What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #2
Under the Hat
Blythe Fairfield chose to stay in Cauldron Hollow. She's not sure the town has chosen her back.
Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn't do.
Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man's unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can't leave it for the police. She can't destroy it. And she definitely can't stop thinking about what's inside.
Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.
Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn't do.
Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man's unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can't leave it for the police. She can't destroy it. And she definitely can't stop thinking about what's inside.
Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2026
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
393 books400 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 11, 2026
I think I liked this one even more than the first book.
Blythe feels much more settled as a character now, even though almost nothing in her actual life is settled. She's chosen Cauldron Hollow, but she still needs money, still doesn't completely understand the town or her magic, and definitely hasn't figured out what she's doing with Paine. That made the second book feel like a continuation rather than another introduction.
The grocery store job was a surprisingly good addition. It gives Blythe a reason to interact with the town outside Gallows Gate House and turns ordinary small-town gossip into something actually useful without making every conversation feel like an interrogation.
The murder mystery also worked better for me this time because the paranormal side is tied directly into it. Finding a forbidden spellbook beneath a dead man's property gives Blythe a problem that isn't simply “who killed him?” She also has to work out what the book is, why somebody wanted it, and whether keeping it is putting everyone around her in danger.
Pippin is still one of my favorite parts of the series. His relationship with Blythe has changed just enough that they feel more attached to each other without losing the slightly irritated dynamic that makes them funny.
I also liked the slow movement with Paine. Nothing happens too quickly, and there's still a real problem in the fact that Blythe knows things about Cauldron Hollow that she can't easily explain to him. Their relationship feels like something the series is building rather than something this book needs to finish.
The larger magical mystery is probably what would make me pick up Book 3 immediately. We learn more about the old families, the Veil, and the rules surrounding magic, but not enough that the world suddenly feels explained. There are still questions I genuinely want answered.
My only real complaint is the writing rhythm. There are places where the short sentences and clipped exchanges become noticeably choppy, and some of the mysterious half-answers from people who clearly know more than Blythe can get frustrating.
Still, this was exactly what I want from a second book in a cozy series: the standalone mystery works, the characters feel more familiar, the world gets deeper, and I finished with more questions about Cauldron Hollow than I started with.
Very easy to continue.
Blythe feels much more settled as a character now, even though almost nothing in her actual life is settled. She's chosen Cauldron Hollow, but she still needs money, still doesn't completely understand the town or her magic, and definitely hasn't figured out what she's doing with Paine. That made the second book feel like a continuation rather than another introduction.
The grocery store job was a surprisingly good addition. It gives Blythe a reason to interact with the town outside Gallows Gate House and turns ordinary small-town gossip into something actually useful without making every conversation feel like an interrogation.
The murder mystery also worked better for me this time because the paranormal side is tied directly into it. Finding a forbidden spellbook beneath a dead man's property gives Blythe a problem that isn't simply “who killed him?” She also has to work out what the book is, why somebody wanted it, and whether keeping it is putting everyone around her in danger.
Pippin is still one of my favorite parts of the series. His relationship with Blythe has changed just enough that they feel more attached to each other without losing the slightly irritated dynamic that makes them funny.
I also liked the slow movement with Paine. Nothing happens too quickly, and there's still a real problem in the fact that Blythe knows things about Cauldron Hollow that she can't easily explain to him. Their relationship feels like something the series is building rather than something this book needs to finish.
The larger magical mystery is probably what would make me pick up Book 3 immediately. We learn more about the old families, the Veil, and the rules surrounding magic, but not enough that the world suddenly feels explained. There are still questions I genuinely want answered.
My only real complaint is the writing rhythm. There are places where the short sentences and clipped exchanges become noticeably choppy, and some of the mysterious half-answers from people who clearly know more than Blythe can get frustrating.
Still, this was exactly what I want from a second book in a cozy series: the standalone mystery works, the characters feel more familiar, the world gets deeper, and I finished with more questions about Cauldron Hollow than I started with.
Very easy to continue.
April 27, 2026
Good
Blythe is getting used to her new magical normal, but it doesn’t pay the bills, which is why she ends up working at the local grocery store (and definitely one of the town’s gossip hubs- a useful thing).
It’s that new job which leads her to discover her second body since arriving in town, and causes her to cross paths with Paine, the sheriff whose bad books she accidentally put herself in.
There are magical connections in this murder case too, and it’s not long before Blythe finds herself making connections and cataloguing things again… and unintentionally investigating.
This is the second book in the series, and even as Blythe begins to unravel some knowledge about magic and the town she now lives in, she finds even more mysteries about her family history, and the people in town.
The book is written, as another reviewer said, in a kind of lyrical style that is almost poetic. It reflects those changes that Blythe finds herself undergoing, and the magical nature of what she is learning. It adds another layer to the story, one of mystique, which is a clever way of setting the tone of the tale.
