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Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #5
Gone With the Witch
Small-town Wilfred has turned into a quaintly cozy Oregon destination—but it also keeps turning up corpses! As the bones pile up, librarian and apprentice witch Josie Way will need to use all the sorcery at her disposal to stop a killer . . .
When human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines, no one knows who they once belonged to. But elderly Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern—where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease the woman’s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning.
Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
When human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines, no one knows who they once belonged to. But elderly Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern—where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease the woman’s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning.
Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
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First published February 20, 2024
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About the author
Angela M. Sanders
19 books569 followersAngela M. Sanders is the author of the Witch Way Librarian cozy mysteries and the Joanna Hayworth vintage clothing mysteries . As Clover Tate, she wrote the Kite Shop cozy mysteries.
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
September 19, 2024
Delighful Almost ! 🐈⬛🔎🔮
January 24, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian series and I had read two of them previously so was happy to pick this one up. The earlier books in the series were fun reads and so was this one.
Description:
Small-town Wilfred has turned into a quaintly cozy Oregon destination—but it also keeps turning up corpses! As the bones pile up, librarian and apprentice witch Josie Way will need to use all the sorcery at her disposal to stop a killer . . .
When human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines, no one knows who they once belonged to. But elderly Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern—where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease the woman’s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning.
Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
My Thoughts:
The way books "speak" to Josie is unique and fun. I like this ability and loved the Sherlock Holmes assistant in this book. Josie's romance with Sam is fun too - will she tell him about her abilities? This was an interesting case to unravel and it was fun following it to the end. Recommended for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication February 20, 2024.
Description:
Small-town Wilfred has turned into a quaintly cozy Oregon destination—but it also keeps turning up corpses! As the bones pile up, librarian and apprentice witch Josie Way will need to use all the sorcery at her disposal to stop a killer . . .
When human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines, no one knows who they once belonged to. But elderly Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern—where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease the woman’s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning.
Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
My Thoughts:
The way books "speak" to Josie is unique and fun. I like this ability and loved the Sherlock Holmes assistant in this book. Josie's romance with Sam is fun too - will she tell him about her abilities? This was an interesting case to unravel and it was fun following it to the end. Recommended for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication February 20, 2024.
March 10, 2024
Up to now I have enjoyed this series, but it lost me with this book and it ended up a DNF.
There are many things I like about this series, especially the fact that Josie's magic manifests itself in the library where she is the librarian, with the books talking to her. I love that and find it wonderful and charming.
What I did not like about this book was how convoluted the plot was, with many components from things that happened 50 (that's not a typo - 50) years ago suddenly impacting a murder that has just happened . . . or is it? The coroner says the death was natural causes . . . but then again, maybe not.
I also found there were just way too many things happening here that were simply ridiculous, and beggared belief that Josie and others would put up with such nonsensical, out-of-line and otherwise not buyable. I just could not suspend my belief far enough to accept that anyone - especially someone who loves her town as much as Josie does - would accept the things people put in front of her. I just could not.
I'm moving on to something that I can believe sign up for and enjoy more than this one.
There are many things I like about this series, especially the fact that Josie's magic manifests itself in the library where she is the librarian, with the books talking to her. I love that and find it wonderful and charming.
What I did not like about this book was how convoluted the plot was, with many components from things that happened 50 (that's not a typo - 50) years ago suddenly impacting a murder that has just happened . . . or is it? The coroner says the death was natural causes . . . but then again, maybe not.
I also found there were just way too many things happening here that were simply ridiculous, and beggared belief that Josie and others would put up with such nonsensical, out-of-line and otherwise not buyable. I just could not suspend my belief far enough to accept that anyone - especially someone who loves her town as much as Josie does - would accept the things people put in front of her. I just could not.
I'm moving on to something that I can believe sign up for and enjoy more than this one.
April 26, 2025
As Duke and Desmond prepare to build a new garage on the land they purchased from Lindy Everhart, they uncover some old bones under what used to be an outhouse. Whose bones were they and how did they get there? Helen Garlington thinks she has an answer to the first question, but, the DNA does not match her son's and therefore, the bones cannot belong to her husband Martin, who disappeared 50 years ago. Despondent, Helen drowns her sorrows in the tavern. When Josie arrives to comfort her friend, the TV tunes to a game show and Helen swears her husband is one of the contestants! The man's name is Bruno Gates but Helen is sure it is him. She asks Josie for help contacting Bruno Gates and asking him to come to Wilfred. Josie is able to track down the man but he claims to know nothing about Wilfred. Even so, he's nice enough to offer to drive down and meet up with Helen just to appease her. Helen is gutted when she meets Bruno and he's not her Martin but half the locals seem to believe the vivacious, heavy-drinking womanizer in the tavern IS Martin and not everyone is happy he returned. But who would go so far as to murder him? When Josie next sees Bruno Gates, he's dead on the same property as the old bones! Coincidence? The police don't think so and the medical examiner rules death by natural causes for... NOT Bruno Gates or Martin Garlington but one Larry Sutton! Who was Larry Sutton? Who is Bruno Gates and why didn't he come? Is Martin still alive? Did Larry Sutton really die from natural causes? Helen wants to be sure and asks Josie to investigate. Help comes from an unexpected quarter and a surprise or two awaits Josie. Meanwhile, Josie is blissfully happy dating Sam but can't bring herself to tell him she's a witch and Roz and Lyndon are having problems cohabitating, driving Josie crazy!
This was not the best of the series. None of us (book club) enjoyed it. The plot was WAY too convoluted to follow. I never put the pieces all together but wasn't entirely surprised by the reveal either. The author needs to dial back the magic and define it and also stop writing by the seat of her pants! There was just TOO much going on! I like some of the book magic but not all of it, especially not Josie's new sidekick. I was into it until Josie's new sidekick showed up and until the surprise visitor arrived. Then the plot got too crazy complicated. it picked up again later in the book but the middle was a slog.
Josie is a truth teller so she needs to tell Sam the truth! How can her magic let her NOT tell him? She should start off small. She can say something like "Today a patron checked out a set of DVDs of that old show Bewitched. Did you ever watch that when you were a kid? My sisters and I were FASCINATED! We loved Samantha, the witch. You know what's funny? We recently found out my grandma was a witch!" (He'll have lots of questions... follow up SMALL) "My sister Toni is a healer... my sister Jean, you know, is a life coach. She's intuitive." Then she can see how he reacts. Then throw in "My magic seems to be books but I don't really know how that works. Sometimes it seems the books speak to me but I've read so many I don't know if that's just my brain or magic! Then later tell him about being a truth teller. DO NOT tell him about the land spirit, the detective, Sherlock, and ease into the birthmark power thing. DO NOT tell him about Rodney! We think Rodney IS Auntie Marilyn's same exact cat and perhaps Auntie Marilyn was a witch? Sam doesn't need to know that. I TOTALLY relate to his craving for a quiet, normal life. Me too! But his life is not normal! He has a kid that isn't his biologically and a dead estranged wife, a family past that's bound to come back to haunt him. I forget-where are his parents? What's he going to tell Nicky when Nicky is old enough to wonder why he doesn't look like Dad or resemble pictures of Mom? What DID happen to Mom? That's not exactly a normal life!
Duke and Desmond are the closest thing Wilfred has to a gay couple. We likened them to Bert and Ernie. They're cute old bachelors and I appreciate the simple life they want to lead. Roz annoyed the heck out of me. She was so cranky, mean and demanding. She doesn't seem to want to compromise! It takes seven year old Buffy and her brother to figure out a solution, a solution Roz claimed she didn't want. Roz was being selfish, not considering Josie or the town's needs either. Buffy and Thor are a hoot and among my favorite characters. Lyndon is as sweet and gentle as always and I can't imagine him arguing with Roz but I do see him as stuck in his ways and unable to change his routine. I think Roz is too. She can be such a *itch sometimes about the hours she wants to work. Lalena has her reputation on the line in this book. She's worried her credibility will take a hit if Bruno Gates is Martin Garlington! I can see that but it will teach her to be more careful. She makes a new friend in this book and I'm curious to see where that goes, or doesn't.
My favorite character is Helen Garlington. Stuck in the past, she hopes her beloved husband will come back to her and step right back into the past where they left off. She hasn't changed her hairstyle, her house or anything. It's tough to see the normally loquacious poet so sad and her organ tunes take a turn for the dramatic. However, she has no right to ask Josie for help! If she wants to contact Bruno Gates, she should do so herself. I do feel very bad for her not knowing what happened to her husband all these years and wanting closure. Martin sounds like he was very mild mannered and kind, good for the somewhat bossy Helen. I feel horrible for Derwin, growing up without a dad, wondering where his dad is and what he is like. Martin disappeared before he even knew about Derwin! That makes the story extra sad. Martin was said to have had a crush on Lindy though so it makes me wonder if he had an affair or married Helen because Lindy wouldn't have him? I have a lot of questions about Martin!
Bruno Gates/Larry Sutton is horrible. He drinks too much, places his gaze on women's chests too often and is more than flirtatious. He sounds like a sleazy womanizer and I wasn't surprised he ended up dead. I was more surprised it was ruled natural causes! I expected the father of one of the teen waitresses to come after him or the irate husband/partner of one of the women he hit up!
Lindy seems like a nice old lady. She had a tough life, raised two kids on her own after her first husband went to prison and her second died. Unlike Helen, she was able to move on and live her life. Now she's at the end of her life and frustrated because she lacks the independence she enjoyed on her farm. I don't believe she doesn't know who the bones belong to. I do believe her kids didn't know they were there. I don't fully trust either of them not to have killed the ersatz Martin/Bruno/Larry though. Kaydee has tween kids so I'm not sure she'd do anything she'd regret but she's protective of her mom and probably Bruno/Larry ogled her and she didn't like it. Her brother, Travis, REALLY hates Martin Garlington and therefore has the strongest motive for murder- if he didn't know Bruno/Larry wasn't Martin! I can GUESS why he hates Martin but there are other ways to solve the issue than murder. Time to let go of all that anger!
Lindy's first husband Frank was a real prize. The man was a loser who didn't want to work hard for reward. He was mean and did a lot of illegal things. He deserved to go to prison but I wonder if he died in prison, escaped or was released and is living under an assumed name? Wouldn't Lindy recognize him? Orson, the bartender at the tavern, was the last to see Bruno/Larry alive and delivered a message, supposedly. He's open with Josie but I suspect he isn't telling her the whole truth. He lives in the old movie theater his family ran back in the day and it's very run down. Darla needs to pay him more.
