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Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #2
Seven-Year Witch
Finding your feet in a new job isn't always easy. That goes double for Josie Way, who's settling in as Wilfred, Oregon's, new librarian--and has just discovered she's a witch. But will her fledgling powers be enough to save her from a spell of murder?
While Josie develops her witchcraft with the help of letters left by her grandmother, there are other changes happening in her new hometown. A retreat center is being built at the old mill site, and rumor has it that the location is cursed. That piques Josie's interest almost as much as Sam Wilfred, handsome FBI agent and descendent of the town's founder...
When Sam's soon-to-be ex-wife, Fiona, goes missing at the same time that a bloodied weapon is found, Josie enlists her witchy insight, and her cat familiar, to clear Sam's name. But then the mill project's architect is found dead, and it's clear that someone has been drawing up a vicious plan. Now Josie will have to divine her way out of fatal mischief, before this deadly trouble turns double...
Praise for Angela M. Sanders’ Bait and Witch
“Balances paranormal whimsy and small-town charm . . . it’s a delight to read about someone whose powers derive in part from stories and the feelings that readers attach to them. This is a fine debut that promises more bookish fun to come.”
--BookPage
While Josie develops her witchcraft with the help of letters left by her grandmother, there are other changes happening in her new hometown. A retreat center is being built at the old mill site, and rumor has it that the location is cursed. That piques Josie's interest almost as much as Sam Wilfred, handsome FBI agent and descendent of the town's founder...
When Sam's soon-to-be ex-wife, Fiona, goes missing at the same time that a bloodied weapon is found, Josie enlists her witchy insight, and her cat familiar, to clear Sam's name. But then the mill project's architect is found dead, and it's clear that someone has been drawing up a vicious plan. Now Josie will have to divine her way out of fatal mischief, before this deadly trouble turns double...
Praise for Angela M. Sanders’ Bait and Witch
“Balances paranormal whimsy and small-town charm . . . it’s a delight to read about someone whose powers derive in part from stories and the feelings that readers attach to them. This is a fine debut that promises more bookish fun to come.”
--BookPage
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 24, 2021
177 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
About the author
Angela M. Sanders
19 books558 followersAngela M. Sanders is the author of the Witch Way Librarian cozy mysteries and the Joanna Hayworth vintage clothing mysteries . As Clover Tate, she wrote the Kite Shop cozy mysteries.
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
April 13, 2023
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the second book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series. I have read and review the first book in this series before I read this book. I loved the characters in this book, and I also loved the mystery in this book. There was twists and turns, and there was also cute cozy mysteries moments. This book as one problem that I also had with the first book, and that is the fact this book does not really have a ending. This book just stops, but it does not give you an ending feeling. I hate when books just stops, and they do not have a real ending. I would have give this book 5 stars if this book had a real ending. I will keep going on with this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Angela M. Sanders) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 14, 2023
Another very enjoyable book in this fun series.
The murder victim this time is a bit too close for comfort for Josie Way, practicing witch and librarian of the small town of Wilfred. Of course she has to help her friend Sam find the murderer and she has some very unusual magic sources to help her. I do like her magical skills which are just perfect for a librarian. Rodney the cat plays a very important role too.
This is a light, entertaining series which is nicely written, and has plenty of action and interesting characters. Plus I always enjoy a good, witchy book! Book 3 is already on my Kindle.
The murder victim this time is a bit too close for comfort for Josie Way, practicing witch and librarian of the small town of Wilfred. Of course she has to help her friend Sam find the murderer and she has some very unusual magic sources to help her. I do like her magical skills which are just perfect for a librarian. Rodney the cat plays a very important role too.
This is a light, entertaining series which is nicely written, and has plenty of action and interesting characters. Plus I always enjoy a good, witchy book! Book 3 is already on my Kindle.
August 11, 2021
Seven Year Witch is the second in this series. I enjoyed the book very much. The story takes place in the town of Willard. Josie Way is the librarian and also a witch who lives on the top floor of the library along with her cat Rodney. The main characters of the story are unique. The new characters to this story add a lot of interest to this story. Josie's friend, Sam Wilfred is returning home along with his wife and child. They live in The Big House behind the library on the hill. The town is excited about the building of a retreat that Ruff and Sita Waters are planning after buying the land from Sam. Strange things are happening on this land. Things start to happen with the disappearance of Sam's wife Fiona. Sam becomes a suspect. He turns to Josie for help. When looking for her they discover a body in the lake. Lewis Cruikshank, the architect that works for Ruff and Sita has been murdered. Fiona suddenly returns not telling anyone where she has been that adds to the suspense. At the Sing-A-Long in the basement of Patty's store This and That Fiona is murdered on the stage when the lights go out while she is singing. This is now two murders that Meg Beattie, the interim sheriff has to try to solve. The story takes the reader through murder, suspects and witchcraft. The book comes to the conclusion when the town has to go to the library as the levy is about to break. Josie goes back to the land just before the levy breaks. She has to solve the mystery of why the land is angry as well as deal with the murderer. and the levy breaking.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I plan to read the first book as I feel it will give the reader a better insight into Josie who comes from a long line of witches in her family. It will be interesting to see how her lessons from the letters her grandmother wrote continue in the story. Will romance bloom between Sam and Josie?
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I plan to read the first book as I feel it will give the reader a better insight into Josie who comes from a long line of witches in her family. It will be interesting to see how her lessons from the letters her grandmother wrote continue in the story. Will romance bloom between Sam and Josie?
