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Being a witch can be complicated.
We have powers, but with limitations.
In a perfect witchy world, that works like a charm.
But the witchy world isn’t perfect.

Witches don’t always follow the rules, and when they don’t, bad things happen. Like Cassandra Bloom’s death, for starters.

Holiday Hills residents, magical and humans, were afraid of Cassandra. She was the bad witch in every fairytale, the one with the ugly wart and long, stringy gray hair. But she didn’t just look scary. She was scary.

Sure, everyone in town might feel secretly relieved Cassandra’s no longer with us, but they’re missing the bigger picture.

Cassandra didn’t die of old age. She was murdered.

And now I’ve got to figure out the why, how, and who before the killer strikes again. Until I do, no one in Holiday Hills is safe.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2022

288 people are currently reading
200 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

148 books543 followers
USA 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


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for nαомι αndιno.
189 reviews59 followers
June 7, 2021
The Wicked Witch of Holliday Hills has died and she left her fortune to her dog. Cassandra Bloom was already in the terminal stage of cancer but her death is being investigated for murder. There is no shortage of suspects since Cassandra was not a lovely person.

Our MC, Abby Odell (who is also a witch) starts up her own investigation since she doesn’t particularly like the deputy chief. There are many twists in this story and although I was able to (somewhat) predict who murdered her, there were a lot of things I didn’t expect.

I read this cozy murder mystery in one sitting since it’s such an easy and entertaining read. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it a lot. I wasn’t expecting the talking animals and was a bit wary at first but they grew on me. I’d love to check out the previous books in this series and also the other series Carolyn Ridder has written.
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,061 reviews2,872 followers
August 9, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- A fun paranormal cozy mystery!

I quite enjoyed this book. I have read none of the other books in the series, and this one stands up relatively well as a standalone. However, it would be this reader's recommendation to start at book one, as I felt like there was a lot of backstory that would have made this an even better read. That said, this was a fun, quick read with quirky and likable characters. Well written and with an interesting plot that kept me guessing until the end. I will definitely go back and get caught up, and look forward to seeing what the future holds for these characters.

**ARC Via NetGalley**
Profile Image for Librarian   Bee.
255 reviews14 followers
April 19, 2023
Another Witch Another 5 Stars

I'm obsessed with the series thanks a lot Carolyn Aspenson. Abby is one of the best witch investigators ever. Even though I didn't love the plot for this one it was still a gem. 😍
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,318 reviews37 followers
July 7, 2021
When the meanest witch in town is found dead suddenly the entire town is on the suspect list! It's up to Abby and her witchy crew to figure it out before the wrong suspect is sentenced for life! A fun cast of characters that are sure to bring a smile to your face as you delightfully make your way through an intriguing plot! While the entire cast is fun, the familiars make these books so much more fun! Who wouldn't want a singing parrot to charm you or a snarky casanova cat backing you up if you find yourself in trouble!?! Although something is off in the familiar world in this one as well so hurry and read this one so I'll have more people begging the author for more! That will make her write faster right!?!
2,290 reviews40 followers
June 4, 2021
The wickedest witch in Holiday Hills is dead. While cancer was bringing the end closer, it was murder that ended her life. With plenty of suspects, Abby Odell begins looking into the murder since a non magical is leading the investigation in what is likely a magical murder with her feline familiar, Cooper. Now Abby has to find killer before they get away with murder.

This is a cute series and I love Cooper and his attitude adjustments he provides Abby. If you’re into southern paranormal cozies, this is right up your alley!
Profile Image for Colleen.
145 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2021
I received an ebook arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, sassy and a quick read. It is reminiscent of bewitched but definitely stands apart.

When reading this, and I should have checked, I didn't realize that this is the 4th book in the series. I though that it stood well on its own, but I will be checking out the first 3.