There are some new people in town. Patty is turning her This n' That into an antiques mall. Lalena is quite taken with the rare book seller. He specialized in parapsychology - witches, ghosts and the unexplained. This man, Ian Penclosa, shares his name with a Sherlockian villain and also a physical trait. Is it a coincidence or is this man trouble? Babe, the linen dealer, seems more suspicious to me because she's less obvious. She pushes her linens on Josie to feel and Josie feels some energy there. She's never felt energy from textiles before has she?
One more book to go before the new one arrives in October. This series is not my favorite.
This was not the best of the series. None of us (book club) enjoyed it. The plot was WAY too convoluted to follow. I never put the pieces all together but wasn't entirely surprised by the reveal either. The author needs to dial back the magic and define it and also stop writing by the seat of her pants! There was just TOO much going on! I like some of the book magic but not all of it, especially not Josie's new sidekick. I was into it until Josie's new sidekick showed up and until the surprise visitor arrived. Then the plot got too crazy complicated. it picked up again later in the book but the middle was a slog.
Josie is a truth teller so she needs to tell Sam the truth! How can her magic let her NOT tell him? She should start off small. She can say something like "Today a patron checked out a set of DVDs of that old show Bewitched. Did you ever watch that when you were a kid? My sisters and I were FASCINATED! We loved Samantha, the witch. You know what's funny? We recently found out my grandma was a witch!" (He'll have lots of questions... follow up SMALL) "My sister Toni is a healer... my sister Jean, you know, is a life coach. She's intuitive." Then she can see how he reacts. Then throw in "My magic seems to be books but I don't really know how that works. Sometimes it seems the books speak to me but I've read so many I don't know if that's just my brain or magic! Then later tell him about being a truth teller. DO NOT tell him about the land spirit, the detective, Sherlock, and ease into the birthmark power thing. DO NOT tell him about Rodney! We think Rodney IS Auntie Marilyn's same exact cat and perhaps Auntie Marilyn was a witch? Sam doesn't need to know that. I TOTALLY relate to his craving for a quiet, normal life. Me too! But his life is not normal! He has a kid that isn't his biologically and a dead estranged wife, a family past that's bound to come back to haunt him. I forget-where are his parents? What's he going to tell Nicky when Nicky is old enough to wonder why he doesn't look like Dad or resemble pictures of Mom? What DID happen to Mom? That's not exactly a normal life!
Duke and Desmond are the closest thing Wilfred has to a gay couple. We likened them to Bert and Ernie. They're cute old bachelors and I appreciate the simple life they want to lead. Roz annoyed the heck out of me. She was so cranky, mean and demanding. She doesn't seem to want to compromise! It takes seven year old Buffy and her brother to figure out a solution, a solution Roz claimed she didn't want. Roz was being selfish, not considering Josie or the town's needs either. Buffy and Thor are a hoot and among my favorite characters. Lyndon is as sweet and gentle as always and I can't imagine him arguing with Roz but I do see him as stuck in his ways and unable to change his routine. I think Roz is too. She can be such a *itch sometimes about the hours she wants to work. Lalena has her reputation on the line in this book. She's worried her credibility will take a hit if Bruno Gates is Martin Garlington! I can see that but it will teach her to be more careful. She makes a new friend in this book and I'm curious to see where that goes, or doesn't.
My favorite character is Helen Garlington. Stuck in the past, she hopes her beloved husband will come back to her and step right back into the past where they left off. She hasn't changed her hairstyle, her house or anything. It's tough to see the normally loquacious poet so sad and her organ tunes take a turn for the dramatic. However, she has no right to ask Josie for help! If she wants to contact Bruno Gates, she should do so herself. I do feel very bad for her not knowing what happened to her husband all these years and wanting closure. Martin sounds like he was very mild mannered and kind, good for the somewhat bossy Helen. I feel horrible for Derwin, growing up without a dad, wondering where his dad is and what he is like. Martin disappeared before he even knew about Derwin! That makes the story extra sad. Martin was said to have had a crush on Lindy though so it makes me wonder if he had an affair or married Helen because Lindy wouldn't have him? I have a lot of questions about Martin!
Bruno Gates/Larry Sutton is horrible. He drinks too much, places his gaze on women's chests too often and is more than flirtatious. He sounds like a sleazy womanizer and I wasn't surprised he ended up dead. I was more surprised it was ruled natural causes! I expected the father of one of the teen waitresses to come after him or the irate husband/partner of one of the women he hit up!
Lindy seems like a nice old lady. She had a tough life, raised two kids on her own after her first husband went to prison and her second died. Unlike Helen, she was able to move on and live her life. Now she's at the end of her life and frustrated because she lacks the independence she enjoyed on her farm. I don't believe she doesn't know who the bones belong to. I do believe her kids didn't know they were there. I don't fully trust either of them not to have killed the ersatz Martin/Bruno/Larry though. Kaydee has tween kids so I'm not sure she'd do anything she'd regret but she's protective of her mom and probably Bruno/Larry ogled her and she didn't like it. Her brother, Travis, REALLY hates Martin Garlington and therefore has the strongest motive for murder- if he didn't know Bruno/Larry wasn't Martin! I can GUESS why he hates Martin but there are other ways to solve the issue than murder. Time to let go of all that anger!
