Bait and Witch
A Witch Way Librarian Mystery, Book 1
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: December 29, 2020
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1496728742
ISBN-13: 978-1496728746
Digital ASIN: B086R8VF2T
Purchase from Amazon
About Bait and Witch:
Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose—she’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble . . .
Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods . . .
Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life . . .
Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose—she’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble . . .
Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods . . .
Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life . . .
My Review:
Josie needs to escape D.C. in a hurry after overhearing something she shouldn't have while taking a break in the basement of the Library of Congress. In order to keep her family safe, Josie doesn't end up where her family things she is going. Instead of New York, Josie is in the middle of Nowheresville, Oregon. A sleepy little town, Wilfred, OR doesn't offer much but a historic mansion-turned-library, a diner, a few stores, and a trailer park. Upon arrival, Josie is shocked to learn the library has been sold to a couple who want to tear it down and rebuild a more modern retreat on the land. Josie's hideaway is about to be destroyed. In the midst of the news, Josie finds a body in some bushes on the library's property. Was this person looking for her and if so, who killed them and why?
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Josie decides she wants to do something to help prevent the demolition of the library. She also does some sleuthing on the side. She can't identify the body and the police aren't talking but she sure can try to find out if who they are pinning the murder on is right. After all, the person just doesn't seem like the type (although, do they ever?!) and she's sure something's missing. There are a few potential suspects, each with their own reasons for possibly wanting someone dead - some of them shocking. I was actually surprised at the reveal of the murderer and why. I didn't see it coming and was blindsided by the revelation. Bravo, Ms. Sanders, Bravo!
Josie was a delightful heroine who discovers she's from a long line of witches. Not being raised to know or understand her powers, Josie is frightened of them and what she could possible do. Josie also was a smart amateur detective. She didn't do anything that made me mutter under my breath about the legalities, shake my head at the pure lack of common sense, or yell at her for doing something totally stupid. Josie is my kind of cozy mystery heroine. She's smart, thoughtful, caring, and willing to go the extra mile, even though she hasn't been in town very long. The secondary characters were entertaining and enjoyed getting to know everyone in Wilfred.
This book was simply amazing. The pacing was perfect - not too fast or too slow. Everything about Bait and Witch captivated me and keep me engaged. I didn't want to put the book down. I'm really excited for the next book!
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
My Rating:
