Spells & Shelves

Library Witch Mystery #1

by Elle Adams

Bookshop assistant Aurora "Rory" Hawthorn thinks reality will never be as interesting as fiction. Content to spend her time escaping into a good book to escape her micromanaging boss, the very last thing she expects is to be cornered by a group of terrifying strangers hunting down a journal that belonged to her late father.

It turns out Dad was keeping a secret or two… most importantly, that he was a wizard, and that Rory has a hidden magical family she's never met. When her witchy relatives invite her to live with them in their enchanted library, it's literally a dream come true.

Until she stumbles upon a dead body hidden behind a bookshelf.

Juggling a new family and job would be enough of a challenge without also having to deal with a murder mystery, cranky familiars, and the attention of the local reaper -- even if he is the hottest guy in town.

It's up to Rory to embrace her new witchy powers to help catch a killer before she loses the new life she never knew she wanted.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Magic, Cozy

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2019

About the author

Elle Adams lives in the middle of England, where she spends most of her time reading an ever-growing mountain of books, planning her next adventure, or writing. Elle's books are humorous mysteries with a paranormal twist and tons of magical mayhem.

She also writes urban and contemporary fantasy novels as Emma L. Adams.

Reviews

[Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dull.

Dull dull dull dull dull.

The plot didn't get going until about 35% through the book and even then it seemed somewhat aimless. The only character with any real personality was Cass and she actively wanted people to hate her.

Your antagonist should not be the only real character. Come on now.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
What’s the only thing better then a witch who works in a bookstore as the main character, a witch who lives in a magical library with four other witches.
This was a terrific start to the series, loved Rory the main character and also the magic system that the author has used. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a system used in the many fantasy books I’ve read.
I’ll be reading more of this series.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in series

I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries so I can't make a comparison on a big scale. I will say that I found this an entertaining read. The characters were great and they held my interest to the end. Will continue with the series.

[MeowMeowBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was better written than some paranormal cozies I've read before, which were laughably bad. The mystery was relatively basic, but after reading a few of these paranormal cozies I feel like they all have extremely simple plots. They're fluff reads and not for engaging your brain, unlike normal cozies or mysteries. This would have been 3-4 stars if not for Cass. I detest reading about asshole minor characters.

[Ellen Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, easy and light

I haven't read Elle Adams' books before, but I really liked this one. If you want a book that is easy to read and fun with lots of twists and turns to keep you interested, this book fits the bill.After all, no one can be constantly on the edge about the end of our world as we know it. If you are looking for a fast, fun read, this is it.

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little cosy mystery - enjoyed the concept of a library witch.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but boring

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you have dreams of one day waking up to find that your late father was actually a wizard, you are a witch, and now you get to work in an enchanted library? Doesn't that sound magical? Did I also mention there are creepy strangers after your father's journal, you have a family you didn't know existed, and (oh yeah) there's a dead body in the library? Guess you'll have to figure all that out now!

The set up for this magical cozy mystery was great. I enjoyed reading it, but I do feel that not a lot happened for the majority of the book. The plot didn't really pick up until the end, and then you were still left hanging on a big secret. I know this is the first book in a series, but don't cozy mysteries usually wrap up in a way where you can just read one-and-done if you want?

I still thought this was a pretty good read, but it's not a series I think I'll continue with. Thus continues my search for my perfect cozy. :)

[Mychael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Put a Curse on You

I’m a big fan of Elle Adams’ other works, so I decided to check out her library witch series. I wasn’t disappointed. Imagine being fired from your job and finding out that you’re a witch the next day. Add to that, you just found out that vampires are real. In that case, you must be Rory. Join her on her journey as she learns about the magical side of her family and her powers. Oh yeah: she might solve a couple of murders while she’s at it. A must read for any paranormal cozy mystery fan!

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun and perfect for fall. i’ll be continuing this series

[Bobbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-2.5 stars. Interesting concept but not very exciting at all. Besides the boring story, I found the narrators voice to sound way older than the main character, who I think is supposed to be young. Other voices were great though.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rory discovers she is a witch and had hidden family after some vampires accost her for her father's journal

What I enjoyed:
* Interesting world building, I haven't really seen biblio-witch before.
* The magical library is a great setting
* The characters are ok, but will hopefully improve as the series goes on

What could have been better:
* the villain was lame he killed for a stolen (and awful) poem and didn't care when bystanders also died

[Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery and world building

I liked that the author did a good job of balancing the paranormal world introduction with the mystery of the book. It was done in good bite sized pieces just as the main character was learning it as well so it didn’t feel overwhelming with world building lore.

The mystery kept me guessing until the last two chapters, which is good for a cozy mystery. Excited to read more of this series.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a magical library? Give me more 🥰

Likeable characters, with a fast paced plot that takes place in an amazing magical library. The world building was simple, yet effective, and the story was full of a unique magical system, biblio-magic, that I found rather enchanting.


3.5 stars ⭐️

[Michelle Subbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining cozy mystery. Rory's father passed a way a few years ago and when vampires show up to get his journal, she finds out that she has magic. She is whisked off by 2 aunt's that she's never met to work in her grandmother's library.

[Joop · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not to be rude but did a 12 year old write this?

[Tyrannosaurus regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super slow to get going with a lot of upfront exposition before we even get into the mystery, but it was also all-in with its premise, which I appreciated. Basically, it did what it said on the tin, and though I hope that the characters develop some more dimension in future books, it scratched the itch for me.

[Karr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty quick read. Some of it seemed a bit rushed. I like to visualize when I read and some parts felt lacking in detail which made the magical element wanting. Not sure about the main character yet. I think she “grew” a little too quickly from what she was introduced as. There are some interesting supporting characters so I’ll give this series another go with book 2.

[Tatum Baughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ this book was alllllllll over the place but man the setting was so cozy. i want to live in that magical library

[Nelly Alikyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I’m not the biggest fan of cozy fantasy’s but even this felt TOO cute.

[Korbie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly fluffy cozy mystery! Will definitely be reading more of the series!

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do I get to this world? I want to browse. Good thing there are more books!📚

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Beginnings!

I love the world, magic system and characters that Adams has created with this series. As a first book there are so many good basis for great stories ahead and I'm looking forward to funny and satisfying reads! Great for lovers of para-cozies!

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, simple, light-hearted, quick palate cleanser between many serious and disturbing books. Happy witch town + a magic library. Aaaahh.

[SilverGirl2323 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio book , I could have finished the book faster if I had read it , however it was light and interesting well I did my art

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been in a witch mood for the last couple of weeks, I have no idea what started it off but honestly I can say that I’ve discovered some interesting reads and some new authors. And that’s how I ended up discovered Elle Adams and this book…. The cover and blurb reached out to me, so I thought I’d dive in and see if the blurb lived up what the story contained. I can honestly say that I was very impressed with the story, although I do have one thing that bugged me the entire way through…. That being Cass…. I’m sorry, the way she treated Rory was just rude and inexcusable…. Rory has literally had her life changed and she’s literally found out she’s from a family of witches and due to the rules back where her new long lost family live, you can’t exactly blame her for anything that’s happening. So the fact that Cass just treats her badly and makes her life a living hell even when it’s not like Rory asked for any of it is just wrong. Otherwise, I do think that Elle did a good job of writing this book and I’m intrigued to see if sparks fly between Rory and Xavier, plus it’ll be interesting see how the rules would play out between witches and reapers.
I’m excited to see how the rest of the series will play out, but I can say for sure that Elle has gained me as a new fan. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

Rory lost her dad three years ago, so since then she’s been working at the bookshop her dad owned along with his business partner… However, after some strange looking guys come into the bookshop wanting to get their hands on Rory’s dads journal, things start to go in a whirlwind for her…. First she ends up being fired, then she panics on how she’ll be able to pay for her flat, but that’s the least of her problems as when she gets back to her place the same guys from before wanting her dads journal are waiting for her…. With nothing else to do, she starts running, and everything gets crazier from there as she is saved by her new long lost family that she had no idea about. With making the decision to go back home with them and to keep away from the vampires, things start to feel easy for Rory even though she’s just found out she’s a witch… It’s like her life was meant to be back with her family in the ibrary, but things get worse before they get better as she’s only been there a day and she discovers a dead body hiding in the library…. Will they get to the bottom of it??? And will the same vampires have left Rory alone for good or was that only just the beginning????

[Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book by reading another series by the author, Reaper Witch. I've liked what I've read of that series, and I like books and libraries, so I thought I'd try this series. The Library Witch series has a different tone than the Reaper Witch. Rory is far more naive than Maura. Rory feels immature and younger than her years.

Aurora (Rory) is a normal young woman in her early 20s, orphaned and living alone in an apartment in a small town in Britain. She works at the bookshop that her father used to be part-owner of before he died. When he died he left his share of the business to his persnickety partner Abe. Not long ago Rory rescued an old journal belonging to her father from the garbage after Abe threw it away, believing it to be worthless.

It turns out the journal has some value to some odd people, and their efforts to steal it from her stir up her latent magical powers. Three women she doesn't know appear to whisk her away to their home in another town, which turns out to be an enormous magical library. Rory has to learn how to adapt to a new world, new aunts and cousins, new abilities, and a new home that doesn't obey the laws of physics. And if that isn't enough, Rory soon finds one of the library patrons lying on the floor, dead.

The dead man has been killed by a curse. When Xavier, the reaper's apprentice, shows up to collect the dead man's soul, he can't find it. Rory's curiosity drives her to figure out who killed the man and why, as well as what became of his soul.


Rory soon learns the creeps are vampires. Her rescuers, Rory discovers, are her family, and they are witches. And so is Rory.

Rory finds out that her father, born and raised in the magical world, fell in love with a normal woman, Rory's mother. He chose to give up magic and live in the normal world. When Rory's magic tried to surface he suppressed it so she could live a normal life. Sadly, her mother died of cancer, and her father died three years back in a car accident. Without other family to tie her to the normal world, her new aunts and cousin invite Rory to come live with them in their magical library home.