Lindy's first husband Frank was a real prize. The man was a loser who didn't want to work hard for reward. He was mean and did a lot of illegal things. He deserved to go to prison but I wonder if he died in prison, escaped or was released and is living under an assumed name? Wouldn't Lindy recognize him? Orson, the bartender at the tavern, was the last to see Bruno/Larry alive and delivered a message, supposedly. He's open with Josie but I suspect he isn't telling her the whole truth. He lives in the old movie theater his family ran back in the day and it's very run down. Darla needs to pay him more.
There are some new people in town. Patty is turning her This n' That into an antiques mall. Lalena is quite taken with the rare book seller. He specialized in parapsychology - witches, ghosts and the unexplained. This man, Ian Penclosa, shares his name with a Sherlockian villain and also a physical trait. Is it a coincidence or is this man trouble? Babe, the linen dealer, seems more suspicious to me because she's less obvious. She pushes her linens on Josie to feel and Josie feels some energy there. She's never felt energy from textiles before has she?
One more book to go before the new one arrives in October. This series is not my favorite.
February 21, 2024
This is usually one of my favorite series and, while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite like the others. The mystery itself was easy to figure out and it dragged on for me; the pacing was off and it could have been solved much quicker than it was. The addition of Sherlock Holmes was amusing but a little strange. I still liked spending time with the characters and found the whole additional roommates in the library amusing but this wasn’t my favorite in the series. I will read the next ones and hope the pacing is back to what it was before.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for an honest review.
December 8, 2023
I didn't know when I requested this book that it was number 5 in the series, but I had no trouble at all jumping right in and feeling like it was the first book of the series to me. I will definitely be reading more of this series!
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
April 16, 2024
I love this series!! Spoiler if you haven't caught up - but the calm and happiness that Sam brings to Josie just makes my heart sing. Josie has a special piece of my heart and I hope that she is able to reveal her witchiness because it's such an essential part of her. Also I love that she treats everyone with compassion even when she suspects them of a crime. She understands the complicated web that life makes and I love reading about her adventures trying to help bring justice or peace, even when no one else thinks there is a crime or even if it is a long past crime (like in this book). Reading about her book magic is wonderful and is developing in such an imaginative way in this book! There are many threads going on in this book and I loved how the story came together.
I can't wait for more of this series!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy to review!
I can't wait for more of this series!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy to review!
January 3, 2024
Love this cute, cozy mystery series. It’s a great escape. The main character is likeable, as are the quirky supporting townsfolk. Definitely read them in order to fully appreciate the interplay!
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review!
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review!
February 21, 2024
3.5*
I requested this book not knowing that it was part of a series but I had no problem of reading it. I will be going back to read the rest of the series.
When bones are discovered in an outhouse, a DNA test is requested by a local women to see if that her husband. In discovering that is not she sees him in an tv show and Josie brings him down which ends up with him death.
Josie magic is very interesting and I like the whole concept of pulling books to help you with what you need. But the one thing I don’t get it to how a book kept showing up to her and she thought nothing of it?? Isn’t that what her magic is based on.
Also the whole concept with her opening a door in the middle of a night and letting a stranger in?? With that keeping it from her boyfriend also on how he told her something to do with the case and she goes on to promise that she won’t say anything and then tells three people. This just doesn’t seem right at all.
I get it that she’s scared of telling Sam that she’s a witch but a this point she’s just making excuses.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this book not knowing that it was part of a series but I had no problem of reading it. I will be going back to read the rest of the series.
When bones are discovered in an outhouse, a DNA test is requested by a local women to see if that her husband. In discovering that is not she sees him in an tv show and Josie brings him down which ends up with him death.
Josie magic is very interesting and I like the whole concept of pulling books to help you with what you need. But the one thing I don’t get it to how a book kept showing up to her and she thought nothing of it?? Isn’t that what her magic is based on.
Also the whole concept with her opening a door in the middle of a night and letting a stranger in?? With that keeping it from her boyfriend also on how he told her something to do with the case and she goes on to promise that she won’t say anything and then tells three people. This just doesn’t seem right at all.
I get it that she’s scared of telling Sam that she’s a witch but a this point she’s just making excuses.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
In the 5th Witch Way Librarian Mystery, human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines. Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern, where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease Helen's mind, Josie contacts the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning. Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
I am normally a fan of this series, but this was not my favorite book of the series. I felt the previous books have been a little more light-hearted and fun, especially with Josie testing out her new-found powers, but in this book she seemed almost annoyed by them. Also, you have to completely suspend disbelief on this one, as far as the investigation goes. There is no way a sheriff would call his his girlfriend, tell her not to say anything and then tell her sensitive information related to the case. None of this will stop me from reading future books in this series, but this one just wasn't my favorite.
In the 5th Witch Way Librarian Mystery, human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines. Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern, where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease Helen's mind, Josie contacts the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning. Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .
I am normally a fan of this series, but this was not my favorite book of the series. I felt the previous books have been a little more light-hearted and fun, especially with Josie testing out her new-found powers, but in this book she seemed almost annoyed by them. Also, you have to completely suspend disbelief on this one, as far as the investigation goes. There is no way a sheriff would call his his girlfriend, tell her not to say anything and then tell her sensitive information related to the case. None of this will stop me from reading future books in this series, but this one just wasn't my favorite.
