCozy Mystery
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
163 people are currently reading
162 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 7, 2024
A good story
This was a good cozy mystery with magical characters that live in a small town with humans. Gabe is a magical police officer and has help from his girlfriend and her familiar to solve crimes.
This was a good cozy mystery with magical characters that live in a small town with humans. Gabe is a magical police officer and has help from his girlfriend and her familiar to solve crimes.
March 17, 2023
More Witchy Fun With Abby
Another fun story set in Holiday Hills where the magical’s all live happily alongside the unsuspecting humans. But, the thing the magical’s fear most has happened, their secret is out.
When a news reporter informs the people of Holiday Hills that she has learned a huge secret about the town and is going to reveal it on the TV news the next day she is found murdered, floating in Lake Magical.
A lot of people heard the commotion and her screams and it caused unease and distrust among the magical community. Gossip was rife and everyone was blaming everyone else.
When Abby’s boyfriend Gabe, the Chief of Police makes an arrest, Abby can’t shake the feeling that he’s got the wrong man and Abby being Abby she can’t leave it alone. She may write murder mysteries for a living but she can’t help sleuthing, along with her familiar Cooper, but the more questions she asks the more she puts her life in danger.
Cooper the cat as always gets all the best lines and his dry, sarcastic, sense of humour makes me chuckle. Bessie’s familiar Mr Charming, a parrot who used to be Abby’s mums familiar before she died, still loves Cooper or Coopie doopie do as he calls him, much to Coopers disgust.
A fun read with the folks of Holiday Hills but can I just say, I know this is a cozy mystery but after eight books can Gabe at least do more than kiss Abby on the forehead, please.
Another fun story set in Holiday Hills where the magical’s all live happily alongside the unsuspecting humans. But, the thing the magical’s fear most has happened, their secret is out.
When a news reporter informs the people of Holiday Hills that she has learned a huge secret about the town and is going to reveal it on the TV news the next day she is found murdered, floating in Lake Magical.
A lot of people heard the commotion and her screams and it caused unease and distrust among the magical community. Gossip was rife and everyone was blaming everyone else.
When Abby’s boyfriend Gabe, the Chief of Police makes an arrest, Abby can’t shake the feeling that he’s got the wrong man and Abby being Abby she can’t leave it alone. She may write murder mysteries for a living but she can’t help sleuthing, along with her familiar Cooper, but the more questions she asks the more she puts her life in danger.
Cooper the cat as always gets all the best lines and his dry, sarcastic, sense of humour makes me chuckle. Bessie’s familiar Mr Charming, a parrot who used to be Abby’s mums familiar before she died, still loves Cooper or Coopie doopie do as he calls him, much to Coopers disgust.
A fun read with the folks of Holiday Hills but can I just say, I know this is a cozy mystery but after eight books can Gabe at least do more than kiss Abby on the forehead, please.
March 16, 2023
Things are slowly getting back to normal for Abby and the town of Holiday Hills now that Gabe is back. Gabe, who was away on a magical investigation, is the police chief and the love of Abby’s life. The town is on alert when Jessie Rosenblatt, an investigative reporter, plans to announce the secret that she has learned about the town. How could Jessie have learned that there are magicals, as well as humans living in the town? In addition, Abby’s best friend (a human) is thinking about moving to New York. When Jessie is found stabbed and dead in Lake Magical, Gabe is on the case, but of course Abby has to help as well. When someone is arrested and Abby is positive that they have the wrong man (well, shape shifter), she along with her familiar, Cooper the cat, need to find the real killer. This story has it all, blackmail, threats and the age old she stole my man. A fun and entertaining read as is the entire series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
January 24, 2026
Murder, Magic Witches and Shifters!
Another winner by this author! Abby and Gabe are together again. He is the sheriff and she is a new witch in Holiday Hills, a magical town shared with non-magical humans. Humans have no idea there are witches, shifters other magical living amongst them. It’s a well kept secret. Abby’s best friend is one of the non-magical and has no idea Abby is a witch. Suddenly a reporter shows up and threatens to reveal their secret, then just as suddenly she is murdered! Who did it? Suspicions swirl around. Tobias a local is arrested, but did he do it? He warns Abby to be careful. She doesn’t think he is the guilty one. Others had motive, Clara, the candle shop owner, Nezzy, Esmial, Hazel. All had reasons to kill the reporter,Jessie. Then, Nezzy ends up murdered! Who is the murderer and why? This book kept my interest and it’s a quick read. You just gotta read it to find out who committed the murders and why! Enjoy!
Another winner by this author! Abby and Gabe are together again. He is the sheriff and she is a new witch in Holiday Hills, a magical town shared with non-magical humans. Humans have no idea there are witches, shifters other magical living amongst them. It’s a well kept secret. Abby’s best friend is one of the non-magical and has no idea Abby is a witch. Suddenly a reporter shows up and threatens to reveal their secret, then just as suddenly she is murdered! Who did it? Suspicions swirl around. Tobias a local is arrested, but did he do it? He warns Abby to be careful. She doesn’t think he is the guilty one. Others had motive, Clara, the candle shop owner, Nezzy, Esmial, Hazel. All had reasons to kill the reporter,Jessie. Then, Nezzy ends up murdered! Who is the murderer and why? This book kept my interest and it’s a quick read. You just gotta read it to find out who committed the murders and why! Enjoy!
August 26, 2023
Just what Holiday Hills doesn't need, a reporter threatening to reveal the town's magical occupants to the whole world. Jessica states in the next couple days she has a shocking reveal which will be the big event of her career. Gabe is concerned about the impact on the town and the major rushes to cover everything only for Jessica's dead body to be found the next morning. Suspects abound but Gabe makes a quick arrest of Tobias because his fingerprints are found on the murder weapon but Abby is convinced something is off and starts her own investigation. After some threats and another dead body is the real killer revealed in a shocking way. Lots of twists, turns and suspense, a really great read.
February 28, 2023
Wow! this book is a wild story of a secret that is about to be released on Network News. It will change the town and probably the nation if that secret gets out. And somebody makes sure that it doesn't!
Secrets...suspicion...scandal... Abby tries to get to the bottom of it all when she is convinced Gabe doesn't have the real killer behind bars.
So many secrets in the magical community. This is a complicated tale chock full of red herrings and half truths. I had no idea how it would ever resolve as suspect after suspect was eliminated. A fantastic magical mystery that I read in one sitting. Plenty of Cooper induced moments of levity added to the fun. Probably my favorite in the series!
Secrets...suspicion...scandal... Abby tries to get to the bottom of it all when she is convinced Gabe doesn't have the real killer behind bars.
So many secrets in the magical community. This is a complicated tale chock full of red herrings and half truths. I had no idea how it would ever resolve as suspect after suspect was eliminated. A fantastic magical mystery that I read in one sitting. Plenty of Cooper induced moments of levity added to the fun. Probably my favorite in the series!
March 5, 2023
Murder and mayhem ensue when a television reporter comes to town to promote her upcoming news story that promises to unveil a secret about Holiday Hills that will rock the foundations of life as they know it for the residents. A secret so explosive that someone will kill to keep it hidden. There are many suspects and more secrets and lies that muddy Abby’s investigation into the reporter’s murder. This is a great addition to the series! The characters are interesting, well developed and unique. The familiars, Cooper and Mr. Charming, add so much fun and humor to the storyline. A truly enjoyable series!
March 6, 2023
Very exciting as Abby sets out to solve the murder of a human reporter who announces she is going to reveal a big secret about Holiday Hills that has all the magicals upset. After Gabe arrests a shifter for the murder, Abby is convinced he has the wrong suspect. Abby is in danger the closer she gets to revealing the truth. Also in this story, as Abby and Gabe's relationship gets back to normal after his return to Holiday Hills, Abby's world is turned upside down as her best friend, Stella, is considering a job offer in New York City. This series is very entertaining with great characters and an overall interesting storyline.
March 19, 2023
A local shape shifter is arrested for killing a big city reporter, who claimed to know the big of the secret of Holiday Hills. Abby is certain he is not the killer and sets out to prove it. A great plot and plenty of action make this one hard to put down. 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.
April 23, 2023
Several scenarios involving secrets and lies - are magicals about to be outed?
a local reporter who promises career making revelations does not fare well.
so many townsfolk share and hide secrets and lies
the truth probably will not set them free - more likely, it will paint targets on the town and townsfolk
unraveling elements of this whodunnit, loves and friendships- very tricky!
a local reporter who promises career making revelations does not fare well.
so many townsfolk share and hide secrets and lies
the truth probably will not set them free - more likely, it will paint targets on the town and townsfolk
unraveling elements of this whodunnit, loves and friendships- very tricky!
September 1, 2023
This is cute book about magic and witches. The local star reporter is killed after she threatens to reveal the secret of the town. A local shapeshifter is arrested for it. But, our FMC does not believe he killed her after further investigation and another murder she discovers the true murderer. Throughout the book you try to figure out the person that killed two people. This twist will surprise you because you never see it coming. I recommend this book for those seeking a nice comfortable book to read.