Definitely a fun, easy mystery with a main character that's enjoyable. I will be continuing on with the series.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,137 reviews85 followers
July 4, 2021
This is not the first book I’ve read in this series, but for some reason I’ve missed a couple of them. But that doesn’t impact my enjoyment as the author does a great job of keeping the reader up-to-date. In this latest, Abby is up to her neck in the investigation of a recent murder of a fellow witch, but the interim investigating officer and Abby don’t get along. This was a great, fun, fast read, and I enjoyed the book. The solution was just a tad bit complicated, but it was very interesting. Ready for more. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews53 followers
June 19, 2021
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Worthy of your TBR list.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
July 6, 2021
Cassandra is the witch everyone hates, including her family members. The only thing that loved her was her dog. But when she dies, everyone wants to let it be from cancer. The thing is, Abby isn't sure of that. There is a lot of money involved for those who are in her will...did someone hurry her death up? This is a fun read, so sit back and enjoy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,550 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2021
The town of Holiday Hills is a mixed community where the supernatural and the humans live side by side with the humans blissfully ignorant of the magic all around them. When one of the residents a witch in every sense of the word dies mystery writer and witch Abby O’Dell believes it’s murder and is one the case. With her beau the chief of police out of town on a secret assignment she’s left with her BFF Stella and Aunt Bessie to help her solve the case. This book feels like a cartoon in written form. I completely loved that goofy vibe. It’s definitely a quirky group of characters but they mesh well together. The mystery is very well written full of twists and turns and lots of magical shenanigans to keep you guessing til the end. I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series first. While the story is self contained the relationships and the characters are well established and if you don’t know the back story it’s a little confusing as to who’s who. Other than that it’s a fun story to read and an enchanting town I’d happily revisit.
I received an ARC of this book.
59 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2021
I received this ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review:

“Another Witch Bites the Dust” by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is a silly and predictable cozy mystery with erratic pacing, passable writing, and too-familiar stock characters.

And to be quite frank, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The “witchy cozy mystery” genre is something that I didn’t even know existed until I came across this book. But considering my lifelong fascination with Jessica Fletcher and the Halliwell Sisters, it almost seems like something I dreamt into reality.

I’ve seen other reviews comparing this book to Bewitched and The Good Witch, and I can see some evidence of inspiration from those other witchy properties.

But for me, this series was a thoughtful throwback to Melissa Joan Hart’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Like every classic 90s sitcom, the humour here is wholesome and light-hearted, but sometimes cheesy enough to induce a dramatic eye roll.

And just like Sabrina Spellman, Abby has a wise-cracking feline familiar. I could almost hear Nick Bakay’s voice in my head every time Cooper put in his two cents, and his banter always left me in stitches.

Of course, there were some minor areas for improvement.

Making the protagonist herself a cozy mystery writer was an interesting choice, but it didn’t work as well as it could have. I would have liked to see more consistent references to how Abby used her expertise as a novelist to solve her small town crimes, or how her real-life experience influenced her work.

And as previously mentioned, characters like troublesome twins Isabelle and Marabelle were notably one-dimensional.

Nonetheless, I was left feeling all the warm-fuzzies you would expect from a good cozy, and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for the further adventures of the “Holiday Hills Witch.”
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,108 reviews135 followers
December 23, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...

Brought to you by reviewer Andra

Another Witch Bites the Dust is not the first book in the The Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery Series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. While I have only read book two (and now this book) in this series – I was easily able to pick up this fifth book and enjoy Another Witch Bites the Dust immensely.

I found the characters interesting, with depth and the mystery kept me guessing until the end with a multitude of interesting red herrings ☺. I always find it tough to write reviews about mysteries and I really do not want to inadvertently note any spoilers! But here is a wee bit of what the story is about…

Not surprising but when the meanest witch (Cassandra) in town is found dead, there is an entire town that may well be on the suspect list! Abby Odell and Cooper, her familiar work to make sure that the wrong suspect is not found guilty. A bit tricky as the investigation is being spearheaded by a non-magical, and all signs point to this being a magical murder!

Additionally, I must also say that I really enjoyed the cover art. In the forefront – a witch flying through the air on her broomstick as a cat leaps to join for the ride. In the background – a mansion with some menacing trees in the haze with the moon poking through. I have always enjoyed any book I have read by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and Another Witch Bites the Dust is no exception. Now that there are twenty books in this paranormal series – I best get reading ☺
2,237 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: If you are going to do a witchy mystery and you are going to have a talking cat familiar, one with a heart of gold and a knack for snark is just what you want. Cooper’s loyalty to. Abby is unassailable but it doesn’t mean he does not push her buttons with his slightly misogynistic 70s style banter. He fancies himself as a cat nip for the ladies and he might be right.