October 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐
This one was okay. Not my favorite cozy, but not the worst I have read. I really loved the magic books angle, and the mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. It also had a good cast of likable characters. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series. That said, the main issue I had with it was the whole "SAM" chaos. That whole situation (and Sam himself) was way too messy for a cozy mystery. Which wouldn't have been an issue if the author didn't have Josie drooling over him constantly. I also wasn't a huge fan of how it ended either. And just to be extra nitpicky (this didn't affect my rating), but what about the baby situation? There must be some type of legality involved in such a situation? 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This one was okay. Not my favorite cozy, but not the worst I have read. I really loved the magic books angle, and the mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. It also had a good cast of likable characters. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series. That said, the main issue I had with it was the whole "SAM" chaos. That whole situation (and Sam himself) was way too messy for a cozy mystery. Which wouldn't have been an issue if the author didn't have Josie drooling over him constantly. I also wasn't a huge fan of how it ended either. And just to be extra nitpicky (this didn't affect my rating), but what about the baby situation? There must be some type of legality involved in such a situation? 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
December 17, 2021
Bait and Witch and Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders are the first and second book in the new paranormal cozy Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series. As with most cozy mystery series each of the books in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries will contain their own mystery to be fully solved so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is of course character development that carries over from book to book for those that read from the beginning.
Josie Way had been working at the Library of Congress when she became a witness to a corruption case and became a target for those involved. Looking to disappear until things were resolved in DC Josie found an opening at a small town library in Wilfred, Oregon where she thought she would never be found.
After arriving in Wilfred Josie finds her safe place was not as she expected with the library being housed in an old Victorian mansion which was slated for demolition. As Josie tries to figure out what to do next though she finds that she’s actually she’s descended from a long line of witches. Josie’s witchy roots help her in her new job and also finding the killers that seem to plague the small town.
Being someone that enjoys all different kinds of books I’m always drawn to those that cross different elements of genres together. Seeing that the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series had a touch of paranormal I was immediately engaged in the story in the first book. I enjoyed the characters and knew I would return for book two after finishing the first. The second book went down a little in rating as I found that I thought it could have done a little better re-introducing the characters and setting than it did but the mystery was still a fun one to follow so I will continue on to book three.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Josie Way had been working at the Library of Congress when she became a witness to a corruption case and became a target for those involved. Looking to disappear until things were resolved in DC Josie found an opening at a small town library in Wilfred, Oregon where she thought she would never be found.
After arriving in Wilfred Josie finds her safe place was not as she expected with the library being housed in an old Victorian mansion which was slated for demolition. As Josie tries to figure out what to do next though she finds that she’s actually she’s descended from a long line of witches. Josie’s witchy roots help her in her new job and also finding the killers that seem to plague the small town.
Being someone that enjoys all different kinds of books I’m always drawn to those that cross different elements of genres together. Seeing that the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series had a touch of paranormal I was immediately engaged in the story in the first book. I enjoyed the characters and knew I would return for book two after finishing the first. The second book went down a little in rating as I found that I thought it could have done a little better re-introducing the characters and setting than it did but the mystery was still a fun one to follow so I will continue on to book three.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
The Wilfred Library has been saved and Josie is thrilled to still have her job as head librarian. She is also thrilled to have a box of letters her grandmother wrote to her over the years to help with her witchcraft. She has been reading one daily in hopes of figuring out her powers. She has been trying hard to hone her abilities without anyone noticing, but after two murders she’s going to need more than magic to help her get out of this situation.
The Wilfred Library has been saved and Josie is thrilled to still have her job as head librarian. She is also thrilled to have a box of letters her grandmother wrote to her over the years to help with her witchcraft. She has been reading one daily in hopes of figuring out her powers. She has been trying hard to hone her abilities without anyone noticing, but after two murders she’s going to need more than magic to help her get out of this situation.
January 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Josie Way has settled into her job as Wilfred Librarian and now the library has been saved, she can focus on learning more about her witch powers. Each night she reads a lesson in the form of a letter from her grandmother. This night's lesson is on curses! What?! Here? Now? That's the last thing Josie wants to deal with- a curse on the town! Not now when the whole town is abuzz with the news the retreat center project is about to go forward and a brand new levee built. The books (and some humans) are keen on informing Josie Sam Wilfred has returned to town - and he should be divorced right about now. Well Sam has returned all right- with wife and baby in tow! Oh dear! Just like that everyone is sympathetic to Josie and trying to give her advice on unrequited love. Sam is a friend, that's all. Riiigghhttt... Well Sam is soon in need of a friend when his wife Fiona fails to return home after walking to the old mill site to sketch. She isn't answering her phone and Sam is worried she's hurt. Josie organizes a search party and when a bloody tire iron is found, everyone believes Fiona was murdered. Sam becomes the primary suspect and the acting sheriff even has her sights set on Josie. The retreat center architect hasn't been seen all day either. Mrs. Garlington swears she saw a stranger in a black SUV with a shoulder holster and gun. She also swears the land is cursed. An unexpected development occurs when someone returns from the presumed dead, a body is found, a shocking murder occurs in the new karaoke bar in the basement of Patty's This 'N That and a land spirit has been awakened and out for vengeance. Can Josie solve everyone's problems?