August 12, 2024
I love the idea of the magic in this series, but I didn’t like this book at all. We’re too far into the series for how vague the magic system is. (Like when Sherlock left and couldn’t come back. For some barely explained reason.)
Josie is in her late 20s going on 12. She can’t have a single conversation with anyone without it thinking of just how dreamy and perfect and wonderful Sam is. Which is annoying enough but on top of that, Sam is so boring! (It only took 3% into the book to get our first mention of him frowning when he’s happy.)
I also hated how, despite the fact that she worships the ground he walks on, when he told her something in confidence she waited all of two seconds before spreading it around town. (Information that could get him in trouble at work.) BUT when a random old man she’s never met before asks her to keep his presence in town a secret she hides him in her bedroom and doesn’t tell Sam. True love right there.
So much of this book was set up for ‘her Moriarty’ to make an appearance in the next book (cough cough entire Sherlock subplot cough cough), but I don’t know why it couldn’t have just been in this book. The mystery wasn’t great. We could have skipped it.
I’ll give one more book a try, but if it doesn’t greatly improve I’m out.
Josie is in her late 20s going on 12. She can’t have a single conversation with anyone without it thinking of just how dreamy and perfect and wonderful Sam is. Which is annoying enough but on top of that, Sam is so boring! (It only took 3% into the book to get our first mention of him frowning when he’s happy.)
I also hated how, despite the fact that she worships the ground he walks on, when he told her something in confidence she waited all of two seconds before spreading it around town. (Information that could get him in trouble at work.) BUT when a random old man she’s never met before asks her to keep his presence in town a secret she hides him in her bedroom and doesn’t tell Sam. True love right there.
So much of this book was set up for ‘her Moriarty’ to make an appearance in the next book (cough cough entire Sherlock subplot cough cough), but I don’t know why it couldn’t have just been in this book. The mystery wasn’t great. We could have skipped it.
I’ll give one more book a try, but if it doesn’t greatly improve I’m out.
January 6, 2024
I have been hooked on the ‘Witch Way Librarian Mysteries Series‘ since I read the first book, so have been hanging out for book 5, so I was very happy to get my hands on an advanced copy, and even more happy to find that it was just as good as it’s predecessors.
Josie is a witch in training and her magic is books. She gathers strength from them and they whisper to her, come to her when she calls, reveal clues, even attempt to save her when she is in danger. In this book Sherlock Holmes steps out of the pages to help Josie find out who the skeleton is that has been found near the library. And why a new body has turned up in the same spot.
There are a lot of twists and turns, red herrings and dead ends before a frightening climax when all the secrets and connections are revealed.
A very enjoyable read, thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for letting me have this copy to read and review.
Josie is a witch in training and her magic is books. She gathers strength from them and they whisper to her, come to her when she calls, reveal clues, even attempt to save her when she is in danger. In this book Sherlock Holmes steps out of the pages to help Josie find out who the skeleton is that has been found near the library. And why a new body has turned up in the same spot.
There are a lot of twists and turns, red herrings and dead ends before a frightening climax when all the secrets and connections are revealed.
A very enjoyable read, thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for letting me have this copy to read and review.
February 23, 2024
I'm enjoying this series a lot! But this one was the best and the ending was perfect! Can't wait for the next installment!!!!
March 13, 2024
This was a disappointment
December 25, 2023
I have read this series since the beginning, and I’ve enjoyed every one of the books. This latest in the series is just as enjoyable as the others, and I like where Josie is in her life. However, there are others in the town who need closure with their past and who but Josie can help. I enjoyed this mystery, but I will say it was a tiny bit convoluted at the end. Not bad, just…convoluted. You need to read this to find out what I mean. LOL! This is a wonderful addition to the series, but I am a little worried about what Josie is going to do with…well, no spoilers. Just read it and see. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 9, 2024
I'm glad the old mysteries were solved, I'm disappointed that with all of the build up of the crows and warnings that we haven't met Josie's Moriarty in this book. And I'm disappointed that Josie hadn't told Sam that she's a witch in this book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
#GonewiththeWitch #NetGalley is the newest book in this magical series.
Josie Way is a librarian in Wilfred, Oregon, who is still learning about her magical gifts.
When bones are discovered beneath an outhouse, A local resident hopes they belong to her husband.
Helen Garlington's husband disappeared years ago, without a trace, never to be heard from again, until Helen spotted him on a game show.
When Helen finds out the bones aren't her husband's, she pleads with Josie to help her, to reach out to the game show contestant, to help her find the truth so she can move on.
This story takes a wild turn when another body is found, and adds to the confusion around who is who.
This book is my favorite so far, the dynamics of the characters is well done, the mystery itself is intriguing, and the author wove a tale so believable, I found myself holding my breath at times, wondering how things would play out.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book and the series to other readers who enjoy a well written book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Josie Way is a librarian in Wilfred, Oregon, who is still learning about her magical gifts.
When bones are discovered beneath an outhouse, A local resident hopes they belong to her husband.
Helen Garlington's husband disappeared years ago, without a trace, never to be heard from again, until Helen spotted him on a game show.
When Helen finds out the bones aren't her husband's, she pleads with Josie to help her, to reach out to the game show contestant, to help her find the truth so she can move on.
This story takes a wild turn when another body is found, and adds to the confusion around who is who.
