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Witches of Dubious Origin
When a librarian discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches, she’ll need all of her bookish knowledge to harness her family’s magic, in this enchanting cozy fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.
Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book's potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to embrace her destiny.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.
Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book's potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to embrace her destiny.
429 pages, Library Binding
First published October 28, 2025
187 people are currently reading
18050 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,273 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
June 16, 2025
This is a cozy fantasy that comes with magic and supernatural creatures! It is a delightful novel and I was fully immersed while reading it. This has adventurous and mysterious vibes to it. This story also comes with some humor in it as well! I really felt connected to Zoe in the story. I could feel how she was feeling! The female main character Zoe, is a librarian that receives a mysterious black book that contains an unbreakable latch. She learns about her family’s past and starts uncovering their secrets.
She now has to decide if she wants to accept her role as a witch or not. A containment specialist named Jasper helps Zoe on whether she should or should not continue the family’s legacy. Themes explored in this book are a new found family, embracing destiny and family legacy, the power of books and knowledge, facing the past and uncovering secrets, magic and the supernatural, and comforting romance! This is a medium paced read that is filled with lovable characters. It has a clear thesis, a well executed plot and is easy to read. It is thought provoking and well written. Overall, I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!
I think fans of cozy fantasies, that contain witches and magic, would really enjoy this novel! Be sure to read the content warnings.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jenn McKinlay and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025! A perfect book for the fall and winter seasons!
She now has to decide if she wants to accept her role as a witch or not. A containment specialist named Jasper helps Zoe on whether she should or should not continue the family’s legacy. Themes explored in this book are a new found family, embracing destiny and family legacy, the power of books and knowledge, facing the past and uncovering secrets, magic and the supernatural, and comforting romance! This is a medium paced read that is filled with lovable characters. It has a clear thesis, a well executed plot and is easy to read. It is thought provoking and well written. Overall, I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!
I think fans of cozy fantasies, that contain witches and magic, would really enjoy this novel! Be sure to read the content warnings.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jenn McKinlay and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025! A perfect book for the fall and winter seasons!
September 27, 2025
*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Zoe Ziakas lives a quiet life as a librarian in a small New England town. When a mysterious book arrives at her workplace bearing her name, Zoe suspects a prank. But then it appears on her doorstep, and she begins hearing faint whispers. Determined to uncover the book's secrets, Zoe enlists experts at the Museum of Literature. This museum houses numerous odd volumes, fondly labeled the Books of Dubious Origin. There, Zoe learns she is the last descendant of a family of witches, and this book is their grimoire. Zoe resolves to master all the book reveals to unearth her family's fate, but its immense power draws many magical creatures to her. With help from an irritatingly charming containment specialist, Zoe must accept her past and embrace her destiny.
Ugh, this is one of those 'It's not you, it's me' instances. I loved the premise of this librarian discovering she comes from a long line of witches and coming into her power. The world-building and magic definitely added a whimsical touch. However, my issue was that it was way too heavy on the cozy vibes, which made the story feel so boring. Zoe was like a Saltine cracker, and I felt like if it wasn't for other characters leading her along, she'd just sit like a bump on a log. She had zero personality except for her sugar addiction. There's also a very dull romance that did nothing for me. I do see how this would appeal to many readers, but, unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.
Zoe Ziakas lives a quiet life as a librarian in a small New England town. When a mysterious book arrives at her workplace bearing her name, Zoe suspects a prank. But then it appears on her doorstep, and she begins hearing faint whispers. Determined to uncover the book's secrets, Zoe enlists experts at the Museum of Literature. This museum houses numerous odd volumes, fondly labeled the Books of Dubious Origin. There, Zoe learns she is the last descendant of a family of witches, and this book is their grimoire. Zoe resolves to master all the book reveals to unearth her family's fate, but its immense power draws many magical creatures to her. With help from an irritatingly charming containment specialist, Zoe must accept her past and embrace her destiny.
Ugh, this is one of those 'It's not you, it's me' instances. I loved the premise of this librarian discovering she comes from a long line of witches and coming into her power. The world-building and magic definitely added a whimsical touch. However, my issue was that it was way too heavy on the cozy vibes, which made the story feel so boring. Zoe was like a Saltine cracker, and I felt like if it wasn't for other characters leading her along, she'd just sit like a bump on a log. She had zero personality except for her sugar addiction. There's also a very dull romance that did nothing for me. I do see how this would appeal to many readers, but, unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.
October 26, 2025
This was a relatively quick DNF for me. Which is sad because the synopsis made it sound really interesting and like something I would like. However I did go and read the other reviews to see if perhaps my issues with the story would improve, and confirmed that no, they continue throughout the book.
So, my main issue is that the main character has all the personality of a wet sponge. She works in a library and occasionally has opinions about books. She grew up in magic but is stubbornly opposed to it existing to the point of ignoring really blatant magical signs. She eats nothing but rice krispies, cheetos, mac n cheese, and snickers bars. She seems oddly proud that her home has no decorations, paintings on the walls, or personality. Every time she talks I start yawning and getting incredibly bored. She seems to never think at all and gets dragged through the plot by all the other characters.
Not only is the main character very basic and bland, but so is the writing. It's all telling, he said she said, blah blah blah.
Since the two most important aspects of a book for me are character personality and writing style, this was a pretty immediate no. It's a pumpkin spice latte of a book, ie, the most basic book you can imagine. I'm sure some people will like it, but I am not one of those people.
*Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing an early copy for review.
So, my main issue is that the main character has all the personality of a wet sponge. She works in a library and occasionally has opinions about books. She grew up in magic but is stubbornly opposed to it existing to the point of ignoring really blatant magical signs. She eats nothing but rice krispies, cheetos, mac n cheese, and snickers bars. She seems oddly proud that her home has no decorations, paintings on the walls, or personality. Every time she talks I start yawning and getting incredibly bored. She seems to never think at all and gets dragged through the plot by all the other characters.