This story has WAAAYYY too much going on. The author is clearly a "pantser" and in need of an editor with a firm hand on the red pen. I love Josie's book powers! That is so cool and I wish I could have books speak to me and come flying across the room when I need them! I wish I could match the right book with the right reader 100% of the time even if the reader doesn't know that's what they want. I like the quirky locals and their town. I was intrigued by Marilyn's story but was expecting something else. I could do without the rest. The Sam plot was awful and unnecessary. I'm sure there are legal issues involved there and I could do without the curse/land spirit. Mrs. Freeburger's story isn't consistent and what the heck happened in the end?
It's cute how quickly Josie has assimilated into her new hometown. She's chosen to stay and the locals are now friends. The books speak to her and she feels more fully alive since rediscovering her magical powers. The locals gather at Darla's for breakfast, coffee and gossip every morning. Darla acts like a no-nonsense truck stop waitress but her food is amazing and she's the de facto mayor of the town. My favorite is Mrs. Garlington, the poet and organ teacher. She's too funny! I agree with Ruth Littlefield's passion for protecting animals but birds are wild creatures and if a cat kills a bird, well that's just their nature. You can't stop a cat from doing what they are biologically programmed to do. If Rodney were a normal cat, her solution would make sense, but he's a witch's familiar. Josie knows he won't harm the birds but she can't tell Mrs. Littlefield how she knows that. Rodney goes on hunger strike until his offensive bell collar is removed yet he's somehow NOT growing too thin! I think someone must be feeding him. In this book we meet Patty's grandchildren, Thor and Buffy. I thought they were Mrs. Garlington's grandchildren from the way she seems take charge of them. Thor is a budding magician and Buffy has an entrepreneurial spirit already- at 6 years old. They're hustling already and 8 and 6ish and while Thor is not very good at magic, unsuspecting newcomers get caught up in his tricks.
Roz, the middle aged librarian, is now happy in her relationship with Lyndon but still writing romance novels. She feels she's allowed to give love advice to Josie because she's a romance writer and now in a relationship (finally). Lyndon is so sweet! He seems gruff but he has a soft heart. He loves living things, especially plants and babies. I LOLd at him teaching a newborn baby about root grafting. Duke is crusty and outspoken but he's handy to have around. He's good in a crisis and is eager to get started as foreman of the project.
Then there's Sam, Thurston Wilfred V, returned to his hometown and applying for the vacant sheriff's position. Sam has fond memories of Wilfred and special times at the library. Now he's suddenly become a father and doesn't want his son to grow up in LA. Thurston Wilfred VI aka Nicky, must be weeks old. Sam claims he didn't know Fiona was pregnant when he was last in Wilfred, 6 months ago. Um what the heck dude? Aren't you married? His explanation makes some sense but really? WHAT THE HECK? I really could have done without that complication. Josie reads Fiona as a narcissist and whackadoodle. Sam is kind and caring but naive. He sees only the best in Fiona but can't live with her wandering spirit and vivaciousness any longer. What attracted him to her in college is no longer attractive. She's certainly flighty, catty and weird.
Mrs. Freeburger, an old lady with dementia, may hold the key to Marilyn's story. She can't remember anything past the Carter administration but her memories of the long ago past are supposedly clear. However, Josie discovers that's not quite the case and Sarah lives for sweets. She's living in the moment with periods of sharpness where she can remember the past. There are inconsistencies in her story though and I don't know if that's deliberate to show she's confused or a big plot hole. She's a fun character and I don't know what happened there at the end. Arlene Alber and Marilyn Wilfred may have been from opposite sides of the tracks but they were a lot alike. They were girls in a men's world and subjected to the strict rules of their fathers. They didn't fit in with their peers, seemingly wanting more out of life than small town marriage and family. Marilyn at least lived long enough to see women get the vote, the women's lib movement and more women holding public office. Did Arlene? She disappeared in 1928 and no one knows what happened to her. I expected
Sheriff Meg Beattie, the interim county sheriff, is good at her job. She's unreadable and doesn't gossip or share information. However, Josie feels Sheriff Beattie has set her sights on Sam as the murderer and won't let go until she finds the evidence to arrest him. Now that just doesn't make sense. Doesn't she know he has a baby he adores? Why would he kill the baby's mother and then go to jail and not be there for his child? Not that Sam would ever do such a thing.
Fiona has a friend, Brett, from the gallery in LA. He's citified and doesn't fit in with the locals. He follows Fiona around and was the last person to see her alive. I think it was a case of unrequited love. She went back to Sam and rejected Brett so he killed her. He has an alibi for the first murder but not Fiona's. He was sitting right there.
We get to know Sita and Ruff, the retreat center people who now own the old mill site. They seemed nice enough in the first book. They're new age hippies and really want to make a difference in the world. In their minds, meditation, yoga and a vegan diet will cure all the ills of the world. Um no. They're harmless though, or are they? The architect, Lewis Cruikshank, seems nice. He has a modern vision for the retreat center that incorporates tribal designs. He appreciates the library house and the books Josie pulls for him. Unfortunately, Sita doesn't like his designs and they argue loudly in the library. When Lewis turns up dead, Josie thinks Sita is the prime suspect. Someone speculates that perhaps these new age people think the means justify the ends but I'm not sure. Sita seems more into the new age stuff than Ruff! She thinks there's bad energy on the land and I'm guessing she believes in karma. I'm betting her husband is more likely to be a killer. Ruff and Sita also meet with the contractor for the first time. Tommy Daniels is the opposite of a new age hippie and design forward architect. He's a beer drinking sports fan, a practical guy who clashes with the architect over the design for the retreat center. Tommy is affable and the locals seem to like him. I'm not sure I like him though. He's a little too old school man's man for me.