This book is my favorite so far, the dynamics of the characters is well done, the mystery itself is intriguing, and the author wove a tale so believable, I found myself holding my breath at times, wondering how things would play out.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book and the series to other readers who enjoy a well written book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
February 28, 2024
While this series started strong for me, it devolved into typical tropes and ridiculous plot lines [HONESTY is always the best policy in everything, especially one's relationships] and the whole "yes I am a cop, but even though I don't want you to get involved, let me tell you something NO ONE else should know and please don't tell anyone [here's a hint, she doesn't stick to that promise]" was extremely frustrating.
With this one, the mystery was...odd. Mixed with several subplots, everything got kind of muddled in the end and I am still not really sure just what happened [though the whole murderer reveal was very sad]. I just think that overall, this series, even though it has great potential, is just not for me. I wanted to like/love it more than I did and this one just solidified that for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Angela M. Sanders, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With this one, the mystery was...odd. Mixed with several subplots, everything got kind of muddled in the end and I am still not really sure just what happened [though the whole murderer reveal was very sad]. I just think that overall, this series, even though it has great potential, is just not for me. I wanted to like/love it more than I did and this one just solidified that for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Angela M. Sanders, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2025
This book infuriated me! Josie is a weak willed spineless doormat. Obvious clues are assembled incorrectly and beyond ridiculous choices (which of course endanger Josies safety) are made. Josie’s character has so much potential. If the author couldn’t do it justice she should not have written the book. Garbage.
September 24, 2024
I'm not sure if sam annoys me so much because he's actually annoying or if he just annoying enough in the first 3 books (mostly 2 and 3. I was okayish with him in book one) that I never warmed up to him
March 11, 2024
Though this was part of a series, it was very easy to follow on its own. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I’m requesting the first volume from my library. The characters carried the story well and endeared me to the book from start to finish, though the story did drag at points and I would have liked to see magic explained and utilized more than it was.
This was the very definition of a cozy mystery. Smart and puzzling enough to keep you interested without making the reading experience stressful. The main character’s conflicted feelings over keeping her magic secret from her partner added an interesting layer to the story, and several ominous events that take place in this volume set it up well for its continuation. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington n Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 Small towns sometimes hold big mysteries
This was the very definition of a cozy mystery. Smart and puzzling enough to keep you interested without making the reading experience stressful. The main character’s conflicted feelings over keeping her magic secret from her partner added an interesting layer to the story, and several ominous events that take place in this volume set it up well for its continuation. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington n Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 Small towns sometimes hold big mysteries
January 29, 2024
4.5 rounding up
Delightfully charming cozy series. When bones are discovered in an abandoned outhouse, the small of Wilfred, Oregon, is rife with speculation as to whom they belong, as well as how did they get there. DNA testing proved they did not belong to the long-time missing husband of of Helen, the church organist. Then a random glimpse on a TV game show convinces Helen that the winner was her husband, Martin. Helen begs Josie, librarian and apprentice witch, to help her locate the man. The town is peopled with well drawn and quirky residents, plus Josie's power comes from books speaking to her. As a book lover how could you not be fascinated with that. The mystery itself is full of twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Delightfully charming cozy series. When bones are discovered in an abandoned outhouse, the small of Wilfred, Oregon, is rife with speculation as to whom they belong, as well as how did they get there. DNA testing proved they did not belong to the long-time missing husband of of Helen, the church organist. Then a random glimpse on a TV game show convinces Helen that the winner was her husband, Martin. Helen begs Josie, librarian and apprentice witch, to help her locate the man. The town is peopled with well drawn and quirky residents, plus Josie's power comes from books speaking to her. As a book lover how could you not be fascinated with that. The mystery itself is full of twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2023
First and foremost, I have to once again thank NetGalley for allowing me access to this title early.
I love this series. I adore it to little pieces. This installment, above any of the others, felt like a buildup entry more than anything. New elements are added and old plots are moving in directions. It’s a bummer that we have at least a year if not longer til we get more.
Not to say that I didn’t enjoy this. This entry built up a lot more about the history of Wilfred. I love that.
I love this series. I adore it to little pieces. This installment, above any of the others, felt like a buildup entry more than anything. New elements are added and old plots are moving in directions. It’s a bummer that we have at least a year if not longer til we get more.
Not to say that I didn’t enjoy this. This entry built up a lot more about the history of Wilfred. I love that.
November 15, 2025
Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #5
This series just keeps getting better and better! I love the cast or regular locals, the charming setting and all of the paranormal touches.
Josie is such a great protagonist. I adore the library she runs out of an old Victorian mansion. Her furry sidekick/familiar, Rodney, is always a scene stealer. I loved how he kept a watchful eye on Josie's special sleuthing partner. My favorite character is Roz. I feel like she would be best friends with Dottie from the Camper & Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. Both have snark and a no nonsense personality that just makes me smile. Roz definitely brought the comedic relief later in this story.
What I enjoy most about this series is that it's a paranormal cozy. Josie is a new witch who is trying to learn her powers as she practices Bibliomancy. She can "communicate" with books helping this librarian always select the perfect novel for each patron. She also can now summon popular literary sleuths to help her hunt down clues which is such a fun and unique twist in a cozy mystery giving it a touch of extra magical realism.