Not only is the main character very basic and bland, but so is the writing. It's all telling, he said she said, blah blah blah.
Since the two most important aspects of a book for me are character personality and writing style, this was a pretty immediate no. It's a pumpkin spice latte of a book, ie, the most basic book you can imagine. I'm sure some people will like it, but I am not one of those people.
*Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing an early copy for review.
December 15, 2025
I’ve enjoyed Jenn McKinley’s contemporary romances in the past and the premise for Witches of a Dubious Origin sounded interesting. However, the story was incredibly boring with an annoying FMC burying her head in the sand about her situation and stubbornly refusing to use magic for what I thought was a flimsy excuse.
I got to just over 30% and started skimming because I just wanted to be done. I wasn’t draw into the story at all. There are plenty of other readers who enjoyed the story more than I did, so I’d check out their reviews before passing over the book.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
I got to just over 30% and started skimming because I just wanted to be done. I wasn’t draw into the story at all. There are plenty of other readers who enjoyed the story more than I did, so I’d check out their reviews before passing over the book.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
November 4, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
From the synopsis I thought I'd really enjoy this book.
I kept being tempted to DNF but I finished it and wish I'd not wasted my time.
I didn't really like any of the characters.
I also didn't like the writing style.
Basic spoiler
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
From the synopsis I thought I'd really enjoy this book.
I kept being tempted to DNF but I finished it and wish I'd not wasted my time.
I didn't really like any of the characters.
I also didn't like the writing style.
Basic spoiler
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 5, 2025
Was hoping this book would be fun cozy magical time, however, the writing and tone was very juvenile. The main character was an unlikeable wet rag. Overall this story felt like a poor imitation of other well known witchy books and movies.
Read
November 25, 2025DNF @ 10%
Irritating MC, dull story and prose, out of touch references. No thanks! I'm good. Not rating.
Irritating MC, dull story and prose, out of touch references. No thanks! I'm good. Not rating.
October 20, 2025
This is a super cozy, witchy book with a scavenger hunt feel, that is just perfect for fall. The MC knows she has magic, but has promised that she will never use it. Well, against her will she is forced to test that promise with a group of literature museum curators (who are a little more than they seem). There is danger and drama, but nothing too over the top and it really keeps it's cozy vibes. There is a tiny tiny dash of romance, but really just for the cozy vibes. I enjoyed following this group of unlikely colleagues on a chase for answers about a mysterious black book and how it relates to necromancers and the undead. I loved some of the characters (like the sassy, savy, and uber confident Olive), but the MC did fall a little flat for me. She was just a bit too closed off and didn't actually help with much, mainly just followed the others; I was hoping for a bit more growth from her. If this becomes a series, then there is a lot of potential for her to blossom as she embraces her identity. I also felt that while this was cozy, it could have used a bit more umphs in the twists.
Note: I listened to the audiobook, and while I do like this narrator for thrillers, I think the way she impersonated some of the characters was not quite what I was envisioning (such as the doe-eyed and naive MC did not have the vocal mannerisms to match her words). This is just my own person opinion.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy and free ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: I listened to the audiobook, and while I do like this narrator for thrillers, I think the way she impersonated some of the characters was not quite what I was envisioning (such as the doe-eyed and naive MC did not have the vocal mannerisms to match her words). This is just my own person opinion.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy and free ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
November 6, 2025
Over the past year I have read over 30 of McKinlay’s books, which, while not great literature, are fun, quick reads with relatively good plots and well-written characters and dialogue.
She forays into fantasy with this new book and probably shouldn’t have. After lavishing high praise on her editor in the dedication, the author then presents the reader with quite possibly the world’s worst edited book. Choppy and disjointed, I found myself often re-reading passages more than once to see if I had missed something because things just didn’t make chronological sense.
The characters, especially the main protagonist, are two dimensional and flat. McKinlay’s forte has always been her full and interesting characters that draw you into reading additional books. In this book I found myself not particularly interested in any of them. She is also able to inject a good amount of humor into her dialogue and in past books I’ve found myself often laughing out loud. This book was notably humorless and much of the dialogue was stilted.
And honestly, if Ms. McKinlay writes her very-overused phrase of “she/he blew out a breath” one more time, I’ll learn magic and cast a spell that she never authors another book. Three times in two chapters ! Ugh. Also, there were lots of four letter words (including several f-bombs) which don’t generally bother me but they’re strangely out of place in these romance fluff books.
You may notice that the majority of reviews here are from readers given a complimentary book which, I surmise, must be the reason for the high star average.
She forays into fantasy with this new book and probably shouldn’t have. After lavishing high praise on her editor in the dedication, the author then presents the reader with quite possibly the world’s worst edited book. Choppy and disjointed, I found myself often re-reading passages more than once to see if I had missed something because things just didn’t make chronological sense.
The characters, especially the main protagonist, are two dimensional and flat. McKinlay’s forte has always been her full and interesting characters that draw you into reading additional books. In this book I found myself not particularly interested in any of them. She is also able to inject a good amount of humor into her dialogue and in past books I’ve found myself often laughing out loud. This book was notably humorless and much of the dialogue was stilted.
And honestly, if Ms. McKinlay writes her very-overused phrase of “she/he blew out a breath” one more time, I’ll learn magic and cast a spell that she never authors another book. Three times in two chapters ! Ugh. Also, there were lots of four letter words (including several f-bombs) which don’t generally bother me but they’re strangely out of place in these romance fluff books.
You may notice that the majority of reviews here are from readers given a complimentary book which, I surmise, must be the reason for the high star average.
November 16, 2025
I am going to ramble (in homage to the book itself) and likely not make any sense (also in honor of said book) and there will be spoilers to outline the childish and unedited points so…beware.
So, in general, I find myself drifting towards cozy fantasies and romances as I try to ostrich myself in the literary sand away from the current events of the world (yes, I know they don’t really do that and the myth came from their nesting techniques). There is a line between cozy (what I want) and ridiculous, slow-minded, juvenile writing that had inconsistencies and plot holes the size of Saturn. This book, it is, unfortunately, the later.
