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  • Published: 14 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9798217188239
  • Imprint: Ace
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $49.99

The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale

  • C. M. Waggoner


A practical witch must sabotage her beloved son's ascension to the throne in order to keep the kingdom from ruin in this delightfully wry cozy fantasy from the author of The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society.

A practical witch must sabotage her beloved son's ascension to the throne in order to keep the kingdom from ruin, in this delightful cozy fantasy from the author of The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry.

Once upon a time, a somewhat wicked witch named Gretsella lived in a cozy little cottage in the Dark Forest of Brigandale. She dispensed herbs and tinctures at reasonable prices, met with her slightly oddball coven on a regular basis, and had absolutely no need of any further company whatsoever, thank you very much. But then one afternoon, Gretsella came home to find a screaming infant on her doorstep.

Against all her better judgement, she took the baby in. She named him Bradley.

Eighteen years later, Bradley has grown into a bafflingly likable young man under Gretsella’s extremely tolerant—one might even say doting—eye. But the witch’s hopes for an unremarkable yet fulfilling life for her son are shattered when small woodland animals start prophesying that he is the lost prince and should ascend to the throne. Bradley ignores Gretsella’s advice that prophecies and talking chipmunks are to be avoided at all costs, and sets off for the capital. But soon confusion and chaos are reigning, and scheming courtiers are using Bradley for their own ends. Sometimes a witch has to roll up her sleeves and take matters into her own cauldron. So Gretsella resolves to bring about the downfall of her darling son…

  • Published: 14 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9798217188239
  • Imprint: Ace
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $49.99

Praise for The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale


Praise for Waggoner and Her Novels

“Waggoner melds lush imagery, humor, and a surprise twist into a contemporary paranormal mystery that will have readers clamoring for more of Sherry the librarian.”—Booklist (starred review)

"Waggoner makes nimble and entertaining use of cozy mystery tropes while also constructing Winesap’s larger supernatural conflict with careful attention to detail. Meanwhile, plentiful humor and endearing budding friendships give the story heart. Fantasy fans who also watched Murder, She Wrote and wondered about the abnormally high murder rate in Cabot Cove will especially want to check this one out."—Publishers Weekly

"The most unique, haunting, magical, treacherous, romantic, combative novel I've read in a long time. Action, betrayal, peoples at war, strange magic, and stranger love—a whole new take on fantasy!"—#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce

"Much of the comedy in Ms. Waggoner's story comes from the clash between Delly's Dickensian world, where 'red drip' takes the place of cheap gin, and the Jane Austen realm of arranged marriages, footmen, and careful distinctions between ladies and lady-adjacent personages....There's great fun in figuring out the rules of the game."—The Wall Street Journal


The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale is wildly witty, utterly delightful, and stars a cranky crone I absolutely adore. There’s nothing somewhat about how much I love this book.” – Sangu Mandanna, New York Times bestselling author of A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

"My favorite thing I've read all year. A fairy tale for everyone who'd rather wear sensible shoes than glass slippers... Witchy, witty, wise, and wonderful." – Julie Leong, USA Today bestselling author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

“Humorous and warmhearted... Readers seeking fun and clever comfort reading will find this hits the spot.” - Publishers Weekly

Praise for Waggoner and Her Novels

“Waggoner melds lush imagery, humor, and a surprise twist into a contemporary paranormal mystery that will have readers clamoring for more of Sherry the librarian.”—Booklist (starred review)

"Waggoner makes nimble and entertaining use of cozy mystery tropes while also constructing Winesap’s larger supernatural conflict with careful attention to detail. Meanwhile, plentiful humor and endearing budding friendships give the story heart. Fantasy fans who also watched Murder, She Wrote and wondered about the abnormally high murder rate in Cabot Cove will especially want to check this one out."—Publishers Weekly

"The most unique, haunting, magical, treacherous, romantic, combative novel I've read in a long time. Action, betrayal, peoples at war, strange magic, and stranger love—a whole new take on fantasy!"—#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce

"Much of the comedy in Ms. Waggoner's story comes from the clash between Delly's Dickensian world, where 'red drip' takes the place of cheap gin, and the Jane Austen realm of arranged marriages, footmen, and careful distinctions between ladies and lady-adjacent personages....There's great fun in figuring out the rules of the game."—The Wall Street Journal

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