Metaphysical detective Riga was never all powerful. But she used to have more magical juice than she does now. Now, she’s back to basics… and trapped in a faux-Viking village. But will brains and the basics of magic be enough to bring a murderer to justice?
This Riga Hayworth novelette set during the Halloween season takes place immediately before the events in The Alchemical Detective. It was originally published in the Moons, Magic and Mystery anthology in October, 2021.
Kirsten 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.
“The Sigil Detective” by Kirsten Weiss is a stand-alone novelette set in the Halloween season in the “Riga Hayworth Mystery” verse; while the story takes place immediately before the events depicted in “The Alchemical Detective” by the same author, a previous knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy the plot, although those already acquainted with “The Alchemical Detective” will rejoice to meet Riga again after all those years and find even some hidden gems 😉.
Riga Hayworth forebodings are correct, something is definitely off about the case at hand, her eyes not being really ‘blurpe’ notwithstanding 😊. The facility in Odinjörd might look like a faux Viking settlement, but the dangers are very real, and there is no escape until she finds the missing Sigil-App and solve the murder. Good news:Riga is very good at finding things / bad news : Riga has lost her magic 😉. Nevertheless Riga is determined to prove her worth, and solve the case with or without magic.
Kirsten Weiss story is fast paced, with well-crafted descriptions, a well-balanced mix between action and character development; and an excellent writing-style that drives the narrative forward, through unexpected twist and turns, to a very satisfactory conclusion 😊 not the end, because the story goes on… in the aforementioned “The Alchemical Detective” Series which comprises six full-instalments.
Riga is a Metaphysical Detective who has lost some of the otherworldly powers she used to have but has figured out how to use the talent she has left. A programmer, Jeff, has lost his latest project. His colleague had broken into his room and stolen his drive with the app. Then the bartender found her behind the pub. She had been murdered and the hard drive was gone. Since Riga is only backup assigned to find who stole the app, she isn’t expecting to be involved in the murder part of this crime. The FBI and DOD were there to take care of that part of the crime. But this app sounds like it could be very dangerous. Jeff told her that the app actually works. You type in what you want to happen, and then you push a button, and it creates a sigil. And then the sigil continues to evolve. Riga was sure it couldn’t work -- not without intent. But Jeff told her it did. She wondered what the DOD engineer had wished for. But Jeff didn’t want to know and didn’t ask.
Figuring that either the killer knew where all Odinjörd’s security cameras were positioned to capture an image, or he messed with the videos. Either way, the FBI and DOD have no idea who they are looking for. Can Riga track down the murderer and find the missing app? Will she be able to destroy the dangerous app?
I have read a number of books by this author and loved them. However this is my first time with this series, as I am more a cozy mystery fan, but I thought I would give it ago. I did enjoy it as there is a little mystery involved, so will be checking out the rest of the books in the series. It is a nice little taster and can be read in one sitting. It is a novella, so you don't really get things explained but I guess if you know the series you know what is going on anyway. I might not know the series but the author still creates a world that is captivating and one the reader wants to explore. Riga might have lost her magic but she still wants to prove her use. She does this by taking on a case single handed. A previous client wants her to help her son find some missing technology. However it's slightly more complicated than that as a murder also took place when the hard drive went missing and the FBI is involved. All the suspects can be found in the Viking themed village but can she solve the case without stepping on anybody's toes? And can she do it without her magic. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Power can be taken for granted until you need it but don't have it. Can our heroine use her wits to overcome her other issues, or will this be her last hoorah?
This is part of a series and something of a side story. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of the larger series. Either way works.
This is an urban fantasy story with a witch as our lead. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting that is enjoyable to explore (although we only get a taste here). The characters are also well developed, particularly our heroine who is tough and smart, and might just have a bit of an attitude. Overall, this was a fun story and I hope to see more in this series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
The Sigil Detective is a novelette in the Riga Hayworth Paranormal Mystery series by Kirsten Weiss.
Riga Hayworth used to have more magic, but she still works as a metaphysical detective helping find lost items. In this case, the code for a Sigil app has disappeared.
This was an entertaining short story. We get to see Rita in action while trying to find a missing app and solve a murder whether she wants to or not!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's difficult to explain what I actually love more in this story, as everything is "hitting the spot". A very "young" Riga, Magic descriptions at their best, Halloween, there is so much to love! I already had read this story the first time it was published in a collection, and it is a pleasure to re read. Highly recommended, especially to start getting into the spooky mood!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first encounter with Riga and I want to say it won't be my last. Riga is a little lost but on her way to becoming whole once again. I will be checking out the series to see what happens next. You can finish it in one sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
another great part in the Riga Hayworth Paranormal Mystery, it was what I was hoping for based on the previous books. I enjoy the way Kirsten Weiss writes and was glad I was able to go on this journey with her characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This short story is a wonderful introduction into the Riga Hayworth series. Fun, fast-paced and a blend of modern technology and Viking myth. Magic, murder and mystery all in one package. You have nothing to lose but may find yourself needing to binge this incredible series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Sigil Detective is a great short story. It’s funny and suspenseful. I like how Kirsten Weiss connects historical cultures with todays world. Riga is a character who is strong and yet has insecurities, making her relatable. I definitely recommend this book
Murder, Mayhem and Magic the perfect trio for an excellent mystery. Love the characters and the lifetime supply of pizza. Lots of twists and turns but an amazing story that you just can't resist. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this short story very much. The characters. especially Riga, are very interesting and keep the reader's attention. The plot is easily followed, and the overall story is a good one. I definitely recommend this short story.
I am a fan of the Riga Hayworth series and was looking forward to reading this novelette.
A faux-Viking village, complete with a Viking burial mound, a missing Sigil app and Riga without her magic. This book kept me entertained and I finished it in one sitting.
I can recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.