Cover: Five stars!
Idea: Five stars!
Writing, editing, and execution: Negative stars! Initially when I started reading, I was going to say, maybe this is for middle school kids? However, its level of silliness is frankly insulting to a kindergartner much less them.
So, a book magically shows up at the MC Zoe’s work (like inanely obvious it is magic) and then when she leaves it shows up (again magically) at her completely barren, no personality at all, home. The book has no latch or key hole but is locked all the same save for this curious little hole with dried blood on it. Our fearless heroine has “dreams” and “sleepwalks” towards the book at night with voices telling her to prick her finger over the book. Hmmmm. Scooby Doo level mystery. Now, how do you think the book opens? Right, exactly what the main character thought…absolutely no friggin idea!!! I mean, how could anyone come up with how to open the book? Quick answer: you can’t. Absolutely no way! Wait though, do NOT give up hope because your auntie type person who helped raise you conveniently knows of a secret, wondrous, magical library where they might (a big might with this head-scratching mystery) be able to sort this problem out!!! Oh, thank God!
Note above that: 1. The book arrived magically and followed her magically. 2. She knows magic exists because she was raised with magic because her entire family is magical, she is in a magical library with magical people and she still doubts magic and its existence. When (now this is a huge, huge spoiler that no one could have figured out) the book is opened by a drop of her blood! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What is our heroines response? This has got to be some sort of hoax! Oh yes she did! She went there. Someone went to the trouble (magically) of sending her the book. She knows magic exists. The book has to be opened magically with only her bloodline’s blood and the symbols she can’t instantly recognize are a (shakes head slowly, takes TUMS to fight rising bile) hoax. Oh, for the love of God, please.
I forgot when she first walked into the magical and elaborate and decorative and insanely cool library there was a protected section of dangerous books. Within this section there were dark magic books that they either did not know what they did or with potentially lethal, earth ending, enslaving, death and destruction dark magic books and her response as a person with (perhaps) a brain and also a librarian (for a small library) is: How DARE you not let these books be open to the public! All knowledge should be open and shared. Forehead slap and switching to Prilosec for acid relief.
I forgot to start with this, but I absolutely hate the reluctant hero trope. It annoys me to no end. There is a difference between being scared, doubting yourself, wondering if you are good enough etc.-those are okay, but the outright I am not doing this quest to save the world even though there are horrors coming for me even if I don’t thingy is so annoying and overdone. That is our hero. So, she sees the most wonderful and unique library in the world with ancient texts and tomes and gets offered a job. Now, what would anyone who loves books do? Well of course you are right, she does what every book lover would do, she turns them down stating she does not want to work there? WTH?
She knows about necromancy. Like literally her relatives are necromancers and she 100% knows this and then absolutely refuses to believe it when a dead person who is literally falling apart in front of her (missing fingers and ear etc.). The dead person shows up, knows her grandmother and wants to be set free but what does Zoe the MC/hero do? She takes her to the fantastic library where she turned down a job there to have them CONVINCE THE DEAD PERSON SHE IS NOT REALLY DEAD SO SHE CAN GO BACK TO HER LITTLE COZY LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN. Oh my goodness. I just underwent fundoplication for my acid reflux from this story. This is a good time to say that Zoe apparently is Übermensch smart (sorry superfrau intelligent) and impresses with absolute ease the group of librarians who in their own right are super, super smart! Yet she seems to be the densest person on the planet and makes absolutely horrifyingly bad decisions and comes to impossibly contradictory conclusions (like the dead person is not really dead or even well over half way in she is STILL questioning magic-see below).
So, if it was a couple times especially early, then fine, but repeatedly this Zoe/MC lady states she doubts magic. By half way through we have these facts: 1. She grew up SEEING AND DOING magic. Now, a rational person might not need more than that, but let’s keep going. 2. She literally levitated herself and then a book-cat thingy-thing. 3. She had a book magically show up at her work and then her house. 4. Said magic book had to be opened with blood (now, I know what you are thinking, a lot of other non-magical books also require a blood sacrifice to open so this one is a little questionable I guess {pricking finger to open a magical book I happen to have}). 5. A dead person raised by one of your relatives (grandma) shows up at your house. 6. You have literally been to the magic library and seen lots of magic including the magic book-cat.
What is the logical response to the above and more examples? Of course to go on a tirade about how you only believe in facts and reason and therefore are constantly questioning magic! Totally, totally tracks. Yep. Reasonable. Definitely reasonable.
Her mother had to live a life on the run to protect this book (this really makes our fearless hero question her ire towards her previously scorned mother-wow touching moment), many have died including her grandmother who was murdered for the magic and mysterious book and it is like super-super powerful book that many unsavory characters would want, therefore when the librarian posse tells her she has to stay in the library for protection her logical response: NOPE I’m going home to my “house” with no decorations or anything with personality to eat only junk food (that fact that she only eats like ramen noodles and snickers or some shite gives her personality!) She refuses to decorate her house because “I am a quirky, anti-personality and as flat a character figuratively as flat-Stanley is flat literally."
Then, then there is the British (because of course he has a sexy accent) love-interest guy who makes her swoon. Now. There is a raven who watches her all the time. It is like 1000% obviously watching over her and one could rightly assume for her protection. Right? I mean, right? Now this love-interest guy happens to show up right when a raised from the dead Swedish guy blasts through her door AND the love-interest has said he thinks ravens are magnificent and handsome AND he has magic runes intertwined with ravens up and down his arm or body-or both can’t remember AND THEREFORE THE LOGICAL RESPONSE WHEN SHE FINDS OUT THE LOVE-INTEREST IS, SHOCKINGLY, USING THE RAVEN TO WATCH OVER HER: she is offended. The audacity of a man to watch over her and end up saving her life because of this. What an invasion of privacy! Unforgivable.
