The Librarian and the Witch

Strangely Scary Funny #4

by Brian Yansky

A fun, fast, fantastical After an altercation with a clown, I get lost in the woods and find a strange town. When the librarian of the town dies in front of me, I try on his ring. It fits. I’m declared the new librarian by the mayor and townspeople. I get to live in a houseful of books. But I soon learn the job involves more than just tomes and information. That's how it all started in book 1.In book 4 there’s the librarian, of course, all the main characters from books 1-3, including the town of Eden which is certainly a main character, and a witch. It begins with her asking the librarian to find her familiar, a cat. It ends with, well, I can’t tell you that. Expect suspense and unexpected twists and turns, odd characters, and the same kind of humor that is in the other novels because I’m pretty much unable to have any other kind. Hope you enjoy it.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Humor, Audiobook, Supernatural, Magic, Horror

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2023

About the author

I write supernatural horror suspense comedy (a mix of dark humor, quirky, silly humor and satire.), .

I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.

I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.

I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎉🌙

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 12

The witch comes to the library with a request. Then the witches sisters are being killed. The librarians sister shows up taking the librarian to stand trial. 😏

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships fantasy world 🌐 adventure novels 🌃 😕 2025 😄🤗

[julia pryor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series

I happened upon this series by accident and I am so glad that I did.
The stories are funny, and scary and oddly enough make you think about things.
I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading supernatural books. I enjoy the hero he is hilarious, however my favorite is Fluffy, the hellhound, I can imagine his snicker. The only downside is some of the editing is lacking.
Overall fantastic

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is gonzo crazy. I can’t stop reading it.

Every supernatural everything is in this series, and if I tried to explain it, we’d all go berserk. Read the first book. If you’re not hooked, I’ll be surprised, but your tolerance for literary chaos may not be as high as mine. But try it, at least.
Brian Yansky: you need to read your own work more carefully. Mistakes in word choice and punctuation make your books look sloppy and it gets progressively worse as you go through the series. Take your time to get the written language right. It’s worth it.

[Coralee Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dialogue and first-person narrative take center stage in book 4 of Yansky's "strangely scary funny" series. The setting, Eden and the Haunted Woods, along with a dream walk into hell, moves the reader along at a quick pace. Kevin has acquired a dog; Fluffy, the hell hound, has adopted him. While I'm not a dog lover, I do enjoy reading about a 400 lb dog with cat ears and a puppy personality who can speak English (apparently, "Squirrels taste crunchy"). Yansky also introduces Chaos, a witch's familiar who can fight demons with the best of them.

Yansky borrows from several mythic witch sources: the symbolic three witches of European folklore, Morgana (the classic "baddie" from Arthurian legends), and of course Olive, our good witch and Kevin's girl. Yansky gives each character a new storyline that twists and turns into a good old-fashioned mystery: Who killed Roweena (one of the three sisters) and why? Romance continues its journey on Yansky's rocky road. This time, Olive has agreed to marry someone who will help her keep her father alive—it's complicated but truly part of this scary soap opera.

As before, this is a fast-paced read. New threats include the appearance of Lilith—a major antagonist—and fights with demon ninjas, demon demons, and mental games with Karl, Kevin's dad (aka Lucifer). Almost all loose ends are tied up, except for the final page, which leaves the reader eager to hit send for book 5. Funny and scary, the book also offers, given the nature of today's world, insightful commentary on power and the commitment to doing the right thing.

Recommended for readers of paranormal comedy from YA through Adult.

[James Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's like a 50 cent pie

I like long books but this doesn't count. I don't know how many books are in this series but at this point it's all generic filler. There is a twenty page section where he just lifts text from romance novels and slaps them together. The book is about 200 pages long and 10 percent is lifted from someone else and the rest is rehash of what was in the first 2 books. This is a horrible marketing concept as he's just stretching out what should be one book into twenty.

[Ashley Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so FLUFFY!!!

Ok, so the title of my review doesn't have a lot to do with the book. But it does have some, you shall see. I have to say I think this is my favorite one so far. There is a lot more going on yet it is still very easy to keep track of and flows like an unobstructed stream.
The simple bits of character building as each book continues to be a joy. I really like the little hints Mr. Yansky sprinkles throughout his tales.
I cannot say without spoilers.
So I will leave you in angst so you can run and read the short fun tales yourself.

[Old Time Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cliff hanger ending?

Yeah, but that’s ok. What do you expect in a multi-volume series?

Kevin is on top of things tracking down the murderer of the evil eitch Rowena and saving her sisters. He also has to figure out the dietary problems of his girlfriends father so she doesn’t marry some rich prick. And all the while trying to keep his countless half brothers and sisters from killing him.

And still run The Library.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I liked it. But there were so many typos that it was really annoying. This isn't my favorite of the series. To me, it seemed like so many things were taken from the show Supernatural. Which is one of my favorite shows ever. But it was actually annoying that so many things seemed to be from the series. I think the author is unique enough in his own right to not have to take so many things from a series.