The mystery was captivating from start to finish. It included a cold case, a missing person, a mistaken identity and so many secrets. Best part is Josie has the infamous Sherlock Holmes help her solve this case. The two banter in the best way making me hope he becomes a regular sidekick in future stories.
Cant' rave about this series enough. There are currently seven books out so I look forward to catching up on the next two! I'm curious to see what all the crows are about and who in town is Josie's enemy.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I love the cast or regular locals, the charming setting and all of the paranormal touches.
Josie is such a great protagonist. I adore the library she runs out of an old Victorian mansion. Her furry sidekick/familiar, Rodney, is always a scene stealer. I loved how he kept a watchful eye on Josie's special sleuthing partner. My favorite character is Roz. I feel like she would be best friends with Dottie from the Camper & Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. Both have snark and a no nonsense personality that just makes me smile. Roz definitely brought the comedic relief later in this story.
What I enjoy most about this series is that it's a paranormal cozy. Josie is a new witch who is trying to learn her powers as she practices Bibliomancy. She can "communicate" with books helping this librarian always select the perfect novel for each patron. She also can now summon popular literary sleuths to help her hunt down clues which is such a fun and unique twist in a cozy mystery giving it a touch of extra magical realism.
The mystery was captivating from start to finish. It included a cold case, a missing person, a mistaken identity and so many secrets. Best part is Josie has the infamous Sherlock Holmes help her solve this case. The two banter in the best way making me hope he becomes a regular sidekick in future stories.
Cant' rave about this series enough. There are currently seven books out so I look forward to catching up on the next two! I'm curious to see what all the crows are about and who in town is Josie's enemy.
February 25, 2024
amazing!
I can’t wait for the next one! I love these books. It’s the perfect blend of cozy mystery, magic, and the love of books. I love how I can never guess who did the crime and the clues are so intricate!
I can’t wait for the next one! I love these books. It’s the perfect blend of cozy mystery, magic, and the love of books. I love how I can never guess who did the crime and the clues are so intricate!
August 15, 2025
Along with each new mystery that Josie Way, witch and librarian, has to solve, she is given a lesson from her dead grandmother. This book's lesson is on bravery: being strong enough to do the right thing, knowing when to tell the truth, and knowing when to go towards trouble instead of running away. Josie, though, seems hellbent on ignoring this lesson and instead tries to impart it on a guest she finds herself stuck with.
Five books in, Josie continues to be stuck on telling her boyfriend, Sam, that she's a witch. But each book we get longer and longer descriptions of how utterly perfect Sam is for her and how much she loves Sam's son. I'm getting tired of her internal monolog re Sam and how she doesn't grow as a character.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
Five books in, Josie continues to be stuck on telling her boyfriend, Sam, that she's a witch. But each book we get longer and longer descriptions of how utterly perfect Sam is for her and how much she loves Sam's son. I'm getting tired of her internal monolog re Sam and how she doesn't grow as a character.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
"Gone with the Witch" is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian series, but new readers are fine to jump in with this one. There's a great balance of backstory without too much narrative to catch up new readers and jog the memories of existing fans.
This time, Josie, full-time librarian and fledging witch, gets pulled into a decades-old missing persons case. Bones are found under an outbuilding, and they may belong to the husband of one of Josie's library patrons, Helen. If so, though, who is the man Helen saw on a game show, who she swears is her missing spouse?
Josie uses all her research skills, and finds new witchy ones, to figure out who's who and what's what before a not-so-missing killer strikes again.
This series is the very definition of cozy with a supernatural splash, but there's also a lot of character growth in this book. Josie is still developing her magical abilities, with the help of letters from her deceased grandmother. She's ready to advance her romantic relationship with Sam, the local sheriff. She's become a fixture in the town, and the townspeople trust and like her.
Why you should read this: These are good comfort reads, not too heavy, and not to fluffy. The townspeople are quirky without being outrageous, and, if there are some elements that require suspension of disbelief, well, you have to with a cozy, anyway. Who in their right mind would play amateur sleuth to find a murderer who could just as easily kill them?
Why you might not want to read: Josie's dithering over whether to move forward with a relationship with Sam could be mildly exasperating, and she does jump to conclusions a bit. The only really annoying thing for me is Sam's thing about frowning when he's happy and smiling when he's upset. It gets mentioned multiple times in each book, and it just throws me off each time.
I received an advance copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended
This time, Josie, full-time librarian and fledging witch, gets pulled into a decades-old missing persons case. Bones are found under an outbuilding, and they may belong to the husband of one of Josie's library patrons, Helen. If so, though, who is the man Helen saw on a game show, who she swears is her missing spouse?
Josie uses all her research skills, and finds new witchy ones, to figure out who's who and what's what before a not-so-missing killer strikes again.
This series is the very definition of cozy with a supernatural splash, but there's also a lot of character growth in this book. Josie is still developing her magical abilities, with the help of letters from her deceased grandmother. She's ready to advance her romantic relationship with Sam, the local sheriff. She's become a fixture in the town, and the townspeople trust and like her.
Why you should read this: These are good comfort reads, not too heavy, and not to fluffy. The townspeople are quirky without being outrageous, and, if there are some elements that require suspension of disbelief, well, you have to with a cozy, anyway. Who in their right mind would play amateur sleuth to find a murderer who could just as easily kill them?