Honestly, this book is just poorly, poorly executed, it is frankly unedited (despite the ironic praise to her editor at the beginning of the book). I could keep going but why? The biggest sin of this book (besides the contradictions, plot holes, frankly intelligence insulting writing) is the lost potential. What an awesome idea with shite execution. A sin. It is frankly horrendous and I feel like I need a medal for finishing this book (message me for my address for said medal when it is finished being minted).
So, in general, I find myself drifting towards cozy fantasies and romances as I try to ostrich myself in the literary sand away from the current events of the world (yes, I know they don’t really do that and the myth came from their nesting techniques). There is a line between cozy (what I want) and ridiculous, slow-minded, juvenile writing that had inconsistencies and plot holes the size of Saturn. This book, it is, unfortunately, the later.
Cover: Five stars!
Idea: Five stars!
Writing, editing, and execution: Negative stars! Initially when I started reading, I was going to say, maybe this is for middle school kids? However, its level of silliness is frankly insulting to a kindergartner much less them.
So, a book magically shows up at the MC Zoe’s work (like inanely obvious it is magic) and then when she leaves it shows up (again magically) at her completely barren, no personality at all, home. The book has no latch or key hole but is locked all the same save for this curious little hole with dried blood on it. Our fearless heroine has “dreams” and “sleepwalks” towards the book at night with voices telling her to prick her finger over the book. Hmmmm. Scooby Doo level mystery. Now, how do you think the book opens? Right, exactly what the main character thought…absolutely no friggin idea!!! I mean, how could anyone come up with how to open the book? Quick answer: you can’t. Absolutely no way! Wait though, do NOT give up hope because your auntie type person who helped raise you conveniently knows of a secret, wondrous, magical library where they might (a big might with this head-scratching mystery) be able to sort this problem out!!! Oh, thank God!
Note above that: 1. The book arrived magically and followed her magically. 2. She knows magic exists because she was raised with magic because her entire family is magical, she is in a magical library with magical people and she still doubts magic and its existence. When (now this is a huge, huge spoiler that no one could have figured out) the book is opened by a drop of her blood! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What is our heroines response? This has got to be some sort of hoax! Oh yes she did! She went there. Someone went to the trouble (magically) of sending her the book. She knows magic exists. The book has to be opened magically with only her bloodline’s blood and the symbols she can’t instantly recognize are a (shakes head slowly, takes TUMS to fight rising bile) hoax. Oh, for the love of God, please.
I forgot when she first walked into the magical and elaborate and decorative and insanely cool library there was a protected section of dangerous books. Within this section there were dark magic books that they either did not know what they did or with potentially lethal, earth ending, enslaving, death and destruction dark magic books and her response as a person with (perhaps) a brain and also a librarian (for a small library) is: How DARE you not let these books be open to the public! All knowledge should be open and shared. Forehead slap and switching to Prilosec for acid relief.
I forgot to start with this, but I absolutely hate the reluctant hero trope. It annoys me to no end. There is a difference between being scared, doubting yourself, wondering if you are good enough etc.-those are okay, but the outright I am not doing this quest to save the world even though there are horrors coming for me even if I don’t thingy is so annoying and overdone. That is our hero. So, she sees the most wonderful and unique library in the world with ancient texts and tomes and gets offered a job. Now, what would anyone who loves books do? Well of course you are right, she does what every book lover would do, she turns them down stating she does not want to work there? WTH?
She knows about necromancy. Like literally her relatives are necromancers and she 100% knows this and then absolutely refuses to believe it when a dead person who is literally falling apart in front of her (missing fingers and ear etc.). The dead person shows up, knows her grandmother and wants to be set free but what does Zoe the MC/hero do? She takes her to the fantastic library where she turned down a job there to have them CONVINCE THE DEAD PERSON SHE IS NOT REALLY DEAD SO SHE CAN GO BACK TO HER LITTLE COZY LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN. Oh my goodness. I just underwent fundoplication for my acid reflux from this story. This is a good time to say that Zoe apparently is Übermensch smart (sorry superfrau intelligent) and impresses with absolute ease the group of librarians who in their own right are super, super smart! Yet she seems to be the densest person on the planet and makes absolutely horrifyingly bad decisions and comes to impossibly contradictory conclusions (like the dead person is not really dead or even well over half way in she is STILL questioning magic-see below).
So, if it was a couple times especially early, then fine, but repeatedly this Zoe/MC lady states she doubts magic. By half way through we have these facts: 1. She grew up SEEING AND DOING magic. Now, a rational person might not need more than that, but let’s keep going. 2. She literally levitated herself and then a book-cat thingy-thing. 3. She had a book magically show up at her work and then her house. 4. Said magic book had to be opened with blood (now, I know what you are thinking, a lot of other non-magical books also require a blood sacrifice to open so this one is a little questionable I guess {pricking finger to open a magical book I happen to have}). 5. A dead person raised by one of your relatives (grandma) shows up at your house. 6. You have literally been to the magic library and seen lots of magic including the magic book-cat.
What is the logical response to the above and more examples? Of course to go on a tirade about how you only believe in facts and reason and therefore are constantly questioning magic! Totally, totally tracks. Yep. Reasonable. Definitely reasonable.
Her mother had to live a life on the run to protect this book (this really makes our fearless hero question her ire towards her previously scorned mother-wow touching moment), many have died including her grandmother who was murdered for the magic and mysterious book and it is like super-super powerful book that many unsavory characters would want, therefore when the librarian posse tells her she has to stay in the library for protection her logical response: NOPE I’m going home to my “house” with no decorations or anything with personality to eat only junk food (that fact that she only eats like ramen noodles and snickers or some shite gives her personality!) She refuses to decorate her house because “I am a quirky, anti-personality and as flat a character figuratively as flat-Stanley is flat literally."