[DEBORAH I MORRIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

witches do revenge

Just when you thought the librarian was going to be safe someone is working behind his back to hurt someone he cares for and he can’t help himself he will always try to help them. Of course he’s going to get hurt in the process and maybe one or two of his new friends too!! But of course he’s will come out on top because he’s carl’s son and the son of the favorite woman.

[Christina Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Series

I love the dark humor and references to my birthplace I recognize! Great record store on Lamar if you ever visit. Dirty's on Guadalupe also does wonderful burgers. At any rate, I truly appreciate the unique nature of these novels as they capture so many different genres in one place. I could follow this librarian for quite a while and never get bored. A bit of the supernatural, A bit comedy, flashes of romance, and always an adventure.

[Travis Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fun story from Yansky

Despite my longstanding dislike of all things horror and gore, I really enjoy this series. Even when things get a bit scary or disgusting, the humor undertones keeps it light enough for my sensitive constitution to keep reading. I also appreciate the fast pace and constant intrigue. The poor Librarian must be perpetually exhausted. Brian, thank you for Fluffy. He reminds me of a beloved Great Dane we had when I was a kid - very protective of us. 😉

[Bambi Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laugh. I say ewwwww. I laugh again.

This series is just…enthralling! It’s got witches, demons, hellhounds, angels and, most importantly, the son of Karl! You know Karl. He rules hell and is known by a few other names too. His son is the librarian of Eden. Laugh out loud funny with a touch or two of creepy!

[Ellen J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for another trip to eden. It was good to visit with old friends again. This book was not as surprising as the previous books as the characters have become familiar to me. I thoroughly enjoyed Fluffy and Chaos. I hope I encounter them again. I think I will put a bit more time between this book and book 5.

[Cape Rust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Details...

Another great installment in this series. Character and story development and progression moved along at an engaging pace. There were definite twists and turns I wasn't expecting. There were a few significant events that felt rushed or abrupt or lacking details. I'm excited to read the next book.

[Valerie]

I bought this book in the compilation of the first four books. I abandoned the series about 75% though the second book as it was so boring and repetitive I kept avoiding reading it. The author keeps saying the same things over and over again. Feel like the first four books could have been ONE book instead of four.

[KONRAD WEAVER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected fun

If you enjoy books like The Bobaverse, or the Adams family, or Good Omens, you will most likely love these books. I am having fun reading them. Funny, disturbing, and different.

[Susan Chakerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of a kind

Differently interesting. I've never read anything qu ite like it.
This book has so many twists & turns I almost got car sick. My attention piqued and all the supernatural compelling information leads to the next book. Yahoo!

[CC Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the nose; scary, strange, and funny!

I would recommend this series to anyone interested in fiction/fantasy, and dry humor. Kevin is a great character to follow, and I hope Fluffy, Olive, and Chaos are in future stories!

[Patricia Remick]

Escapist fluff

Certainly no deep thoughts here, just plenty of odd characters, magic, unexpected anti-laws of physics and religious irreverence. Suitable for some light and enjoyable reading. Love the pets, if only mine could have ever spoken audibly.

[Chelsea Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun and funny horror comedy

This series has been my go to reading while pregnant and battling insomnia! Love the characters, love the town, and love the crazy situations our hero gets himself into.

[Lori Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadlines are hard.

Just a guess, but I suspect Brian was up against one to get this one done. Still good, still comment-worthy, but a bunch of typos… I’m still all in and moving straight on to book 5, adulting and responsibility be damned!

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs editing

I am a speed reader and when things do no flow correctly, I am forced to see why. Here are a few examples.
P.34 Take a stand, Librarian. Is shit, is not shit. Decide.
P. 51 The sun was about to drop behind one of the top of the mountain.
I like the stories

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I haven’t gotten quite as into this series as I have other fantasy/humor/cozy series, I do enjoy each entry more. This one was marred quite a bit by some spectacularly awful editing but still a good story.

[Sandra Buntin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Librarian and the Witch

This was a fun escape from the boring and/or serious books. It was a delightful and humorous vacation of sorts. We all need a little fantasy every now and then and this is just the ticket. Mr Yansky has such creative talent. Two thumbs up!

[Sara Armendarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Entertaining

First of your books I have read. Loved the humor. While reading I couldn't help but think if the books were made into movies I wouldn't be able to watch due to the bloody scenes.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a witch from the haunted forest comes calling to redeem an owed favour, Kevin soon finds himself in danger from all sides. The characters are now established and continue to grow, as the underlying story continues to build.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for The Librarian and the Witch

I absolutely loved it! Another wild ride! How will our hero’s get out of this jam? This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retired librarian approves

Brian Yansky's Librarian series is quite an enjoyable read thus far. (I only need to hush my inner proofreader/editor infrequently.) On to the next volume!

[Jeanenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book. You have a librarian, a witch, a hell hound, Kyle (better known as Lucifer), and a haunted forest. I love the concept of this story. It's fun and kooky and a very quick little read. Nice when you need a pallet cleanser.

[Sharon Grabmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reading

Fun, exciting and with lots of laughing. If you suspend your common sense the entire series is enjoyable. Supernatural and horror are not my general genre but Brian sure makes it entertaining.