Why you might not want to read: Josie's dithering over whether to move forward with a relationship with Sam could be mildly exasperating, and she does jump to conclusions a bit. The only really annoying thing for me is Sam's thing about frowning when he's happy and smiling when he's upset. It gets mentioned multiple times in each book, and it just throws me off each time.
I received an advance copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended
December 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book and this series. I love the setting and the people. I really like the kind of witch Josie is, it’s unique and she uses it well. The mystery of the bones in the outhouse is a bit frustrating as it does get addressed, it’s treated as a an afterthought until the end. I also noticed a tendency to discount Lindy as a suspect until the end, not sure if that’s the author’s way of hiding the killer. #GonewiththeWitch #NetGalley
May 1, 2024
I loved the mystery plot of this story, but the quality of writing in the series is unfortunately declining just enough to keep me from giving this four stars. Still a delight!
April 2, 2024
I read quite a few cozy mysteries series that have a magical or paranormal element and of those, the Witch Way Librarian series has my favorite magic. Josie Way comes from a family of witches but did not know about her magic until she left her Washington, D.C., home and moved to the small town of Wilfred, Oregon. A binding spell had been placed on her by her mother that kept her from using her magic, but once she was a certain distance away her magic kicked in (while she was flying in a plane). Now, she works as the local librarian which is very convenient because Josie's magic is that books talk to her and she can summon them to help her research and solve mysteries. And Josie is always involved in investigations because she is also a truthwitch, compelled to discover the truth and bring justice.
So it is not surprising that Josie is interested when some bones are discovered when two locals knock down an old outhouse on their property. It turns out the bones are decades old, which leads elderly Helen to believe they belong to her long-missing husband. When DNA tests say no, she becomes convinced a contestant on a TV game show is her husband. Josie agrees to track him down, beginning a chain of events that end with the contestant--not Helen's husband--dead near the local church graveyard. I found this to be one of the more engaging plots in the series. As always, there are lots of suspects but this time they are locals rather than a group of people dropped down in the town, so we don't have to learn a whole new group of people. And this one also avoids my major complaint about the plots of previous books -- .
The magic is also very entertaining. From the beginning of the investigation, a book of the collected stories of Sherlock Holmes keeps appearing wherever Josie is in the library but from some reason she doesn't realize the book is meant for her. Then, Sherlock Holmes himself pops out-- miniature size. So Josie has to carry the book around so he can help her investigate. That earns her some weird looks, but since he is the "world's greatest detective," he provides a lot of help--once he gets past googling himself on Josie's phone. As with the previous books, Josie is a great protagonist, the small town vibes are outstanding, and the cozy feel is perfect.
There is still one aspect of the series I struggle with--Josie's relationship with deputy sheriff Sam. They are involved in a relationship now, so no more mooning from afar, but her reaction to him seems really immature for some reason.
"Of course, everything Sam did now--a mere four months into our relationship--thrilled me."
"I took the opportunity to lean into him and breathe his skin's salty scent before following him to the kitchen. How did I get so lucky?"
"Seeing Sam's vulnerability despite his wicked intelligence melted what remained of my already-in-a-puddle heart."
"In short, I was smitten. No, it was more than that. I was unutterably, blindly in love."
"Truth was, he could have proposed an outing to the dump and I would have happily agreed. That's just how far gone I was."
Bleh. I keep thinking this is a misdirection and something will happen that makes her take a more realistic view of him. But she keeps falling more and more and more in love. Ad nauseam.
So it is not surprising that Josie is interested when some bones are discovered when two locals knock down an old outhouse on their property. It turns out the bones are decades old, which leads elderly Helen to believe they belong to her long-missing husband. When DNA tests say no, she becomes convinced a contestant on a TV game show is her husband. Josie agrees to track him down, beginning a chain of events that end with the contestant--not Helen's husband--dead near the local church graveyard. I found this to be one of the more engaging plots in the series. As always, there are lots of suspects but this time they are locals rather than a group of people dropped down in the town, so we don't have to learn a whole new group of people. And this one also avoids my major complaint about the plots of previous books -- .
The magic is also very entertaining. From the beginning of the investigation, a book of the collected stories of Sherlock Holmes keeps appearing wherever Josie is in the library but from some reason she doesn't realize the book is meant for her. Then, Sherlock Holmes himself pops out-- miniature size. So Josie has to carry the book around so he can help her investigate. That earns her some weird looks, but since he is the "world's greatest detective," he provides a lot of help--once he gets past googling himself on Josie's phone. As with the previous books, Josie is a great protagonist, the small town vibes are outstanding, and the cozy feel is perfect.
There is still one aspect of the series I struggle with--Josie's relationship with deputy sheriff Sam. They are involved in a relationship now, so no more mooning from afar, but her reaction to him seems really immature for some reason.
"Of course, everything Sam did now--a mere four months into our relationship--thrilled me."
"I took the opportunity to lean into him and breathe his skin's salty scent before following him to the kitchen. How did I get so lucky?"
"Seeing Sam's vulnerability despite his wicked intelligence melted what remained of my already-in-a-puddle heart."
"In short, I was smitten. No, it was more than that. I was unutterably, blindly in love."
"Truth was, he could have proposed an outing to the dump and I would have happily agreed. That's just how far gone I was."
Bleh. I keep thinking this is a misdirection and something will happen that makes her take a more realistic view of him. But she keeps falling more and more and more in love. Ad nauseam.
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