Then, then there is the British (because of course he has a sexy accent) love-interest guy who makes her swoon. Now. There is a raven who watches her all the time. It is like 1000% obviously watching over her and one could rightly assume for her protection. Right? I mean, right? Now this love-interest guy happens to show up right when a raised from the dead Swedish guy blasts through her door AND the love-interest has said he thinks ravens are magnificent and handsome AND he has magic runes intertwined with ravens up and down his arm or body-or both can’t remember AND THEREFORE THE LOGICAL RESPONSE WHEN SHE FINDS OUT THE LOVE-INTEREST IS, SHOCKINGLY, USING THE RAVEN TO WATCH OVER HER: she is offended. The audacity of a man to watch over her and end up saving her life because of this. What an invasion of privacy! Unforgivable.
Honestly, this book is just poorly, poorly executed, it is frankly unedited (despite the ironic praise to her editor at the beginning of the book). I could keep going but why? The biggest sin of this book (besides the contradictions, plot holes, frankly intelligence insulting writing) is the lost potential. What an awesome idea with shite execution. A sin. It is frankly horrendous and I feel like I need a medal for finishing this book (message me for my address for said medal when it is finished being minted).
September 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐
First off, thank you to Berkley Pub and Netgalley for the arc!
Witches of Dubious Origin follows Zoe, who lives a perfectly normal and quiet life working as a librarian, until that gets completely upended when a mysterious black book arrives at her local library.
Curiosity piqued, Zoe digs deeper into the mysterious book, and soon uncovers that she is the last descendent in a long line of witches, and this black book is her family's grimoire.
Thanks to the grimoire and her magical abilities being unlocked, Zoe finds herself thrust into a world that is filled with secrets and danger, and nothing at all like the quiet and simple life she loves.
With the help of the staff of the Books of Dubious Origins department at the Museum of Literature, Zoe must confront her past and embrace her family's legacy.
Overall, Witches of Dubious Origin was really fun and such and cute and cozy little read full of mystery and adventure, but I did not vibe with Zoe much at all.
First off, thank you to Berkley Pub and Netgalley for the arc!
Witches of Dubious Origin follows Zoe, who lives a perfectly normal and quiet life working as a librarian, until that gets completely upended when a mysterious black book arrives at her local library.
Curiosity piqued, Zoe digs deeper into the mysterious book, and soon uncovers that she is the last descendent in a long line of witches, and this black book is her family's grimoire.
Thanks to the grimoire and her magical abilities being unlocked, Zoe finds herself thrust into a world that is filled with secrets and danger, and nothing at all like the quiet and simple life she loves.
With the help of the staff of the Books of Dubious Origins department at the Museum of Literature, Zoe must confront her past and embrace her family's legacy.
Overall, Witches of Dubious Origin was really fun and such and cute and cozy little read full of mystery and adventure, but I did not vibe with Zoe much at all.
December 5, 2025
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.
Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book's potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she will have to decide if she is ready to embrace her destiny.
Witches of Dubious Origin is a delightful cozy fantasy about a librarian who discovers she comes from a long line of powerful witches—and suddenly all her bookish instincts become essential to unlocking her family’s magic. It is an irresistibly charming, funny, and heartfelt story. Zoe is such a relatable protagonist: a librarian who craves quiet and routine, only to be swept into an unexpected magical mystery.
The atmosphere is wonderfully crafted, and the found-family dynamic adds so much warmth and humor. The light touch of romance is sweet without overshadowing the rest of the plot. McKinlay brings Zoe’s world to life with vivid detail, making it easy to fall right into the story. I was completely invested in seeing where Zoe’s journey would lead. This is an utterly cozy, enchanting read—full of mystery, adventure, and charm. A perfect fall pick for anyone who loves witches, libraries, and a touch of everyday magic.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.
Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book's potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she will have to decide if she is ready to embrace her destiny.
Witches of Dubious Origin is a delightful cozy fantasy about a librarian who discovers she comes from a long line of powerful witches—and suddenly all her bookish instincts become essential to unlocking her family’s magic. It is an irresistibly charming, funny, and heartfelt story. Zoe is such a relatable protagonist: a librarian who craves quiet and routine, only to be swept into an unexpected magical mystery.
The atmosphere is wonderfully crafted, and the found-family dynamic adds so much warmth and humor. The light touch of romance is sweet without overshadowing the rest of the plot. McKinlay brings Zoe’s world to life with vivid detail, making it easy to fall right into the story. I was completely invested in seeing where Zoe’s journey would lead. This is an utterly cozy, enchanting read—full of mystery, adventure, and charm. A perfect fall pick for anyone who loves witches, libraries, and a touch of everyday magic.
October 5, 2025
I love a good cozy fantasy, and this one hit all the right notes. It had magic, mystery, and that comforting, small-town charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea while you read.
Zoe was such a relatable main character, a librarian who just wants peace and routine, only to find herself caught up in a magical mystery when a strange, locked book lands on her desk. What follows is a story full of family secrets, hidden powers, and rediscovering the magic you’ve spent years trying to ignore.
The atmosphere was perfection. Think library stacks, witchy whispers, and just enough danger to keep you on your toes without losing that cozy feel. I also loved the found family energy the side characters added so much warmth and humor, and the hint of romance was adorable without taking over the story.
It’s clever, comforting, and just a little mysterious. A great fall read for anyone who loves witches, libraries, and a little bit of enchantment hidden in everyday life. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted ARC.
Zoe was such a relatable main character, a librarian who just wants peace and routine, only to find herself caught up in a magical mystery when a strange, locked book lands on her desk. What follows is a story full of family secrets, hidden powers, and rediscovering the magic you’ve spent years trying to ignore.
The atmosphere was perfection. Think library stacks, witchy whispers, and just enough danger to keep you on your toes without losing that cozy feel. I also loved the found family energy the side characters added so much warmth and humor, and the hint of romance was adorable without taking over the story.
It’s clever, comforting, and just a little mysterious. A great fall read for anyone who loves witches, libraries, and a little bit of enchantment hidden in everyday life. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted ARC.