I hope the editor helped the author dial it back a lot in the next book and make the plots more concise. While this was better than the first book, there's still too much going on.
Josie Way has settled into her job as Wilfred Librarian and now the library has been saved, she can focus on learning more about her witch powers. Each night she reads a lesson in the form of a letter from her grandmother. This night's lesson is on curses! What?! Here? Now? That's the last thing Josie wants to deal with- a curse on the town! Not now when the whole town is abuzz with the news the retreat center project is about to go forward and a brand new levee built. The books (and some humans) are keen on informing Josie Sam Wilfred has returned to town - and he should be divorced right about now. Well Sam has returned all right- with wife and baby in tow! Oh dear! Just like that everyone is sympathetic to Josie and trying to give her advice on unrequited love. Sam is a friend, that's all. Riiigghhttt... Well Sam is soon in need of a friend when his wife Fiona fails to return home after walking to the old mill site to sketch. She isn't answering her phone and Sam is worried she's hurt. Josie organizes a search party and when a bloody tire iron is found, everyone believes Fiona was murdered. Sam becomes the primary suspect and the acting sheriff even has her sights set on Josie. The retreat center architect hasn't been seen all day either. Mrs. Garlington swears she saw a stranger in a black SUV with a shoulder holster and gun. She also swears the land is cursed. An unexpected development occurs when someone returns from the presumed dead, a body is found, a shocking murder occurs in the new karaoke bar in the basement of Patty's This 'N That and a land spirit has been awakened and out for vengeance. Can Josie solve everyone's problems?
This story has WAAAYYY too much going on. The author is clearly a "pantser" and in need of an editor with a firm hand on the red pen. I love Josie's book powers! That is so cool and I wish I could have books speak to me and come flying across the room when I need them! I wish I could match the right book with the right reader 100% of the time even if the reader doesn't know that's what they want. I like the quirky locals and their town. I was intrigued by Marilyn's story but was expecting something else. I could do without the rest. The Sam plot was awful and unnecessary. I'm sure there are legal issues involved there and I could do without the curse/land spirit. Mrs. Freeburger's story isn't consistent and what the heck happened in the end?
It's cute how quickly Josie has assimilated into her new hometown. She's chosen to stay and the locals are now friends. The books speak to her and she feels more fully alive since rediscovering her magical powers. The locals gather at Darla's for breakfast, coffee and gossip every morning. Darla acts like a no-nonsense truck stop waitress but her food is amazing and she's the de facto mayor of the town. My favorite is Mrs. Garlington, the poet and organ teacher. She's too funny! I agree with Ruth Littlefield's passion for protecting animals but birds are wild creatures and if a cat kills a bird, well that's just their nature. You can't stop a cat from doing what they are biologically programmed to do. If Rodney were a normal cat, her solution would make sense, but he's a witch's familiar. Josie knows he won't harm the birds but she can't tell Mrs. Littlefield how she knows that. Rodney goes on hunger strike until his offensive bell collar is removed yet he's somehow NOT growing too thin! I think someone must be feeding him. In this book we meet Patty's grandchildren, Thor and Buffy. I thought they were Mrs. Garlington's grandchildren from the way she seems take charge of them. Thor is a budding magician and Buffy has an entrepreneurial spirit already- at 6 years old. They're hustling already and 8 and 6ish and while Thor is not very good at magic, unsuspecting newcomers get caught up in his tricks.
Roz, the middle aged librarian, is now happy in her relationship with Lyndon but still writing romance novels. She feels she's allowed to give love advice to Josie because she's a romance writer and now in a relationship (finally). Lyndon is so sweet! He seems gruff but he has a soft heart. He loves living things, especially plants and babies. I LOLd at him teaching a newborn baby about root grafting. Duke is crusty and outspoken but he's handy to have around. He's good in a crisis and is eager to get started as foreman of the project.
Then there's Sam, Thurston Wilfred V, returned to his hometown and applying for the vacant sheriff's position. Sam has fond memories of Wilfred and special times at the library. Now he's suddenly become a father and doesn't want his son to grow up in LA. Thurston Wilfred VI aka Nicky, must be weeks old. Sam claims he didn't know Fiona was pregnant when he was last in Wilfred, 6 months ago. Um what the heck dude? Aren't you married? His explanation makes some sense but really? WHAT THE HECK? I really could have done without that complication. Josie reads Fiona as a narcissist and whackadoodle. Sam is kind and caring but naive. He sees only the best in Fiona but can't live with her wandering spirit and vivaciousness any longer. What attracted him to her in college is no longer attractive. She's certainly flighty, catty and weird.
Mrs. Freeburger, an old lady with dementia, may hold the key to Marilyn's story. She can't remember anything past the Carter administration but her memories of the long ago past are supposedly clear. However, Josie discovers that's not quite the case and Sarah lives for sweets. She's living in the moment with periods of sharpness where she can remember the past. There are inconsistencies in her story though and I don't know if that's deliberate to show she's confused or a big plot hole. She's a fun character and I don't know what happened there at the end. Arlene Alber and Marilyn Wilfred may have been from opposite sides of the tracks but they were a lot alike. They were girls in a men's world and subjected to the strict rules of their fathers. They didn't fit in with their peers, seemingly wanting more out of life than small town marriage and family. Marilyn at least lived long enough to see women get the vote, the women's lib movement and more women holding public office. Did Arlene? She disappeared in 1928 and no one knows what happened to her. I expected
Sheriff Meg Beattie, the interim county sheriff, is good at her job. She's unreadable and doesn't gossip or share information. However, Josie feels Sheriff Beattie has set her sights on Sam as the murderer and won't let go until she finds the evidence to arrest him. Now that just doesn't make sense. Doesn't she know he has a baby he adores? Why would he kill the baby's mother and then go to jail and not be there for his child? Not that Sam would ever do such a thing.