Her new family members are her father's sisters Adelaide and Candace, and Adelaide's daughters Estelle and Cass, plus the family familiar, an owl named Sylvester. Aunt Adelaide is nominally the one in charge, but she doesn't have much control over the family. She is kind to Rory and seems to care about her. Aunt Candace is a writer who frequently sneaks off to write her novels instead of working in the library, and will shamelessly eavesdrop on conversations, copying them down to use in her fiction. I think she is also fond of Rory, but Candace is very self-absorbed. Estelle is kind and helpful to Rory, and tries to make her feel welcome.

Cass is mean. She takes every chance to belittle and embarrass Rory for her ignorance of magic. Cass is vindictive, holds grudges for long periods of time, and, like Aunt Candace, is prone to abandoning her library work for her own interests. Sylvester, the family's familiar, is also awful to Rory, insulting her, laughing at her, and helping Cass make Rory's life more difficult. Between them Cass and Sylvester persuade the semi-sentient library to rearrange itself to prevent Rory from getting to her destinations, as well as trapping her, opening the floor under her, and even placing a wall right outside her bedroom door.

Cass and Sylvester bully her frequently and the aunts are either 1) oblivious to this, 2) don't think it's an issue, or 3) are unable to rein Cass in. It's hard to know which as the story is narrated in first person, and so there's no knowing what efforts either aunt makes when Rory isn't around. I'm guessing the idea is that through the course of time Cass eventually warms up to Rory and gradually stops being so awful to her. Or perhaps as Rory develops her magical skills she is better able to "fight back" and so Cass knocks it off. Regardless of the reasons and the author's intentions, I don't find the bullying amusing. If my child treated a guest in our home the way Cass treats Rory there would be unpleasant repercussions for him.

The murder mystery itself is well executed. I was sorry that Tad, the odd man in the hammock, died. I was hoping the mystery of who he was, where he came from, and why he slept so much would eventually be solved. I was pleased to see Rory use her head to deal with the matter of a hostile witch with a gift for controlling paper.


I find the premise of a word witch very interesting, and want to learn more about this magical world. The library reminds me of the library at the Unseen University in Ankh-Morpork in Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.

On the other hand, I'm not interested in vampires. They bore me. If vampires turn out to be a major component of this series I'll likely quit reading it. Likewise Cass's bullying.

And then there's Rory. She frustrates me. She allows people to treat her badly and say cruel, unfair things to her. She is timid, to the point of being scared by the scythe on reaper apprentice Xavier's back, as though she expects him to lash out with it at people as the whim takes him. Her fear of the vampires is entirely justified and well-founded, given that her introduction to the magical world was vampires chasing her and threatening her. But many of the other things that frighten her, like birds, just made me sigh. I frequently felt secondhand embarrassment for her at how easy she is to manipulate, and her lack of forethought. I think cousin Cass goes too far, but I have to agree with her that Rory makes herself an easy target.

I can't decide if we the readers are supposed to find the borderline-slapstick situations Rory gets into commical and the joke just isn't landing with me, or if the author intends her to look foolish, thoughtless, and impulsive. I mean, how many times do you have to leave your room and find yourself someplace OTHER than you expect before you develop some caution when opening your bedroom door? How many times does your lousy cousin have to "prank" you before you learn to keep alert for possible traps? How many times does the floor have to disappear under your feet before you ask some knowlegeable and trustworthy person to help you figure out ways to deal with this problem instead of just hoping every day that it won't happen?

I listened to Spells and Shelves as an audiobook, read by Hollis McCarthy. 6 hrs 23 min.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells & Shelves is the first book in the Library Witch Mystery series. It is an enjoyable paranormal cozy with likable characters, fun Witch antics and an interesting mystery. Aurora (Rory) loses her job at a bookstore and meets 2 Aunts and 2 cousins she didn't know she had and she finds out she is a Biblio-Witch. Rory moves to a Paranormal Library her Aunts own. Floors, stairs, and shelves all move around. Rory spends a lot of time lost. It adds humor to the story. Three vampires chase Rory. A Library patron is found dead and they all work together to figure out what is going on. I was in the mood for something lighter and this was a great choice.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

When Rory discovers she has family she never knew, they turn her life upside down.
With a new job and a new home in a magical library, and the discovery of her new magical ability, she is enjoying herself- right up until she discovers a dead body.

This enjoyable cosy paranormal mystery features a magical library, winged familiars and a soupçon of romance.
The characters are entertaining and interesting, and the story itself an enjoyable one.
A fun read for those who enjoy cosy paranormal mystery books.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're interested in a bit of fluff reading, this one won't be taxing, allowing you to get through it within a day or two. There are some inconsistencies within the book that should have been caught by an editor and overall it just felt hollow; no real substance.

I did enjoy some of the characters and the library setting. I may continue on with the series if I need a filler book or two for my annual Goodreads challenge.