June 12, 2025
Y'all know I love a good Jenn McKinlay book, especially the cozies. So I was all in on this from the jump. It's about a librarian who has denied her inmate witchiness after a childhood promise to her mom, only to be confronted with it after the mother's death.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The story had "kid action movie" vibes. I never really warmed to the MC. I didn't get how in the beginning she said she was basically estranged from her mom, but she felt so determined to keep her promise to a woman who abandoned her. Yes, there was a reason, but she didn't know. Then they establish that the old lady her grandmother brought back needs her to let her rest in peace, so they're determined to translate the book. But soon after, they find out that if the witch (or her ancestor) wasn't the one who brought them back, they could let someone reanimated go with a simple latin phrase. So why didn't they just contact one of the other necromancers to let the old lady go?
I was confused on setting as well. It wasn't until halfway through when a random throw away line told me that everyone didn't know about the supernatural. It felt ambiguous to that point and it left me unsettled because I couldn't figure out the world. I'm not sure I'd read more of this series.
But the cover is GORGEOUS!
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The story had "kid action movie" vibes. I never really warmed to the MC. I didn't get how in the beginning she said she was basically estranged from her mom, but she felt so determined to keep her promise to a woman who abandoned her. Yes, there was a reason, but she didn't know. Then they establish that the old lady her grandmother brought back needs her to let her rest in peace, so they're determined to translate the book. But soon after, they find out that if the witch (or her ancestor) wasn't the one who brought them back, they could let someone reanimated go with a simple latin phrase. So why didn't they just contact one of the other necromancers to let the old lady go?
I was confused on setting as well. It wasn't until halfway through when a random throw away line told me that everyone didn't know about the supernatural. It felt ambiguous to that point and it left me unsettled because I couldn't figure out the world. I'm not sure I'd read more of this series.
But the cover is GORGEOUS!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
This was a read I was looking forward to but was absolutely not sure what to expect, and it was indeed a crazy ride! Though this was totally different from anything I had read from her before, you really never go wrong with a Jenn McKinlay book. If you are expecting a cozy mystery, that's not really what you get. I would call it a cozy, witchy fantasy. Zoe is an interesting MC, and I will be honest it took me a while to warm up to her, but as her story unfolds, you really start to understand where she is coming from. This is the first or set up book in the series, yes the author has confirmed more is coming, and it often felt that way with information being thrown into the story all over the place, interesting information but sometimes still making the story somewhat disjointed. If you like small town girls, books and libraries, witches and magic, and fantasy and action, this will be right up your alley. While I did feel the journey was a little rough, I am sure Zoe agrees, it was a wild ride, a learning experience, and something I definitely want more of. Can't wait to see where Ms McKinlay takes this fascinating crew next! Many thanks to #Netgally, #PenguinRandomHouse, and the author for the chance to experience magic! #WitchesofDubiousOrigin #Jenn McKinley #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 16, 2025
When an ominous book keeps appearing before her, Zoe Ziakas turns to the Museum of Literature’s Books of Dubious Origin department for help. The eccentric employees in this department know how to analyze and contain rare magical texts. With their help, Zoe will work to decipher the book, which happens to be her family grimoire, and to investigate the death of her mother.
This is a cozy fantasy mystery with a romance subplot. It is set in a whimsical magic library. Unfortunately, the characters are unintentionally unlikeable, and the magic system is mediocre. Zoe is supposed to be a genius. While she ignores magic when she can, she knows that it is real. Which makes her stubborn refusal to engage with the idea that there are magical origins for some of the events in the book feel more like stupidity than genius. And it really bothered me that her love interest, Jasper Griffin, made comments about her needing to go to the gym more often. Unfortunately, the concept of this story was more enjoyable than the book itself.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC!
This is a cozy fantasy mystery with a romance subplot. It is set in a whimsical magic library. Unfortunately, the characters are unintentionally unlikeable, and the magic system is mediocre. Zoe is supposed to be a genius. While she ignores magic when she can, she knows that it is real. Which makes her stubborn refusal to engage with the idea that there are magical origins for some of the events in the book feel more like stupidity than genius. And it really bothered me that her love interest, Jasper Griffin, made comments about her needing to go to the gym more often. Unfortunately, the concept of this story was more enjoyable than the book itself.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC!
November 3, 2025
Disappointing. I picked this because I really enjoy the author’s library mystery series that has great characters, a real sense of time and place and well constructed mysteries. The main character in this book is boring, not active in her own story and comes off as rather immature. The supporting characters are somewhat more well developed and interesting but naming a witch Agatha was quite trite. Also has a predictable romance. I think I’d rather have read a book just about the library and the books of dubious origin. Will not be continuing with this series.
October 12, 2025
Many thanks to Ace and PRHAudio for the preview. All opinions are my own.
3.25 stars
This had a ton of great elements, but somehow it just didn’t work for me. I was bored and completely not engaged with the characters. A witch, a grimoire, a magical library, found family, a curse, and some dangerous situations should have all worked together.
But it was all so bland. And there’s really barely any romance.
I think this will work for a lot of people looking for a cozy witchy book.
3.25 stars
This had a ton of great elements, but somehow it just didn’t work for me. I was bored and completely not engaged with the characters. A witch, a grimoire, a magical library, found family, a curse, and some dangerous situations should have all worked together.
But it was all so bland. And there’s really barely any romance.
I think this will work for a lot of people looking for a cozy witchy book.
November 4, 2025
I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a book. I usually love this author & impatiently waited for it and it was just really not good.
I kept thinking this was a knock off Discovery of Witches (which I didn't really like) with characters even more annoying & creepy.
I kept thinking this was a knock off Discovery of Witches (which I didn't really like) with characters even more annoying & creepy.