Abby, only discovered her powers when her mother died. She not only learned she was also a witch but she is learning she is a very powerful one. She is still in the process of determining how to use them but needless to say, she takes no guff from other supernaturals. Good thing as she has her hands full with two young witches, a shapeshifter and an older witch with dementia after the meanest witch in town is murdered. The two young witches are her nieces and they are not amused when they learn the estate is going to the dog. Literally. And the shapeshifter who has been caring for Barney will continue to live in the house and have access to her wealth.

That does make him a good suspect but not as good as the two spoiled and nasty nieces. Abby’s chief of police beau, Gabe, is on a secret mission so she cannot depend on him but as a warlock, he is able to pop in when she needs him. It is all a good read where they mystery is secondary to the characters and the magic. Abby does solve it but it has a slightly bittersweet conclusion..

Four purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,013 reviews18 followers
June 18, 2021
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I jumped into this series with this book, but didn't feel as though I was so out of the loop that I couldn't follow and enjoy this installment. I really enjoyed the mystery and since I wasn't so familiar with the characters I was in a position where I believed everyone was a viable suspect. I'm not a big fan of cats, but I think I could tolerate one like Cooper - he was just the right amount of comic relief. The other supporting characters were all interesting and fit so perfectly in the world the author had created. Stella may have been a little too blunt at times, but she pushed Abby just enough to keep her from sulking. I also loved Bessie reminding Abby that she is a strong woman and doesn't need Gabe to be around to make her life worthwhile. Abby's antagonistic relationship with Martensen added just the right amount of additional conflict for the story. I may go back and read the previous books to get more on Abby learning about her powers and the early days of her and Gabe (and find out a little more about what it is he is doing exactly).
Profile Image for Carole Craddock.
283 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2021
Abby Odell is one powerful witch who is out for justice! With her police chief boyfriend away on a special mission, his human deputy is left to solve the murder of the nastiest witch in town! However, his skills don’t quite match her boyfriend’s, and Abby sets out to find the true murderer despite the deputy’s orders to not interfere in his investigation. There are so many suspects as most of the town hated the victim, but in particular her two nieces are the top suspects. But, things may not be what they seem and Abby is determined to find the truth to keep an innocent from paying for a crime they didn’t commit. This series has a cast of characters that are so delightful, between her human best friend, her mother’s best friend, Bessie, her familiar, a cat named Cooper, and Bessie’s familiar, a parrot named Mr. Charming who always leaves me chuckling! The fourth in this series, it just keeps getting better and better!
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,824 reviews48 followers
May 27, 2021
Another fun story of a powerful young witch (Abby) who came into her powers a few years ago and still is learning some things. When she and her aunt go to visit a sick cranky old witch, they discover the witch dead, and Abby suspects murder. Since the Police Chief is out of town for a secret mission, the Deputy Chief takes on the case. Sadly he is incompetent and unwilling to even really talk to Abby. So she is compelled to investigate on her own.

What follows include a small cast of unusual characters that are members of the magical community. Their complexity makes it difficult to sort out any red herrings and left me unsure of the real culprit. This made the story and surprising ending hard to predict and oh so enjoyable. Humor, often involving Abby's familiar Cooper, was sprinkled throughout the book. It was the perfect balance needed for this witchy treat. A fun book that leaves me wanting more.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,189 reviews28 followers
October 28, 2022
Another Witch Bites the Dust by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Women's Fiction
Published: July 6, 2021

Another Witch Bites the Dust is the 4th book in the Holiday Hills Witch series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. I have not read the previous book and was able to read this one as a standalone cozy mystery.

This was a fun witchy cozy mystery. The characters were interesting and I definitely enjoyed the murder mystery. I didn't find it to be as fast paced as most cozy mysteries and it didn't hold my attention like I expected. That's not a bad thing, it just took me a week to read, while normally I read a cozy in a day.