This is an engaging read, with a snarky cat familiar, plenty of magic, and new friendships. There are hints of a potential relationship, and plenty of intriguing characters around town.
If you enjoy paranormal mysteries (slightly cosy), urban fantasy with a mystery attached, or small town fantasy stories, then this is a series you will enjoy.
Blythe is getting used to her new magical normal, but it doesn’t pay the bills, which is why she ends up working at the local grocery store (and definitely one of the town’s gossip hubs- a useful thing).
It’s that new job which leads her to discover her second body since arriving in town, and causes her to cross paths with Paine, the sheriff whose bad books she accidentally put herself in.
There are magical connections in this murder case too, and it’s not long before Blythe finds herself making connections and cataloguing things again… and unintentionally investigating.
This is the second book in the series, and even as Blythe begins to unravel some knowledge about magic and the town she now lives in, she finds even more mysteries about her family history, and the people in town.
The book is written, as another reviewer said, in a kind of lyrical style that is almost poetic. It reflects those changes that Blythe finds herself undergoing, and the magical nature of what she is learning. It adds another layer to the story, one of mystique, which is a clever way of setting the tone of the tale.
This is an engaging read, with a snarky cat familiar, plenty of magic, and new friendships. There are hints of a potential relationship, and plenty of intriguing characters around town.
If you enjoy paranormal mysteries (slightly cosy), urban fantasy with a mystery attached, or small town fantasy stories, then this is a series you will enjoy.
May 4, 2026
Just terrific. Great storytelling.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed Under The Hat more than the first story. The author is really defining her characters and the unique universe of Calderon Hollow here so we get a real sense of the nature of the town, and the magical strength of the powers of the families who live there.
Blythe Fairfield has made her choice to live in the house, accepting the magic and learn her role, whatever it may be. But the unstable Veil and shifting perspectives of the townspeople make it hard for Blythe to get a better sense of them and her new community.
I really liked how the different relationships are evolving here, between Blythe and the magical family on the other side of the ancient power feud, and even more so, between her and the Sheriff who “knows” instinctively that there’s something about her and the town that he can’t see or be involved with but also realizing it’s no less true.
The details, the history behind the old feud, the darker aspects of the town, it’s slowly getting revealed.
And it all gives depth to her and the series.
Just terrific. Great storytelling.
Highly recommended. Love the author.
Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)
If the Hat Fits #1
Under The Hat #2
Hat Out of Spell #3
Hat Trick #4
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed Under The Hat more than the first story. The author is really defining her characters and the unique universe of Calderon Hollow here so we get a real sense of the nature of the town, and the magical strength of the powers of the families who live there.
Blythe Fairfield has made her choice to live in the house, accepting the magic and learn her role, whatever it may be. But the unstable Veil and shifting perspectives of the townspeople make it hard for Blythe to get a better sense of them and her new community.
I really liked how the different relationships are evolving here, between Blythe and the magical family on the other side of the ancient power feud, and even more so, between her and the Sheriff who “knows” instinctively that there’s something about her and the town that he can’t see or be involved with but also realizing it’s no less true.
The details, the history behind the old feud, the darker aspects of the town, it’s slowly getting revealed.
And it all gives depth to her and the series.
Just terrific. Great storytelling.
Highly recommended. Love the author.
Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)
If the Hat Fits #1
Under The Hat #2
Hat Out of Spell #3
Hat Trick #4
March 31, 2026
There is a cadence in this story, one easily missed, that made the story better. It was almost like reading and speaking a spell out loud. This series and especially this book, is outstanding for me. I almost feel like a male witch learning spells for the first time and feeling the importance of it in my center. Or it could be an old man's imagination running wild, take your pick. I KNOW what you picked. The characters in this story are imminently vivid. The plot is easily followed, and the premise is, as it has been from the very beginning, a human realizing they are really a witch, and trying to learn and grow with the knowledge, she is the new caretaker after generations of her newly discovered family. She is challenged, she finds a dead person, and she is betrayed, but she also has a very powerful ally in her cat familiar, Pip and still makes it through and learns. I most definitely, highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
June 19, 2026
This is the second book in the series and it's just as good as the first one, if not better!
Amazon synopsis:
Blythe Fairfield chose to stay in Cauldron Hollow. She's not sure the town has chosen her back.
Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn't do.
Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man's unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can't leave it for the police. She can't destroy it. And she definitely can't stop thinking about what's inside.
Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.
Amazon synopsis:
Blythe Fairfield chose to stay in Cauldron Hollow. She's not sure the town has chosen her back.
Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn't do.
Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man's unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can't leave it for the police. She can't destroy it. And she definitely can't stop thinking about what's inside.
Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.