October 11, 2025
loved it. Full RTC
October 24, 2025
3.5 Stars.
You can really tell that this author also writes cozy mysteries, especially if you dabble in the Kindle Unlimited 20 book series variety. We have a very quirky main character, Zoe, who only eats candy and sweets, is a librarian, and is the only remaining member of a family of necromancers. The issue? She hasn't done magic since she was a child, and she made a promise to her mother that she never would. Unfortunately for her, magic finds her in the form of a mysterious book that she later finds out is bewitched. Her neighbor Agatha convinces her to take it to New York to confer with the Books of Dubious Origin department. The group then helps her figure out how the book works and also saves her life after she comes under attack from people who are after her book. I liked the interactions between the characters, especially seeing how Olive fits in and interacts with everyone. The mystery of who was after Zoe and her learning all the information about her family was good. I would be interested to read more about the adventures of the Books of Dubious Origin department.
*Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own. Also thank you to Ariel for buddy reading with me :) *
You can really tell that this author also writes cozy mysteries, especially if you dabble in the Kindle Unlimited 20 book series variety. We have a very quirky main character, Zoe, who only eats candy and sweets, is a librarian, and is the only remaining member of a family of necromancers. The issue? She hasn't done magic since she was a child, and she made a promise to her mother that she never would. Unfortunately for her, magic finds her in the form of a mysterious book that she later finds out is bewitched. Her neighbor Agatha convinces her to take it to New York to confer with the Books of Dubious Origin department. The group then helps her figure out how the book works and also saves her life after she comes under attack from people who are after her book. I liked the interactions between the characters, especially seeing how Olive fits in and interacts with everyone. The mystery of who was after Zoe and her learning all the information about her family was good. I would be interested to read more about the adventures of the Books of Dubious Origin department.
*Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own. Also thank you to Ariel for buddy reading with me :) *
December 25, 2025
I can’t believe this book was published it’s so bad. 0 out of 5.
October 1, 2025
4.5 stars. What a precious, cozy, witchy whodunnit book. Zoe is a librarian living out her dream of a routine and calm life in her little town. She deserves it after the trauma she suffered as a child. When her grandma passed away, Zoe and her mom were on the move constantly until one day she was dropped off with her mom’s friend, Agatha. She rarely saw her mom after that until her mom mysteriously passed away. Zoe’s mom was a witch. Zoe vowed never to do magic again after her mom died. Her promise is hard to keep as a mysterious grimoire shows up at her door in a package with her mom’s handwriting. And then someone else from her mom’s past ends up at her doorstep. Agatha suggests she take the grimoire and the mysterious oerson to a museum in New York City. That museum houses the BODO- the Books of Dubious Origin. Little does Zoe know there’s way more to the grimoire than she bargained for.
This was such a cute story. It was suspenseful, but not in a stressful way. I relate so much to Zoe’s desire to live a quiet life. Zoe’s train of thought is endearing. The side characters are great! I love Olive’s curmudgeonly attitude. I was surprised by “who did it” at the end. The pinch of romance was adorable. Overall, this is a fantastic witchy read perfect for the fall. I look forward to reading more of Jenn McKinlay’s books!
Thank you Berkley / Ace and NetGalley for the gifted early egalley!
This was such a cute story. It was suspenseful, but not in a stressful way. I relate so much to Zoe’s desire to live a quiet life. Zoe’s train of thought is endearing. The side characters are great! I love Olive’s curmudgeonly attitude. I was surprised by “who did it” at the end. The pinch of romance was adorable. Overall, this is a fantastic witchy read perfect for the fall. I look forward to reading more of Jenn McKinlay’s books!
Thank you Berkley / Ace and NetGalley for the gifted early egalley!
December 4, 2025
The book was good! But the pacing was weird. I got 75% through the book and was confused because I thought I was barely even halfway with how much building they had done. Loved the story just wish the main character had a little more personality and the ending didn’t feel so rushed
November 5, 2025
A light and witchy cozy that hits in some ways and misses in others.
McKinlay typically writes cozy mysteries, and that’s evident here to an extent. I’m not sure her skills fully translated for this book, as I think her cozies are quite good and this was…Just okay.
I expected a LOT more atmosphere because that’s something that McKinlay typically does well and it fits here, even in a slightly different genre for the author. And while the plot was fine in theory, it gets a bit ridiculous at points where it’s neither believable nor enjoyable, and a good book kind of has to be one or the other.
The quality of what we get here seems to vary by chapter, or perhaps it’s more apt to say it varies by the specific situation being addressed. For example, I loved how McKinlay brought the sentient book to life and how the protagonist interacts with it. But then later we seem to be floating (to no apparent purpose) in a sort of liminal space populated by ineffectual ghost pirates.
There’s some good stuff here, but also a lot that didn’t work. It’s worth a read if you’re really looking hard for witchy cozies, but there are many of those out there that are significantly better than this, and McKinlay herself has written a lot of books that are significantly better than this.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
McKinlay typically writes cozy mysteries, and that’s evident here to an extent. I’m not sure her skills fully translated for this book, as I think her cozies are quite good and this was…Just okay.
I expected a LOT more atmosphere because that’s something that McKinlay typically does well and it fits here, even in a slightly different genre for the author. And while the plot was fine in theory, it gets a bit ridiculous at points where it’s neither believable nor enjoyable, and a good book kind of has to be one or the other.
The quality of what we get here seems to vary by chapter, or perhaps it’s more apt to say it varies by the specific situation being addressed. For example, I loved how McKinlay brought the sentient book to life and how the protagonist interacts with it. But then later we seem to be floating (to no apparent purpose) in a sort of liminal space populated by ineffectual ghost pirates.
There’s some good stuff here, but also a lot that didn’t work. It’s worth a read if you’re really looking hard for witchy cozies, but there are many of those out there that are significantly better than this, and McKinlay herself has written a lot of books that are significantly better than this.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 5, 2025
Book Review
Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5
Genre: Cozy fantasy
PUB: October 28 2025
What Its Got
✅ Undead/walking dead
✅ Witches and Mages
✅ Repressed magic
✅ Librarians
✅ a book thats a cat
✅ spellbinding, necromancy,& curses
✅ found family
MCs
Zoe- librarian with a wicked memory
Jasper/Miles/Olive/Claire- librarians , BODO (books of dubious origins)
Agatha- Zoe’s aunt
Thoughts
📕 Have you ever watched The Librarians- this felt exactly like an episode of that show
📕 Enjoyed the riddle of the crow- while
predictable it added another layer to the
Mystery if the librarians
📕 I really liked Olive’s character- her cool bitchy, direct, “tell it like is attitude” was refreshing, her fellow librarians appreciated her for her strengths
📕 You could feel the connection between Zoe and Jasper but talk about slow burn… all we get is a kiss with a promise for more
Overall
👻A perfect escape for spooky season with guaranteed witchy vibes
Thanks to the author, @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5
Genre: Cozy fantasy
PUB: October 28 2025
What Its Got
✅ Undead/walking dead
✅ Witches and Mages
✅ Repressed magic
✅ Librarians
✅ a book thats a cat
✅ spellbinding, necromancy,& curses
✅ found family
MCs
Zoe- librarian with a wicked memory
Jasper/Miles/Olive/Claire- librarians , BODO (books of dubious origins)
Agatha- Zoe’s aunt
Thoughts
📕 Have you ever watched The Librarians- this felt exactly like an episode of that show
📕 Enjoyed the riddle of the crow- while
predictable it added another layer to the
Mystery if the librarians
📕 I really liked Olive’s character- her cool bitchy, direct, “tell it like is attitude” was refreshing, her fellow librarians appreciated her for her strengths
📕 You could feel the connection between Zoe and Jasper but talk about slow burn… all we get is a kiss with a promise for more
Overall
👻A perfect escape for spooky season with guaranteed witchy vibes
Thanks to the author, @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2025
3.5 - Other than the randomly jarring HP reference in the beginning of the book, Witches of Dubious Origin was an overall solid cozy witchy mystery. The writing flowed well, and the plot progressed overall pretty quickly. My own subjective opinion was that the romance didn't really need to be there, and that the ending was a little too rushed for my tastes, but I know others would enjoy this more than me. I definitely recommend if you're a fan of cozy mysteries and want a fun witchy twist!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the review opportunity and Colleen for buddy reading this with me!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the review opportunity and Colleen for buddy reading this with me!
November 3, 2025
Since Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite authors, and I loved the novellas about the Museum of Literature, I had VERY high hopes for this book. Magic + Jenn’s personable writing style? Couldn’t wait. And happily, this book surpassed my hopes. The main character was quirky and relatable (yes to sweets for breakfast). The storyline was inspiring. The rest of the characters (new and old) were a joy to get to know. I really hope Jenn makes this into a new series!
November 18, 2025
Fun premise but ugh, so boring. Overly descriptive and the MC is not appealing. DNF’d at 16%.
November 2, 2025
(4.5 Stars) Thank you, @berkleyromance @acebookpub @prhaudio and @mckinlayjenn for the gifted advanced print and audio copies of this absolutely adorably fun cozy fantasy that I truly hope is the start of a series because I am not ready to let go of these amazing characters! #berkley #berkleypartner
Zoe Ziakas has her quiet life as a small town librarian upended when a mysterious book is delivered to her at work. It is black with an unbreakable lock and something about it calls to her. Being a good librarian, she wants to know more about the book, so she travels to the Museum of Literature. Within the museum is a department dedicated to books with magical properties. It is called Books of Dubious Origin (BODO). But when she meets with the unique cast of characters that work for BODO, she learns something shocking - Zoe is the last descendant of a powerful magical family and this book calls to her because it is their family grimoire. But Zoe has barely any time to process this news before she becomes a target - because of the power in the grimoire. Soon she’s being chased by ghosts, the undead and a pesky raven. With the help of the BODO employees (including the far too handsome Jasper), Zoe will need to solve the mysteries of the grimoire to save herself.
It has been ages since I’ve read such a charming and wildly entertaining cozy fantasy! I don’t want to say too much because part of he fun of the story is putting together the pieces along with Zoe. The best part of the book is the found family of the BODO team - each of the team members is so unique and bring something great to the story - both in their magical abilities and their personalities. It is full of action, whimsy and charm - the warm hug and hot cocoa of fantasy novels, I just adored it.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: (9h 42m) Saskia Maarleveld does a really lovely job in this performance. She’s got a variety of ages, backgrounds, and accents that she deftly narrates in a way that makes listeners really FEEL the charm of the story.
Zoe Ziakas has her quiet life as a small town librarian upended when a mysterious book is delivered to her at work. It is black with an unbreakable lock and something about it calls to her. Being a good librarian, she wants to know more about the book, so she travels to the Museum of Literature. Within the museum is a department dedicated to books with magical properties. It is called Books of Dubious Origin (BODO). But when she meets with the unique cast of characters that work for BODO, she learns something shocking - Zoe is the last descendant of a powerful magical family and this book calls to her because it is their family grimoire. But Zoe has barely any time to process this news before she becomes a target - because of the power in the grimoire. Soon she’s being chased by ghosts, the undead and a pesky raven. With the help of the BODO employees (including the far too handsome Jasper), Zoe will need to solve the mysteries of the grimoire to save herself.
It has been ages since I’ve read such a charming and wildly entertaining cozy fantasy! I don’t want to say too much because part of he fun of the story is putting together the pieces along with Zoe. The best part of the book is the found family of the BODO team - each of the team members is so unique and bring something great to the story - both in their magical abilities and their personalities. It is full of action, whimsy and charm - the warm hug and hot cocoa of fantasy novels, I just adored it.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: (9h 42m) Saskia Maarleveld does a really lovely job in this performance. She’s got a variety of ages, backgrounds, and accents that she deftly narrates in a way that makes listeners really FEEL the charm of the story.
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