Fiona has a friend, Brett, from the gallery in LA. He's citified and doesn't fit in with the locals. He follows Fiona around and was the last person to see her alive. I think it was a case of unrequited love. She went back to Sam and rejected Brett so he killed her. He has an alibi for the first murder but not Fiona's. He was sitting right there.
We get to know Sita and Ruff, the retreat center people who now own the old mill site. They seemed nice enough in the first book. They're new age hippies and really want to make a difference in the world. In their minds, meditation, yoga and a vegan diet will cure all the ills of the world. Um no. They're harmless though, or are they? The architect, Lewis Cruikshank, seems nice. He has a modern vision for the retreat center that incorporates tribal designs. He appreciates the library house and the books Josie pulls for him. Unfortunately, Sita doesn't like his designs and they argue loudly in the library. When Lewis turns up dead, Josie thinks Sita is the prime suspect. Someone speculates that perhaps these new age people think the means justify the ends but I'm not sure. Sita seems more into the new age stuff than Ruff! She thinks there's bad energy on the land and I'm guessing she believes in karma. I'm betting her husband is more likely to be a killer. Ruff and Sita also meet with the contractor for the first time. Tommy Daniels is the opposite of a new age hippie and design forward architect. He's a beer drinking sports fan, a practical guy who clashes with the architect over the design for the retreat center. Tommy is affable and the locals seem to like him. I'm not sure I like him though. He's a little too old school man's man for me.
I hope the editor helped the author dial it back a lot in the next book and make the plots more concise. While this was better than the first book, there's still too much going on.
January 16, 2023
The Sassy, bookworms review, said it all for me !
June 23, 2022
This book is just weird
June 16, 2021
Seven-Year Witch brings us back to visit Josie Way, and her eagerness to learn about her background, which includes the powers she inherited from her ancestors.
As the book begins, Josie is just finding out that Sam is back in town, and this time he’s not alone. Josie isn’t quite sure how she feels about Sam, but things get out of control and Josie is once again wrapped in a murder investigation.
Josie’s unique talents allow her to “listen” to the books in the library where she works, which is something she’s still getting used to.
I always read the reviews others leave and it seems that the book not having a clear cut ending is disturbing to some. I kind of like not having a clear cut ending, it leaves us to wonder what happens next, and I think it adds more excitement to the next book.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in this entertaining series.
As the book begins, Josie is just finding out that Sam is back in town, and this time he’s not alone. Josie isn’t quite sure how she feels about Sam, but things get out of control and Josie is once again wrapped in a murder investigation.
Josie’s unique talents allow her to “listen” to the books in the library where she works, which is something she’s still getting used to.
I always read the reviews others leave and it seems that the book not having a clear cut ending is disturbing to some. I kind of like not having a clear cut ending, it leaves us to wonder what happens next, and I think it adds more excitement to the next book.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in this entertaining series.
July 24, 2021
Seven-Year Witch is the second book in the new “Witch Way Librarian Mysteries” series. Characters are still being developed and librarian, Josie is still learning witchcraft and how to use her talents. Other characters, including Sam, Josie’s possible love interest, are also growing and learning. The other characters are likable and quirky, which is always fun in a cozy series.
The victim who isn’t a victim, suspects who are not suspects, and clues that aren’t clues fill the pages of this book. As a librarian and a witch, Josie hears books and gets help from them when she needs it. This is her magic and the witchcraft she uses to solve this murder. The suspect’s motives are a bit hard to understand, but the twists in this story keep readers guessing. The killer didn’t come as a great surprise, but there was enough mystery to make readers follow each clue and figure out the who and the why of this crime. There are a few other mysteries to solve outside of the murder that move the story along to an ending filled with action and intrigue.
There is no clear resolution on some of the questions asked, and many readers will find this a bit disconcerting. This is not uncommon for cozies as it is a means of starting the next book off without the need to recap everything from the previous book. As a witch, I think Josie has a ways to go; even though she is getting lessons on witchcraft from her deceased grandmother, we don’t see a lot of actual magic being performed, and she still doesn’t trust it one hundred percent. For many readers, this can be a plus. I think the writing is good, the characters are affable and unorthodox, but in truth, people don’t fit into square holes. These characters reflect the differences that make people who they are and who we feel a familiarity and affinity with. I enjoyed reading Seven-Year Witch and can see the series getting better with each book.
The victim who isn’t a victim, suspects who are not suspects, and clues that aren’t clues fill the pages of this book. As a librarian and a witch, Josie hears books and gets help from them when she needs it. This is her magic and the witchcraft she uses to solve this murder. The suspect’s motives are a bit hard to understand, but the twists in this story keep readers guessing. The killer didn’t come as a great surprise, but there was enough mystery to make readers follow each clue and figure out the who and the why of this crime. There are a few other mysteries to solve outside of the murder that move the story along to an ending filled with action and intrigue.
There is no clear resolution on some of the questions asked, and many readers will find this a bit disconcerting. This is not uncommon for cozies as it is a means of starting the next book off without the need to recap everything from the previous book. As a witch, I think Josie has a ways to go; even though she is getting lessons on witchcraft from her deceased grandmother, we don’t see a lot of actual magic being performed, and she still doesn’t trust it one hundred percent. For many readers, this can be a plus. I think the writing is good, the characters are affable and unorthodox, but in truth, people don’t fit into square holes. These characters reflect the differences that make people who they are and who we feel a familiarity and affinity with. I enjoyed reading Seven-Year Witch and can see the series getting better with each book.