May 31, 2026
The series is starting to stabilize a bit. I was hoping Ronan would be a better person, but it wasn't so. I'm still concerned about Anya and the ups and downs with that. She never called back when she promised she would. In the end, when she showed up Blythe (FMC) just accepted it and moved forward. I still have questions. Things are settling a bit with Paine. I hope she can eventually bring him in on the paranormal info. It seems like it would be a win-win for everyone. Pippin continues to be pretty obtuse and all of the half-sentences and non-answers are more frustrating than informative. I do plan to read the next book hoping for some more information and growth on Blythe's part. It's going well so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2026
UNDER THE HAT was more introspective than the first book, with Blythe learning more about her magical abilities while taking a job at the local grocery store to make ends meet. The story was as compelling as the first, but was also more quiet and thoughtful.
I liked Blythe’s growing friendship with Anya, and their partnership in solving another local murder. And Paine is such a complex and interesting character. Pippin continues to make me smile, especially his demands for crispy bacon— the only way to eat it!
This series is really good, and I’m afraid I’m going to speed right through it. But I just can’t stop.
I liked Blythe’s growing friendship with Anya, and their partnership in solving another local murder. And Paine is such a complex and interesting character. Pippin continues to make me smile, especially his demands for crispy bacon— the only way to eat it!
This series is really good, and I’m afraid I’m going to speed right through it. But I just can’t stop.
April 9, 2026
Goodish
Spent a lot of time frustrated with the main character. I get that she came to this town with zero magic knowledge and inherited preexisting enemies, but at some point she needs to quit being intentionally stupid.
As for Paine he needs his own series. Perhaps a half shapeshifter/witch comes to town to consult with the plant lady. Recognizes Paine’s magical talent and hires him for his town. Once there Paine gets the training he needs, instead of lied to.
Spent a lot of time frustrated with the main character. I get that she came to this town with zero magic knowledge and inherited preexisting enemies, but at some point she needs to quit being intentionally stupid.
As for Paine he needs his own series. Perhaps a half shapeshifter/witch comes to town to consult with the plant lady. Recognizes Paine’s magical talent and hires him for his town. Once there Paine gets the training he needs, instead of lied to.
August 10, 2026
Fabulous book! Fabulous series!
I am having the BEST time with this series. I recently discovered this author, and I love her. The books are witty and fun. A magical house, a wondrous tree, and a main character learning what it means to be part of a long line of witches. Not to mention her newly acquired familiar, Pippin. I am enthralled with this whole world the author has created. I am so looking forward to the next book. Highly, I mean Highly, recommend!
I am having the BEST time with this series. I recently discovered this author, and I love her. The books are witty and fun. A magical house, a wondrous tree, and a main character learning what it means to be part of a long line of witches. Not to mention her newly acquired familiar, Pippin. I am enthralled with this whole world the author has created. I am so looking forward to the next book. Highly, I mean Highly, recommend!
August 29, 2026
I very much enjoyed this story and am also enjoying getting to know Blythe and Pippen better and I love the bond that is forming between them. Blythe is faced with an adversary in this book and by necessity she finds her magic getting stronger. Of course, there is a murder and no one could have known who did it until it was revealed - quite a surprise to me! Can't wait to get started on Book #3.
October 8, 2026
Another quick cozy murder mystery in a witchy town that needs to be solved by our lovely main character, Blythe. Blythe needs to find a job and lands herself a position at the local grocery store. When a regular at the store doesn’t show for his grocery pickup, the adventure begins.
As the second book in the series, you’re really getting to understand the chapters on a deeper level. The plot is great with just enough twists to keep you guessing.
On to book 3!
As the second book in the series, you’re really getting to understand the chapters on a deeper level. The plot is great with just enough twists to keep you guessing.
On to book 3!
April 3, 2026
Another homerun for Sara Bourgeois
I love this series and her other one too. If you start a Sara Bourgeois series you should be excited! We're talking excellent writing , adventure and interesting dialogue. Her unique style is capable of gathering you in like a warm hug. Read all her books!
I love this series and her other one too. If you start a Sara Bourgeois series you should be excited! We're talking excellent writing , adventure and interesting dialogue. Her unique style is capable of gathering you in like a warm hug. Read all her books!
June 4, 2026
Blythe finds another body and gets a job while learning some spells. I had a deja vu moment with the entire Ronan storyline; I even checked my already read titles in Goodreads to make sure I hadn't already read the book. The bourgeoning relationship with Paine is interesting and I totally agree with Pippin about bacon.
August 6, 2026
4.5 stars. What do you do with a spellbook of illegal, dark magic? Blythe hides it in her library, but it calls to someone. Someone who wants the power and will kill to get it. Should she give it to the Town Archivist? Maybe, but something holds her back. Then a threat to Blythe's familiar, Pippin, forces her hand.