I think I'll be revisiting this series because it does have a fun feel with a witchy town with other paranormal, like shifters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
784 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2021
I loved this newest story!! Such a great storyline that totally pulled me into it as this newest mystery continued unfolding. The death from cancer or murder by someone who benefits from the earlier death of Cassandra. Add in that she is the meanest and least liked witch in town (and rich too!). As the story unfolds there are the usual characters, Abby definitely, and her familiar, Cooper, along with some intriguing new characters that slip rather beautifully into their roles. I have to admit that I shed a few tears at the end of the book - but you need to read the book to find out why. The book started slow for me, but I was fully immersed by the 2nd chapter and read it in one sitting.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
1,700 reviews35 followers
June 1, 2021
Cassandra Bloom is a witch that no one in town liked (they were actually scared of her), nor did she like them.
Cassandra is dying due to terminal cancer.
Cassandra is extremely wealthy.
Cassandra has changed her will and cut both of her nieces out of it.
Someone had decided to help Cassandra expedite her time on the planet,
And Abby O'Dell believes her death should be properly investigated with the guilty party being brought to justice.
With Gabe, the Chief of Police away on assignment and Deputy Chief Martensen in charge.
Abby is going to investigate because she doesn't believe that the Deputy can, nor is he able to do a proper investigation.

This is a fun story with developed characters and several surprises.
Thanks to Severn River Publishers and Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
Profile Image for Book.
480 reviews
June 2, 2021
Finding out who murdered mean witch Cassandra Bloom presents Abby Odell and her familiar, Cooper, with an intriguing challenge. Cassandra surprises her two daughters when she disinherits them in favor of her dog, Barney. Her will also stipulates that Raynor continue to live in her house and care for Barney.

Everyone in Holiday Hills believes Cassandra’s daughters are guilty. Abby follows up on various clues, including checking out her friend Bessie who argued with Cassandra over a plant in the flower shop.

Once again, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson weaves her magic to tell a spellbinding mystery. Magical characters interact with Mundanes. Witches cast spells. Raynor turns out to be a shape-shifting rabbit who enjoys taking care of Barney. Another Witch Bites the Dust is the fourth Holiday Hills Witch Cozy Mystery in this series and easily earns the designation as an enchanting read.
105 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2021
The Witch is dead. But how? They say is was of natural causes but Abby Odell doesn't believe it. So she is out to find the killer, and het boyfriend the Police Chief is out of town, it looks like she is on her own. The deputy tells her not to interfere, but that doesn't stop Abby. There where many people that wanted the witch dead including her own nieces, but Abby is looking for the truth. With her human best friend Bessie, her cat Cooper and of course her talking parrot Mr.Charming Abby is determined to find the suspect and bring them to justice.


I received this temp e-book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion.

I love Abby and her talking animals and the magic that surrounds them. I would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a fun fast read. You won't be disappointed..
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
985 reviews22 followers
July 6, 2021
Abby Odell is a cozy mystery author but also a resident witch in Holiday Hills. She is back in this fourth book of the series with her friends, minus Gabe who is away on business. There is another mystery to solve when Cassandra Bloom is found dead and most expect foul play. Abby sets about town, trying to help figure out who might want to have caused her harm. I was glad to return to Abby and her friends; they are an unlikely cast that work so well together. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson adds humor throughout her books from interactions between Abby and her familiar to Abby's new magic skills. Although these books are part of a series, each story is one of their own and character background is filled in with enough details. This series is great!

Thank you to Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
1,615 reviews25 followers
June 26, 2021
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

In book #4 of the Holiday Hills series Cassandra is murdered and the finger is pointed at several of the witches and shifters in town.... especially after it is discovered all of her millions of dollars went to her dog. Abby Odell, witch and writer of cozy witch murder mysteries is on the case, ready to help solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.
This was another fun book in the series. I love the premise of the main character in a witch murder mystery being a writer who writes witch murder mysteries. It is full of quirky characters and make you smile moments. If you are looking for a light, quick murder mystery this is the perfect book for you.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,745 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2021
When the wickedest witch in town dies, Abby, a witch, and her feline familiar, Cooper, are on the case. Cassandra had cancer, but is that what killed her? And who could have done it? It turns out there were quite a few possible suspects. And once it's ruled a homicide, Abby will have to wade through the clues and all the suspects to find out who is responsible.

Another fun and magical mystery featuring Abby, Cooper, Bessie, Stella and the rest of the quirky residents of Holiday Hills. With a few twisty turns and some red herrings, Another Witch Bites the Dust kept me entertained an guessing the bad guy until the very end.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Profile Image for John A. Sillasen.
359 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2021
a Truly Fine Whodunit Tale Where the Characters Just Happen to be Witches and Shapeshifters

Our tale begins with our lead character, A Cozy Mystery Writer of some renown, as a ghost writer, has come out on under her own name with Cozy Witch Mystery tales has decided to visit the most cantankerous witch in town as she has fallen gravely ill. She finds her on the floor with serious warts on her face, (more than usual even), she has been poisoned and her boyfriend, the Sheriff is off on a magical undercover operation leaving the human, deputy sheriff, A typical donut eating, slovenly person in charge. Abigail, Abby, And - our heroine, has to find the true magical murderer before Deputy Dawg arrests the wrong person.
Profile Image for Cozy Reviews.
2,050 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2021
This is the 4th book in the "Holiday Hills" cozy mystery series. I highly recommend the entire series for all that love paranormal cozies. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

In this fun next in series our protagnist is investigating the murder of a scary town witch who was disliked and feared by many. She does not trust the police as she believes her murder has to do with magic . She and the entire town is suspect as clues and suspects abound . Abby and her talking cat , her parrot and her friends are soon on the trail of solving the mystery.

I love the charcters in this series. The author deftly captures Southern culture and the paranormal perfectly blended to please every cozy reader. This is a must read series that I highly recommend.
870 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2021
Murder has come to Holiday Hills - the problem is no one cares for the victim was a bad witch , a scary witch , a witch no one will miss .
But witch Abby Odell fears there will be more deaths unless she finds the killer - with her Police Chief boyfriend out of town his Deputy warns her off - its Police business .
With her human best friend Bessie , her cat Cooper and her talking parrot Mr Charming Abby is determined to find the truth ........... there is a large pool of people to look at for Cassandra had many enemies

This is a fun , fast read , full of quirky characters - one that you won't be able to put down - entertaining to the end .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
890 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2023
Clara Bloom is very ill and not a well-loved witch, but Bessie and Abby go to visit her and see how she's doing only to find one niece Isabella racing off and nearly running them over to Marabell who is screaming at her sister but when they get inside, they find Clara Bloom is dead and its murder. The two fighting twin nieces explode when they find out their aunt left all her money to her dog/familiar Barney and his caregiver Rodney and that's when chaos erupts. Gabe is away on a secret mission and the substitute deputy is not doing a good job, but he acts like he's taking over for Gabe as his replacement. He and Abby do not like each other at all but in the end, Abby discovers the true murderer and calls Gabe to come help lock them up. Great Read with a surprising ending..
Profile Image for Gayle B.
380 reviews
June 14, 2021
Another good book in one of my favorite magical series. Abby is an interesting character that writes cozy mysteries. But she is also a witch. Many of the people in town are magical in one way or another; witches, werewolves and shifters. The story is an interesting mystery - who killed Cassandra - with the complication of all of the magical people that could be involved. Several people could have a motive. Follow Abby as she tries to untangle who's really who and who killed Cassandra. I love all of the "familiars" in the story. A good ending that will have you gasp!
I received and ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
Profile Image for Sue Rae Buck.
345 reviews14 followers
June 15, 2021
This is the 4th in the Holiday Hills Witch Series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson where Abby ends up in the middle of another murder investigation. Since Gage is away Deputy Chief Martensen is on the case when Cassandra Bloom is found dead and it not due to her cancer. Suspects are: twins Marabelle and Isabelle and the dog walker, Raynor since Cassandra changed her will to make sure that Barney, her german shepherd will be taken care of. Abby is trying to figure out who killed Cassandra but the Martensen keeps interfering. Who killed Cassandra? Who has the most to gain?

I was given a ARC of this book for my true and personal opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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