July 5, 2021
If you’re a fan of twists and turns in your cozy mysteries, you’ll enjoy the wonderful Witch Way Librarian Mystery series. This series is fun with hints of paranormal sprinkled throughout. Curses and crimes collide with whimsy in this book, making it a clever cozy mystery you don’t want to put down. Seven-Year Witch is stacked with secrets that only Josie can slice through to uncover the truth. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 27, 2022
I enjoy this cozy series. It has several things I enjoy.
A library in an historic home, a librarian who's a witch and whom the books talk to and assist, a really smart and sassy black cat and the small town cast of "characters" make this series very fun to read.
I like the magical aspect to the series, but it doesn't overpower the cozy mystery focus. The magic Josie has and uses to help her investigate things is just a part of the overall stories and I think it's charming and works well.
I'm not thrilled with the romance aspect of this series so far, but again, that's just one small part of the whole and it doesn't take away from the main murder-solving aspect.
I definitely plan to continue reading this series. It's a good cozy world.
A library in an historic home, a librarian who's a witch and whom the books talk to and assist, a really smart and sassy black cat and the small town cast of "characters" make this series very fun to read.
I like the magical aspect to the series, but it doesn't overpower the cozy mystery focus. The magic Josie has and uses to help her investigate things is just a part of the overall stories and I think it's charming and works well.
I'm not thrilled with the romance aspect of this series so far, but again, that's just one small part of the whole and it doesn't take away from the main murder-solving aspect.
I definitely plan to continue reading this series. It's a good cozy world.
March 1, 2022
I don’t think I've ever gone out and bought a sequel so fast.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Seven-Year Witch was absolutely everything I'd hoped it would be since reading its predecessor, Bait and Witch. Watching Josie come in to her magic more, and adjust to her new small town life and all the quirks that come with it, was delightful. And getting to see Rodney have a little more personality - we love a feisty cat familiar - was just as great. Still not the biggest fan of Sam. But that's neither here nor there.
In Seven-Year Witch, Josie finds herself in the middle of the fray when Sam's soon-to-be ex (and most obnoxious mother in Josie's life) Fiona goes missing AND a bloodied weapon is found on the site of the Waterses rereat center. Add to that a found dead body and the sudden threat of a bad storm, and Josie's in for a really bad week.
I laughed, I rolled my eyes, and I found myself seriously rooting for the storm to win in this delightful cozy mystery. I seriously cannot wait for the third installment in the Witch Way Librarian series.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Seven-Year Witch was absolutely everything I'd hoped it would be since reading its predecessor, Bait and Witch. Watching Josie come in to her magic more, and adjust to her new small town life and all the quirks that come with it, was delightful. And getting to see Rodney have a little more personality - we love a feisty cat familiar - was just as great. Still not the biggest fan of Sam. But that's neither here nor there.
In Seven-Year Witch, Josie finds herself in the middle of the fray when Sam's soon-to-be ex (and most obnoxious mother in Josie's life) Fiona goes missing AND a bloodied weapon is found on the site of the Waterses rereat center. Add to that a found dead body and the sudden threat of a bad storm, and Josie's in for a really bad week.
I laughed, I rolled my eyes, and I found myself seriously rooting for the storm to win in this delightful cozy mystery. I seriously cannot wait for the third installment in the Witch Way Librarian series.
August 20, 2021
The Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders is becoming my favorite paranormal cozy mystery series. The way Josie uses the books to help her find answers and how they talk to her is many book lover’s dream… including mine. And I really enjoy how Rodney, her familiar, is sassy and actually helps her in the way that familiars do. In many other paranormal series it seems like the cat is just kind of there because witches are supposed to have cats.
There is a lot more character development in Seven-Year Witch and we also get to catch up with ones from the first book in the series, Bait and Witch. I really enjoyed how Sanders played around with Fiona’s disappearance and shows what a true sociopath acts like.
There’s still the question if Sam and Josie will get together, but if they don’t, there is so much going on in this series, I don’t feel like a love interest will be missed. Sanders also gives us a mysterious box, a crime with lots of red herrings and suspects, a twist, and a bit of a thrilling ending when Josie faces off with the killer.
If you’re looking for a paranormal cozy mystery series to enhance the Autumn season coming up, I highly recommend the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries!
There is a lot more character development in Seven-Year Witch and we also get to catch up with ones from the first book in the series, Bait and Witch. I really enjoyed how Sanders played around with Fiona’s disappearance and shows what a true sociopath acts like.
There’s still the question if Sam and Josie will get together, but if they don’t, there is so much going on in this series, I don’t feel like a love interest will be missed. Sanders also gives us a mysterious box, a crime with lots of red herrings and suspects, a twist, and a bit of a thrilling ending when Josie faces off with the killer.
If you’re looking for a paranormal cozy mystery series to enhance the Autumn season coming up, I highly recommend the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries!
September 4, 2021
The second book of this series is just as good as the first. Sam is back in town and there is controversy around him. The action is nonstop with a potentially cursed building site, missinig persons, and a baby! Josie is such a levelheaded person so she gets a lot accomplished without any rookie mistakes. The mystery was solid and kept me guessing, although I had figured it out a little before the ending. What I loved most was the use of the town's history and former residents to build a story that carried forward into the present. It was a nice balance to all the drama associated with the current happenings. Definitely recommended. This book kept me reading through three tornado warnings so it should keep your interest!
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#SevenYearWitch #NetGalley
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#SevenYearWitch #NetGalley
October 23, 2022
This is such a unique cozy mystery series, new-to-me but I'm powering through it. Love the magical world building -- it's not hugely paranormal, just enough to add a special spark. And, seriously, a witch librarian? Makes her a ninja librarian with bibliophile super powers.
"I'd always loved books, but it wasn't until my magic opened up that I understood how much books loved us. Their pages craved touch, and they were happiest in a person's hands as they poured out their stories. The books on my nightstand almost purred as I walked by them. When I pulled a volume for the library's shelves, it sighed in delight." ( p 35)
Seriously, I don't need to say another word. Pure magic!
"I'd always loved books, but it wasn't until my magic opened up that I understood how much books loved us. Their pages craved touch, and they were happiest in a person's hands as they poured out their stories. The books on my nightstand almost purred as I walked by them. When I pulled a volume for the library's shelves, it sighed in delight." ( p 35)
Seriously, I don't need to say another word. Pure magic!
January 5, 2023
Josie continues a new adventure to finding a killer... Sam's soon to be ex wife disappears and the "contractor" also goes missing, Josie is determined to use the magic she's learning to use from her grandmother's letters. The books speak to her, the cat helps her... and she will do what she can to find what's happening in this small town she seems to find so much adventure in after living there only 6 months.
November 28, 2023
I knew who the killer was and I guessed the why close to the end, and I didn't' like the "extra" snooping [] that Josie does [though she does at least have the decency to feel ashamed and guilty afterwards], but this was still an excellent read. I love the characters, I love how Josie is learning about who she is and even when it freaks her out [], strives to be the best witch she can be and a decent, caring human being on top of that. She loves books and being a librarian and all that entails and I can see these books just getting better with each one. Well done.
March 31, 2023
I am loving this series and I can tell it's becoming a favorite. Josie is a great character and I love her cat Rodney. That her Magic centers around books only makes it better. I love the cozy vibe of the town and all the side characters, especially Roz and Darla. I was able to guess who the killer was but, that did not take away my enjoyment. So happy I found this series. Highly recommend!
December 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Which Way Librarian series by Angela M. Sanders.
In this second book, Sam has made a return to Wilfred with a child in tow. He is in the midst of a divorce from a woman that Josie can’t rightly see him connecting with. For a while they think she is dead, then turns out, they all were a bit prophetic in their worries.
I enjoy this series. I wonder if Sam and Josie will ever connect. He already trusts her enough to leave his child with her during an emergency. I just wonder what will develop between the two in the future.
I love how the author brings so many residents into the series. It feels like a real community. Such a wide variety of citizens too. When they all come together at the end when the dam is about to break, I can sense that small town feel so strongly.
This is a series that I will definitely want to continue on with. I am totally an invested reader hoping that this couple will beat all the odds and find each other in the end.
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the second book in the Which Way Librarian series by Angela M. Sanders.
In this second book, Sam has made a return to Wilfred with a child in tow. He is in the midst of a divorce from a woman that Josie can’t rightly see him connecting with. For a while they think she is dead, then turns out, they all were a bit prophetic in their worries.
I enjoy this series. I wonder if Sam and Josie will ever connect. He already trusts her enough to leave his child with her during an emergency. I just wonder what will develop between the two in the future.
I love how the author brings so many residents into the series. It feels like a real community. Such a wide variety of citizens too. When they all come together at the end when the dam is about to break, I can sense that small town feel so strongly.
This is a series that I will definitely want to continue on with. I am totally an invested reader hoping that this couple will beat all the odds and find each other in the end.
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
January 15, 2023
A witch, a library full of books that speak to said witch, Oregon rain, a curse, 100-year-old hidden diaries, and a couple of murders. Yes, please! I adore this well-written and atmospheric series!
August 3, 2025
Overall okay. I really hope this series doesn't always have a dramatic face-off against the killer because it does get pretty old fast if that happens every book.
June 16, 2024
Cute mystery! I loved being back in Wilfred with Josie and the rest from the first book. The plot was interesting, and I'm interested to see how the rest of Josie's magic powers develop.
September 14, 2021
I absolutely loved the first book so I couldn’t wait to get ahold of the second book, and I ended up enjoyed it just as much as book one!
Josie is the new librarian in small town Wilfred, Oregon. Oh, and she just found out she’s a witch, who comes from a long line of witches. She has the ability to speak and listen to books, in a way. To add to this, her almost beau, Sam, is accused of murdering his missing soon to be ex-wife, Fiona. He turns to Josie for help when they find a different dead body. Now we suddenly have two mysteries to work out.
I really like Josie’s character and can’t help thinking how much fun it would be to be able to talk to books! I like that her ability to do that helps her solve the mystery. The murder mystery itself had some red herrings and kept me guessing. I also really enjoy Rodney, the library’s cat, now Josie’s.
I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes cozy paranormals.
Josie is the new librarian in small town Wilfred, Oregon. Oh, and she just found out she’s a witch, who comes from a long line of witches. She has the ability to speak and listen to books, in a way. To add to this, her almost beau, Sam, is accused of murdering his missing soon to be ex-wife, Fiona. He turns to Josie for help when they find a different dead body. Now we suddenly have two mysteries to work out.
I really like Josie’s character and can’t help thinking how much fun it would be to be able to talk to books! I like that her ability to do that helps her solve the mystery. The murder mystery itself had some red herrings and kept me guessing. I also really enjoy Rodney, the library’s cat, now Josie’s.
I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes cozy paranormals.
January 2, 2023
Originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty: https://www.literaryfeline.com/2022/1...
I did not wait long to jump into the second book of the Witch Way Librarian series featuring Josie Way. In Seven-Year Witch, Josie is still exploring her newfound magical abilities, learning from letters here grandmother had left behind for her, each letter a new lesson. The letters seem to correspond to real life events in Josie's life--and the latest letter is about curses.
Plans to build a retreat center at an old mill site in town are underway, but there are rumors it is cursed. When the ex-wife of Sam Wilfred, a descendant of the town's founders, goes missing and the mill's project's architect is found dead, people start to wonder if the curse is more than a rumor. Sam is the number one suspect, but Josie doesn't believe he is involved. Josie puts her magic and logic to use to get to the bottom of what happened and save Sam's good name.
My favorite cozies are ones with a paranormal element; add in a bookish setting and I'm in cozy mystery heaven. The way the books respond to Josie is one of the aspects that make this series so unique. I was transported back to Wilfred, Oregon and into the lives of Josie Way and her feline familiar, Rodney, in Seven-Year Witch. This novel takes us a little deeper into the history of Wilfred and also into Sam's complicated life. Josie has a good heart and will do anything to help her friends. The mystery is more center stage in this novel and the climax is quite suspenseful.
I did not wait long to jump into the second book of the Witch Way Librarian series featuring Josie Way. In Seven-Year Witch, Josie is still exploring her newfound magical abilities, learning from letters here grandmother had left behind for her, each letter a new lesson. The letters seem to correspond to real life events in Josie's life--and the latest letter is about curses.
Plans to build a retreat center at an old mill site in town are underway, but there are rumors it is cursed. When the ex-wife of Sam Wilfred, a descendant of the town's founders, goes missing and the mill's project's architect is found dead, people start to wonder if the curse is more than a rumor. Sam is the number one suspect, but Josie doesn't believe he is involved. Josie puts her magic and logic to use to get to the bottom of what happened and save Sam's good name.
My favorite cozies are ones with a paranormal element; add in a bookish setting and I'm in cozy mystery heaven. The way the books respond to Josie is one of the aspects that make this series so unique. I was transported back to Wilfred, Oregon and into the lives of Josie Way and her feline familiar, Rodney, in Seven-Year Witch. This novel takes us a little deeper into the history of Wilfred and also into Sam's complicated life. Josie has a good heart and will do anything to help her friends. The mystery is more center stage in this novel and the climax is quite suspenseful.
August 24, 2021
Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders is a great cozy mystery that has suspense, paranormal elements, wonderful characters, and a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is the second book in the wonderful series: Witch Way Librarian Mysteries. I loved the first book, Bait and Witch, so I had to see where things progressed.
I enjoyed following up with Josie, Rodney, Roz, Darla, Lyndon, and the rest of the eclectic group of inhabitants of Wilfred, Oregon. A small, quaint town with its fair share of mysteries, drama, murder, and paranormal activities.
Josie is still learning her craft from the notes that her Grandmother has left her, she is still trying to figure out her place in this new town, her job as Librarian/book reader, and her conflicted feelings in regard to Sam. Toss in a murder/mystery plot involving Sam’s estranged wife, cursed locations, and mischief abound and one has got themselves a great cozy mystery.
I loved the sass, wit, one-liners, and the plot. I look forward to seeing what is next in store for Josie and the gang.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This is the second book in the wonderful series: Witch Way Librarian Mysteries. I loved the first book, Bait and Witch, so I had to see where things progressed.
I enjoyed following up with Josie, Rodney, Roz, Darla, Lyndon, and the rest of the eclectic group of inhabitants of Wilfred, Oregon. A small, quaint town with its fair share of mysteries, drama, murder, and paranormal activities.
Josie is still learning her craft from the notes that her Grandmother has left her, she is still trying to figure out her place in this new town, her job as Librarian/book reader, and her conflicted feelings in regard to Sam. Toss in a murder/mystery plot involving Sam’s estranged wife, cursed locations, and mischief abound and one has got themselves a great cozy mystery.
I loved the sass, wit, one-liners, and the plot. I look forward to seeing what is next in store for Josie and the gang.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
July 12, 2021
In what appears to be a minority opinion, this book was a non-starter for me. Having read the first in the series, I “forgave” some of the plot holes and issues because it is hard to world-build and mystery-solve all in one novel. However, this second swing at a mystery for Josie the Magical Librarian fell short. The plot was only so-so, the mystery was solvable within a few chapters and there wasn't any major character growth or resolution to the great will-they-won't-they “attraction” between Josie and Sam. Add in multiple instances of passive fatphobia and culturally insensitive references to tribal curses including referring to Indigenous American as “Indians” (a subplot that fizzles anyway) means that this series is pretty much done for me. I will admit that maybe cozy mysteries just aren’t a good match for me anymore, but I wouldn’t recommend this one.
August 26, 2023
This was a fun and interesting read. I really enjoyed all the characters and all of their quirks. I really liked the fact the library is in an old house and the main character lives there too. The main character really fits but I wish her familiar would talk. I am really looking forward to more in this series.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading
November 11, 2021
This is the second book in the series but my first one. The characters are interesting. The mystery is well-plotted and entertaining.
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