August 11, 2026
Continuing the series
Under the Hat was such a fun and enjoyable follow-up to If the Hat Fits! I absolutely loved continuing the story and getting to know the characters even more. Sarah Bourgeois does a wonderful job creating vivid, descriptive scenes that pull you right into the story. A great second book in the series.
Under the Hat was such a fun and enjoyable follow-up to If the Hat Fits! I absolutely loved continuing the story and getting to know the characters even more. Sarah Bourgeois does a wonderful job creating vivid, descriptive scenes that pull you right into the story. A great second book in the series.
October 12, 2026
There is a peace in this writing
Perhaps an acknowledgement of acceptance?
Perhaps a little e drawn between what was previously known has dissolved to a doorways into what was previously hidden. It does not make what was previously unknown untrue.
It expands the light & possibilities of both..
Perhaps an acknowledgement of acceptance?
Perhaps a little e drawn between what was previously known has dissolved to a doorways into what was previously hidden. It does not make what was previously unknown untrue.
It expands the light & possibilities of both..
April 10, 2026
good series
Blythe is coming in to her witchy ways. This was a good story, and although you could tell she was heading in to a bad relationship, the reason at the end was a surprise. I like Paine. Quiet and dependable
Blythe is coming in to her witchy ways. This was a good story, and although you could tell she was heading in to a bad relationship, the reason at the end was a surprise. I like Paine. Quiet and dependable
May 6, 2026
I enjoyed this second book of the series
This story was as good as the first one. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded. It's uncomplicated but intriguing. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
This story was as good as the first one. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded. It's uncomplicated but intriguing. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
May 30, 2026
Flew through this and found it quite entertaining. I like the characters and the developing relationship between Blythe and a certain law enforcement officer. Will pick up the third book asap
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
June 6, 2026
Witchy, Witchy, Witchy
Good mysteries with a witchy twist. Small town cozy. Interesting characters and enough of continuing mystery to keep you looking forward to the next book. And a snarky talking cat Familiar. All in all fun and entertaining.
Good mysteries with a witchy twist. Small town cozy. Interesting characters and enough of continuing mystery to keep you looking forward to the next book. And a snarky talking cat Familiar. All in all fun and entertaining.
July 1, 2026
Listen to the cat
Love this series. I love how her familiar wants to keep distance but is understanding he a part of her life now and she is apart of his. Glad lessons were learned that she will take with her into the next book.
Love this series. I love how her familiar wants to keep distance but is understanding he a part of her life now and she is apart of his. Glad lessons were learned that she will take with her into the next book.
July 6, 2026
An extremely well-written cozy mystery with witches and a slow-burn romance. You can read this as a standalone, but I think that it's worth it to also read the first book in this series. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!
August 27, 2026
Another Banger!
This is definitely my fav series by Bourgeois. There's some lovely subtlety in the characters' interactions that's rare in this genre.
Very much looking forward to the next.
This is definitely my fav series by Bourgeois. There's some lovely subtlety in the characters' interactions that's rare in this genre.
Very much looking forward to the next.
September 7, 2026
So Choppy Writing!
It’s written in such a hard to read “choppy” way. It’s like a cadence or something. Very annoying. It’s a shame, because it might be entertaining but the way it’s written is hard to continue.
It’s written in such a hard to read “choppy” way. It’s like a cadence or something. Very annoying. It’s a shame, because it might be entertaining but the way it’s written is hard to continue.
October 12, 2026
Great book
I really enjoyed reading the second book of the Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow. I liked how the mystery was solved and the person who was guilty was dealt with. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading these types of mysteries with witches and spells.
I really enjoyed reading the second book of the Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow. I liked how the mystery was solved and the person who was guilty was dealt with. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading these types of mysteries with witches and spells.
October 16, 2026
Love this series...
Such entertaining and light reads.... although I DO have to say...Pippin pulled me in on the first book. He doesn't seem to play quite as large a part in this one.
Such entertaining and light reads.... although I DO have to say...Pippin pulled me in on the first book. He doesn't seem to play quite as large a part in this one.
November 4, 2026
Very Good Series
I am really enjoying this series. The characters are interesting, the storyline is definitely building up to something more, and it is very well written. Really looking forward to reading book 3!
I am really enjoying this series. The characters are interesting, the storyline is definitely building up to something more, and it is very well written. Really looking forward to reading book 3!
April 12, 2026
Really like this series. Good characters good mystery and of course who doesn’t love a taking cat like Pippen.
April 30, 2026
great series to read
The entire series so far is awesome to read. It keeps my interest and is so exciting and unexpected. Love this series
The entire series so far is awesome to read. It keeps my interest and is so exciting and unexpected. Love this series
May 8, 2026
Another amazing witchy mystery! Sara Bourgeois knows how to write a character, how to set the scene and how to keep the story interesting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews