How to Read the Witch P.I. Mystery Series
Adele Abbott's Witch P.I. Mystery is one of the most prolific supernatural cozy mystery series available today. Centered on Jill Gooder—a private investigator in the fictional town of Washbridge who discovers she is actually a witch—the series offers a delightful blend of lighthearted humor, quirky family dynamics, and magical detective work.
Because the series relies heavily on character development, Jill's growing magical competence, her relationship with her cheeky one-eyed cat Winky, and the unfolding mystery of the antagonist known as the "Dark One," it is highly recommended that you read the books in publication order. Skipping ahead will lead to minor spoilers regarding Jill's personal life, her family connections, and her evolving role in the magical realm of Candlefield.
What to Know Before You Start
The series is designed as a quick, comforting escape. While each book features a standalone mystery that Jill resolves by the end of the story, the overarching subplots—such as Jill's love life, her eccentric magical relatives, and the lingering threat of the Dark One—build continuously from book to book. The books are typically short, fast-paced, and filled with Abbott's signature British humor and sarcastic banter. If you love quirky animal sidekicks, Winky the cat is sure to become one of your favorite literary companions.
Complete Publication Order of Witch P.I. Mystery Books
Here is the chronological publication list for the series, which is also the recommended reading path for the best experience:
- Witch Is When It All Began (2015)
- Witch Is When Life Got Complicated (2015)
- Witch Is When Everything Went Crazy (2015)
- Witch Is When Things Fell Apart (2015)
- Witch is When The Bubble Burst (2015)
- We Witch You a Merry Christmas (2015) — Note: This is a festive short-story novella frequently designated as Book 5.5. It should ideally be read between Book 5 and Book 6.
- Witch Is When The Penny Dropped (2015)
- Witch Is When The Floodgates Opened (2016)
- Witch Is When The Hammer Fell (2016)
- Witch Is When My Heart Broke (2016)
- Witch is When I Said Goodbye (2016)
- Witch Is When Stuff Got Serious (2016)
- Witch Is When All Was Revealed (2016)
- Witch Is Why Time Stood Still (2016)
- Witch Is Why the Laughter Stopped (2016)
- Witch Is Why Another Door Opened (2016)
- Witch Is Why Two Became One (2017)
- Witch Is Why The Moon Disappeared (2017)
- Witch Is Why The Wolf Howled (2017)
- Witch Is Why The Music Stopped (2017)
- Witch Is Why The Owl Returned (2017)
- Witch Is Why A Pin Dropped (2017)
- Witch Is Why The Search Began (2017)
- Witch Is Why Promises Were Broken (2017)
- Witch Is Why It Was Over (2018)
- Witch is How Things Had Changed (2018)
- Witch Is How Berries Tasted Good (2018)
- Witch Is How The Mirror Lied (2018)
- Witch is How The Tables Turned (2018)
- Witch is How The Drought Ended (2019)
- Witch is How The Dice Fell (2019)
- Witch Is How The Biscuits Disappeared (2019)
- Witch Is How Dreams Became Reality (2019)
- Witch is How Bells Were Saved (2019)
- Witch Is How To Fool Cats (2019)
- Witch is How To Lose Big (2020)
- Witch is How Life Changed Forever (2020)
- Witch Is Where Magic Lives Now (2020)
- Witch Is Where Clowns Go To Die (2020)
- Witch Is Where Squirrels Go Nuts (2021)
- Witch Is Where Rainbows End (2021)
- Witch Is Where Unicorns Cry (2021)
- Witch Is Where The Lights Went Out (2022)
- Witch Is Where Fairies Wing It (2022)
- Witch Is Where Roses Bloom Early (2022)
- Witch Is Where Decisions Are Made (2023)
- Witch Is Where Gnomes Rule (2023)
- Witch Is Where Cats Always Win (2023)
- Witch Is Where Chickens Go To Roost (2024)
- Witch Is The Nest Now Empty (2024)
- Witch Is The Hardest Pill To Swallow (2025)
Spin-offs and Companion Series: Susan Hall Investigates
If you finish the main series and want more from Adele Abbott, you can dive into her companion mini-series, Susan Hall Investigates. While it doesn't directly crossover with the primary timeline of Jill Gooder, it delivers the same style of cozy mystery, humor, and quirky characters that Abbott's fans have come to love. The series follows Susan Hall, a detective who consistently attempts to resist the supernatural elements popping up in her investigative cases.
The recommended order for the Susan Hall mini-series is:
- Whoops! Our New Flatmate Is A Human (Book 1)
- Whoops! All The Money Went Missing (Book 2)
- Whoops! Someone Is On Our Case (Book 3)
- Whoops! We're In Big Trouble Now (Book 4)