January 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Holiday Hills with Abby, Gabe, and its other magical and human citizens. This is a light but well plotted mystery, with the perfect mix of paranormal trappings, likeable and quirky characters, and just what I needed. If you haven't yet been introduced to Holiday Hills and its citizenry, do start at the beginning and read the books in order. They are bound to put a smile on your face.
The narration was well done and made for an enjoyable listen.
The narration was well done and made for an enjoyable listen.
October 16, 2024
witches can be mean
Another good story about Abby figuring out who the murderer is and why magicals were killed. This series lets the reader see how witch Abby is becoming a good sleuth. Although there isn’t much magic that happens in the stories, there is some. But the interesting parts are how Abby figures out who is the bad guy/woman, using her skills of deduction and questioning.
Interesting reads.
Another good story about Abby figuring out who the murderer is and why magicals were killed. This series lets the reader see how witch Abby is becoming a good sleuth. Although there isn’t much magic that happens in the stories, there is some. But the interesting parts are how Abby figures out who is the bad guy/woman, using her skills of deduction and questioning.
Interesting reads.
March 6, 2023
A reporter is in Holiday Hills and the rumor is that she knows the truth. And she plans to share her secret. Will she tell the world that Holiday Hills is magical? Or is there another secret? When the reporter turns up dead, Abby is determined that she will find the true murderer. Hopefully before the killer gets Abby.
July 31, 2023
Good.
Even more magic mystery and of course it wouldn't be Holiday Hills without a murder bonus there's two, when a nosy big city reporter announces that she is going to reveal the towns secret to the world all hell breaks loose. When she's found dead things start to get serious, a great story with well written characters a real page turner, Baz.
Even more magic mystery and of course it wouldn't be Holiday Hills without a murder bonus there's two, when a nosy big city reporter announces that she is going to reveal the towns secret to the world all hell breaks loose. When she's found dead things start to get serious, a great story with well written characters a real page turner, Baz.
March 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is fun and interesting. There are so many twists that you are kept guessing until the very end. This is a great paranormal cozy mystery. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
October 9, 2023
Sheesh!
I freaking love this series! The magic, the mystery, the characters and the town! Perfect storm or blend of everything all in one adorable yet addicting series! I can't stop wanting more!
I freaking love this series! The magic, the mystery, the characters and the town! Perfect storm or blend of everything all in one adorable yet addicting series! I can't stop wanting more!
July 22, 2024
Witches of Holiday Hills
Abby and her cat familiar, Cooper have to help keeping their town from being outed as a Witch and Wizard Haven. With a reporter trying to tell about all the magical beings living there, it becomes a life and death job!
Abby and her cat familiar, Cooper have to help keeping their town from being outed as a Witch and Wizard Haven. With a reporter trying to tell about all the magical beings living there, it becomes a life and death job!
July 25, 2024
Love it
I love Miss Aspenson's writing style and story lines. So energetic and very clean. I bet this lady could write one heck of an spicy romance book. Looking for next book. Read 3 so far.
I love Miss Aspenson's writing style and story lines. So energetic and very clean. I bet this lady could write one heck of an spicy romance book. Looking for next book. Read 3 so far.
March 15, 2023
Loved it! Fun magical cozy mystery. Enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend.
March 16, 2023
Fun characters, especially the "familiars" in a delightful addition to a series sure to please the 'witchier" readers who want a pleasant, non-violent book. Recommended.
May 22, 2023
Very enjoyable.
June 16, 2023
bust a witch
I’m begging to think the main characters needs to give up sleuthing, she figures out the bad guy when they try to kill her
I’m begging to think the main characters needs to give up sleuthing, she figures out the bad guy when they try to kill her
January 7, 2024
Excellent
Great storyline. Plenty of twists and turns. Laugh of loud humor. I loved it. Do yourself a favor and read this one.
Great storyline. Plenty of twists and turns. Laugh of loud humor. I loved it. Do yourself a favor and read this one.
August 27, 2024
Great storytelling. I really enjoyed this and look forward to move in the series.
September 15, 2024
Great characters
Abby has a nose for mystery and a stubborn streak to prove she’s right. The entire holiday hills group give you a fun and spellbinding read.
Abby has a nose for mystery and a stubborn streak to prove she’s right. The entire holiday hills group give you a fun and spellbinding read.
October 11, 2024
I think if I was going to do something I'd keep my mouth shut so no one would know and wouldn't hurt me. Had me guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews