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Mt Eden Witches #1
Overdues and Occultism
A witch in the broom closet probably shouldn't be so interested in a ghost hunter, right?
That Basil is a librarian comes as no surprise to his Mt Eden community. That he's a witch? Yeah. That might raise more than a few eyebrows.
When Sebastian, a pararnormal investigator filming a web series starts snooping around Basil's library, he stirs up more than just Basil's heart.
Between Basil's own self-doubt, a ghost who steals books and Sebastian, an enthusiastic extrovert bent on uncovering secrets, Basil's life is about to get a lot more complicated.
That Basil is a librarian comes as no surprise to his Mt Eden community. That he's a witch? Yeah. That might raise more than a few eyebrows.
When Sebastian, a pararnormal investigator filming a web series starts snooping around Basil's library, he stirs up more than just Basil's heart.
Between Basil's own self-doubt, a ghost who steals books and Sebastian, an enthusiastic extrovert bent on uncovering secrets, Basil's life is about to get a lot more complicated.
122 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2020
About the author
Jamie Sands
27 books67 followersJamie grew up in Wellington and was a library devotee and constant reader of fiction from a very early age.
They write optimistic urban fantasy, LGBTQIA romance, paranormal and some things that don't make sense.
They’ve had stories published in Baby Teeth horror anthology, Enamel literary magazine and they've self published a number of roleplaying games as well as fiction under a couple of pen names.
They live in Auckland, New Zealand, with their partner and two formally-stray cats
Jamie’s visited Japan three times (another trip is always planned) and would like to move into Tokyo Disneyland.
They write optimistic urban fantasy, LGBTQIA romance, paranormal and some things that don't make sense.
They’ve had stories published in Baby Teeth horror anthology, Enamel literary magazine and they've self published a number of roleplaying games as well as fiction under a couple of pen names.
They live in Auckland, New Zealand, with their partner and two formally-stray cats
Jamie’s visited Japan three times (another trip is always planned) and would like to move into Tokyo Disneyland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 3, 2020
What a wonderful lighthearted story. A witch that’s a librarian, can’t be better than that. Wished it was longer, but perfect all the same.
September 2, 2026
3+⭐
It's super cute and cosy ghost story, and I just read another one of those, which was also fun and all, but I seem to be quite tapped out already. This was cute, but in all honestly, it didn't hook me even a little bit. I might read the next one if it will hit me in the head as a perfect challenge book or something, but I will most likely forget the existence of this series.
But I don't want to be mean because there was nothing particularly wrong and I'm sure a lot of people will have their fun cosy moments, and maybe even get to really love this couple througout the series.
I am a librarian and soft for librarian stories but then again maybe I'm too close to this, I was a bit stressed out several times. What do you mean you don't report missing books from a special collection immediately to your supervisor? Then again, I don't have magic (unless one counts my ability to stress). If I had big secrets like that, maybe I wouldn't be so horribly transparent in my job either.
It's super cute and cosy ghost story, and I just read another one of those, which was also fun and all, but I seem to be quite tapped out already. This was cute, but in all honestly, it didn't hook me even a little bit. I might read the next one if it will hit me in the head as a perfect challenge book or something, but I will most likely forget the existence of this series.
But I don't want to be mean because there was nothing particularly wrong and I'm sure a lot of people will have their fun cosy moments, and maybe even get to really love this couple througout the series.
I am a librarian and soft for librarian stories but then again maybe I'm too close to this, I was a bit stressed out several times. What do you mean you don't report missing books from a special collection immediately to your supervisor? Then again, I don't have magic (unless one counts my ability to stress). If I had big secrets like that, maybe I wouldn't be so horribly transparent in my job either.
December 12, 2020
3.5 stars
Books with witches/mages and/or ghosts seem to work better for me, and this one offered both! I thought this was kind of cute! Plus Basil works as a librarian AND THERE IS A SCENE WHERE HE IS MENDING A BOOK!!!
*heart MELTS on the floor 💖*
Of course, this being a novella, the relationship part happens really quick. But I wasn't too upset about it. First, Basil and Sebastian indeed have an intense thing happening with the paranormal activity at the library - bit of danger! - which could increase the connection, right? Second, while Basil and Sebastian say that they might be falling in love with each other, I believe in between the last chapter and the epilogue they are doing lots of dates and learn about one another.
So, yeah, I don't mind the quick timeline in this. The magic and the ghost are also fun to read
Books with witches/mages and/or ghosts seem to work better for me, and this one offered both! I thought this was kind of cute! Plus Basil works as a librarian AND THERE IS A SCENE WHERE HE IS MENDING A BOOK!!!
*heart MELTS on the floor 💖*
Of course, this being a novella, the relationship part happens really quick. But I wasn't too upset about it. First, Basil and Sebastian indeed have an intense thing happening with the paranormal activity at the library - bit of danger! - which could increase the connection, right? Second, while Basil and Sebastian say that they might be falling in love with each other, I believe in between the last chapter and the epilogue they are doing lots of dates and learn about one another.
So, yeah, I don't mind the quick timeline in this. The magic and the ghost are also fun to read
November 13, 2021
Having enjoyed some of Jamie Sands books under another of their pen names I was excited to pick this one up. Overdues and Occultism is a sweet paranormal romance story. It is told from the point of view of Basil who is a witch and head librarian and one day he encounters Sebastian who wants to film in the library looking to see if it's haunted. What follows is a bit of a mystery with a poltergeist they encounter and they have to figure out how to deal with it and try not to fall in love along the way.
This was a quick read and enjoyable read. I liked reading about Basil and how he grew to like Sebastian. I liked their romance, although it's still very much in the beginning stages at the end of the book. I would've liked to see a bit more of the characters and their romance, but luckily there will be more books about these characters as the author just released book 2.
I didn't really care for the story about the ghost at first, but I thought the reveal was very interesting and the way it got resolved was satisfying. I guess I just would've liked a bit more build up to what was actually going on with the ghost instead of some random ghost activity that didn't really go anywhere and when it does they immediately solve it.
There isn't really a lot of world building or details about the paranormal, so it was hard to get a feel for what is possible and what not. Basil is a witch, but he doesn't really use his witchy powers at first, so I wasn't quite sure what being a witch entails and even when he does use his powers I didn't really know what the extend of his powers were.
To summarize: This was a cute and quick read with some romance and some paranormal elements. I liked reading about Basil and seeing them grow closer. The setting in new Zealand was a nice touch. I would've liked to see a bit more of the characters and their romance, but luckily there will be more books about them. The story plot about the ghost didn't really pull me in at first and it didn't really go anywhere till the reveal later on when they resolve it right away too. I did end up liking the reveal and the story of why the ghosts was there was touching and a bit sad. All in all I had fun reading this one and look forward to the next book!
This was a quick read and enjoyable read. I liked reading about Basil and how he grew to like Sebastian. I liked their romance, although it's still very much in the beginning stages at the end of the book. I would've liked to see a bit more of the characters and their romance, but luckily there will be more books about these characters as the author just released book 2.
I didn't really care for the story about the ghost at first, but I thought the reveal was very interesting and the way it got resolved was satisfying. I guess I just would've liked a bit more build up to what was actually going on with the ghost instead of some random ghost activity that didn't really go anywhere and when it does they immediately solve it.
There isn't really a lot of world building or details about the paranormal, so it was hard to get a feel for what is possible and what not. Basil is a witch, but he doesn't really use his witchy powers at first, so I wasn't quite sure what being a witch entails and even when he does use his powers I didn't really know what the extend of his powers were.
To summarize: This was a cute and quick read with some romance and some paranormal elements. I liked reading about Basil and seeing them grow closer. The setting in new Zealand was a nice touch. I would've liked to see a bit more of the characters and their romance, but luckily there will be more books about them. The story plot about the ghost didn't really pull me in at first and it didn't really go anywhere till the reveal later on when they resolve it right away too. I did end up liking the reveal and the story of why the ghosts was there was touching and a bit sad. All in all I had fun reading this one and look forward to the next book!
December 5, 2020
Lovely, adorkable, and magical read with spooky spirit that takes place in a library. Basil is a male witch and works in a library when he meets Sebastian who wants to film the library on his ghostly blog. They work together to figure out what is haunting the library and along the way, fall in love. Both men are adorkable together and dance around each other as they deal with a spooky spirit. Really enjoyed this story :)
November 14, 2020
This is one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. I absolutely loved Basil and could identify with how he felt throughout the story. Highly recommend for a light m/m romance and paranormal fun.
July 10, 2022
This was charming. It's a sweet, lighthearted, feel-good novella about a librarian who's a witch and the ghosthunter who comes to investigate his library. I used to live a few minutes from where this story takes place, which is half the reason I picked it up, and it's always super fun to read about a place I know and can recognise. The romance is sweet and it takes place in a library and it's just a lovely, warm story about love, books, ghosts, and magic. There is some mild peril of the spooky ghost variety, but it's pretty low stress overall. I read it one sitting and enjoyed it thoroughly. Why, yes, I have already bought the second book.
December 23, 2021
A friend recommended Overdues and Occultism when I was looking for a cute, short, witchy read, and this ticked every one of those boxes perfectly! This was such a sweet read, and I appreciated that it didn't rely on any super drawn out miscommunications or secrets. The ghostly mystery was a lot of fun, and the chemistry between Basil and Sebastian is adorable and well-written. I can't wait to visit Mt Eden again in the next book!
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July 4, 2022This is a great readalike for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea.
February 2, 2025
A short, sweet read with endearing characters. I'd love to read more!
December 13, 2020
This was everything I needed during a stressful time. A sweet start to a romance and just the right length. It just felt....warm....and right....and comfy.
Read
December 12, 2020This is a triific book. It has ghosts and witches and tru luv. It are adorable. I cried at the end.
December 9, 2020
A gorgeous story! Uplifting, wholesome and romantic, with a friendly library atmosphere. I adored this.
December 6, 2020
Very sweet romance with ghosts and a hint of magic.
February 16, 2021
I know better than to read novellas.
June 20, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet romance between a "ghost hunter" (paranormal investigator with a YouTube channel) and a shy librarian. The story is told from the librarian's perspective but not through the 1st person. I really appreciated this choice as I tend to get annoyed by the lack of nuance in many 1st person stories, especially those with a more "young adult" style (even if they aren't young adult market technically). So, big points in my book for sticking to a good, clear style of narration which still allows for some subtlety by having the narration be 3rd person.
Other things I liked:
- chapters had good endings that made me want to keep reading
- likable characters who are easy to picture in my head
- hints of a broader world where magic is both forgotten by the masses and yet commonplace
- realistic dialogue (a nice change from the type of novels I usually read where dialogue is often an excuse for the author to insert their unique and special opinion in what is basically a mini-essay)
- consistency in how magic operates, leading to a solid (though not flashy) conclusion
Things I wanted more of:
- steamy scenes between Basil and Sebastian. We get hints of a physical and romantic attraction throughout, but it is mostly subtle body language and very little in the way of them actually *being together* as a romantic couple. I'm not against a slow burn, but don't expect a big pay-off.
- Basil (the librarian) interacting with kids and showing how he cares for the library as a community center, rather than just his special domain or his workplace.
- Ghosts and/or occult happenings. For a book titled "Overdues and Occultism" there is a sparse amount of poltergeists actually present in the novel. I get that there is a follow-up story, but it felt that there was really room for more here, either as flashbacks, side adventures, or by building up more of the main ghost storyline. I dunno, maybe this is just a more steady, subtle novel that wanted to establish things first and not be too exciting.
- What does the setting look like? Feel like? We get some small rooms and buildings described, but very little of the town or neighborhood where this take place. As a non-New Zealander I really felt like there was a big blank in my mind. Since this is a small-scale story, that's not a huge obstacle but it is another area where more could have been added. When I hear "Auckland" I honestly don't know what to picture.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. It took me a few short nights of reading to finish it. It really felt more like a novella, honestly. I would consider reading future installments in this series if they were at least twice as long. These are interesting characters and concepts and I'd love to see all of it treated more expansively.
(hat tip to my good friend, Ryn, who has excellent taste and recommended this book to me)
Other things I liked:
- chapters had good endings that made me want to keep reading
- likable characters who are easy to picture in my head
- hints of a broader world where magic is both forgotten by the masses and yet commonplace
- realistic dialogue (a nice change from the type of novels I usually read where dialogue is often an excuse for the author to insert their unique and special opinion in what is basically a mini-essay)
- consistency in how magic operates, leading to a solid (though not flashy) conclusion
Things I wanted more of:
- steamy scenes between Basil and Sebastian. We get hints of a physical and romantic attraction throughout, but it is mostly subtle body language and very little in the way of them actually *being together* as a romantic couple. I'm not against a slow burn, but don't expect a big pay-off.
- Basil (the librarian) interacting with kids and showing how he cares for the library as a community center, rather than just his special domain or his workplace.
- Ghosts and/or occult happenings. For a book titled "Overdues and Occultism" there is a sparse amount of poltergeists actually present in the novel. I get that there is a follow-up story, but it felt that there was really room for more here, either as flashbacks, side adventures, or by building up more of the main ghost storyline. I dunno, maybe this is just a more steady, subtle novel that wanted to establish things first and not be too exciting.
- What does the setting look like? Feel like? We get some small rooms and buildings described, but very little of the town or neighborhood where this take place. As a non-New Zealander I really felt like there was a big blank in my mind. Since this is a small-scale story, that's not a huge obstacle but it is another area where more could have been added. When I hear "Auckland" I honestly don't know what to picture.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. It took me a few short nights of reading to finish it. It really felt more like a novella, honestly. I would consider reading future installments in this series if they were at least twice as long. These are interesting characters and concepts and I'd love to see all of it treated more expansively.
(hat tip to my good friend, Ryn, who has excellent taste and recommended this book to me)
April 27, 2022
OK, this was... there's no better word for it... adorable. It was the romance between the openly-gay-but-still-in-the-broom-closet library and the paranormal investigator YouTube content creator that I never knew I needed. And now that I've read it, I find myself wanting to devour all of Jamie Sands' books.
It didn't hurt that I spent the first half of the book certain that I'd worked at the library it's set in... Then I remembered that Mt Eden library doesn't exist, and the place I worked at was Mt Roskill library on Mt Eden Road. But the descriptions of the minutiae of library work brought back memories of my time with Auckland libraries, and apparently, enough time and distance has lent them a nostalgic shine :-)
I also really enjoyed the romance in this book - it was sweet and believable and I could feel myself getting invested in watching it flourish. And, once again, the kiwiana - particularly recognising all the Auckland landmarks - just made this story for me.
All in all, if you're looking for a warm, safe, low-conflict, low-angst witchy romance to escape into when the real world just feels too jagged and harsh, this book comes highly recommended. I can't wait to read book 2 <3
It didn't hurt that I spent the first half of the book certain that I'd worked at the library it's set in... Then I remembered that Mt Eden library doesn't exist, and the place I worked at was Mt Roskill library on Mt Eden Road. But the descriptions of the minutiae of library work brought back memories of my time with Auckland libraries, and apparently, enough time and distance has lent them a nostalgic shine :-)
I also really enjoyed the romance in this book - it was sweet and believable and I could feel myself getting invested in watching it flourish. And, once again, the kiwiana - particularly recognising all the Auckland landmarks - just made this story for me.
All in all, if you're looking for a warm, safe, low-conflict, low-angst witchy romance to escape into when the real world just feels too jagged and harsh, this book comes highly recommended. I can't wait to read book 2 <3
June 26, 2021
SO GOOD! This book was one that I read in one sitting - which isn't very common for me.
Overdues and Occultism is a book that moves fast, but also takes time to build suspense. There's a really sweet romance that feels genuine, not at all forced. The majority of the book is set in a library which also worked super well.
Being that the book is written by a New Zealand author, there was a lot of familiarity, almost like reading about a memory of an old friend.
The ending, which I will not spoil, offered a brief but real look into some struggles people face to be themselves, which I enjoyed, too.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book! Will certainly be reading more of Jamie Sands' books.
Overdues and Occultism is a book that moves fast, but also takes time to build suspense. There's a really sweet romance that feels genuine, not at all forced. The majority of the book is set in a library which also worked super well.
Being that the book is written by a New Zealand author, there was a lot of familiarity, almost like reading about a memory of an old friend.
The ending, which I will not spoil, offered a brief but real look into some struggles people face to be themselves, which I enjoyed, too.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book! Will certainly be reading more of Jamie Sands' books.
December 31, 2020
Basil is a librarian in a small town where everyone knows each other. What the townspeople don't know is; Basil is a witch.
Sebastian is a ghost hunter. He wants to record any happenings at the library.
Sebastian makes Basil nervous. They are definitely interested in each other. Then weird stuff starts happening in the library. Books fly off shelves and disappear amongst other weirdness.
Basil is a bit hesitant to get involved with Sebastian as he's here for now but not long term.
This is a good read. I liked the ghostly encounters. Basil and Sebastian were good together.
Sebastian is a ghost hunter. He wants to record any happenings at the library.
Sebastian makes Basil nervous. They are definitely interested in each other. Then weird stuff starts happening in the library. Books fly off shelves and disappear amongst other weirdness.
Basil is a bit hesitant to get involved with Sebastian as he's here for now but not long term.
This is a good read. I liked the ghostly encounters. Basil and Sebastian were good together.
April 16, 2023
I’ve been in a reading slump for over a month and I can’t keep DNF-ing books at 10% just because I feel like it’s too draggy. Anything below 150-pages is what I need, low stakes, low angst, and something that I do not need to use my braincells for. Yes this ticks all the boxes. It was short and fun, and kept my angst at not being able to find/read a great long book at bay.
Witch librarian in a small town meets YouTuber of a paranormal channel, spooky things happen in the library, they manage to solve it with a HEA.
Witch librarian in a small town meets YouTuber of a paranormal channel, spooky things happen in the library, they manage to solve it with a HEA.
September 18, 2021
Good starter
This was a good starter to a series. I believe the author plans to revisit these characters, the spooky aspect was cool. I would have liked to see a bit deeper into that but then I’m a sucker for the past. Basil the cute librarian, think he will develop as the series evolves. Sebastian was fun I felt he was a little too forgiving but maybe I’m being harsh today. Will be interesting to see if another spiking turn is the way for book2.
This was a good starter to a series. I believe the author plans to revisit these characters, the spooky aspect was cool. I would have liked to see a bit deeper into that but then I’m a sucker for the past. Basil the cute librarian, think he will develop as the series evolves. Sebastian was fun I felt he was a little too forgiving but maybe I’m being harsh today. Will be interesting to see if another spiking turn is the way for book2.
May 25, 2024
Cute and short
Honestly my only complaint is a rather abrupt ending. But overall it was really really cute! Basil was adorable and I loved his and Sebastian's interactions. The ghost storyline was really sweet. I just would have liked a little more, especially right after they solved the mystery. What the reaction was to the state of the library and the letters. Things like that. Overall a solid cute magical story!
Honestly my only complaint is a rather abrupt ending. But overall it was really really cute! Basil was adorable and I loved his and Sebastian's interactions. The ghost storyline was really sweet. I just would have liked a little more, especially right after they solved the mystery. What the reaction was to the state of the library and the letters. Things like that. Overall a solid cute magical story!
February 23, 2022
A ghostly start to a new series!
Basil struggles with embracing his true self and often finds himself being overly selfconscious and often time a bit abrupt. Thankfully Sebastien's free-spirited and open personality easily sets Basil at ease and willing to open up.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Basil struggles with embracing his true self and often finds himself being overly selfconscious and often time a bit abrupt. Thankfully Sebastien's free-spirited and open personality easily sets Basil at ease and willing to open up.
I can't wait to read the next book.
June 25, 2024
Enjoyable for the story. Probably a 3 star rating for writing skill and 4 star for the ideas. More practice at her craft may help readers feel, see, smell and sense the story as well as read about what happens next. More descriptive writing wouldn't hurt. That said, it was fine to read. OK for a YA read too. Although there's a gay romance there's no action on page.
April 21, 2025
Overdues & Occultism is a queer love story between a awkward librarian and a charming ghost hunter. I adored the head over heels narrative and cozy yet spooky atmosphere the books author presents.
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love queer romance & occult, whether you’re based in Aotearoa or not.
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love queer romance & occult, whether you’re based in Aotearoa or not.
June 4, 2025
So this story gets five stars for being set in Mt Eden a suburb I know and love well 💙🥰. It’s a pocketful of magic, a pinch of romance and a whole lot of cosy. At first I wasn’t on board with the sedate pace but then the vulnerability of the characters won me over. Some of the other reviews mention a rushed ending but I thought it was just the right amount sweet romance 💕
April 5, 2023
A sweet and fluffy story with adorable characters. I enjoyed how much Basil's work at the library felt so much like a part of him, and his relationship with his workmates was wholesome and believable.
May 25, 2023
This was an ok story. It felt more like a childrens’ story. It was very very low heat, so much so that it’s hard to feel any romance between Basil and Sebatian. And Basil was such a stiff character. I found nothing warm anout him. And the whole ghost affair was rather anticlimactic.
January 3, 2026
Short but a fun quick read! Some elements were a bit fast, like I wish the romantic element was spread out over a couple books, but I enjoyed the amount of plot for the length of the book and the characters were great!
February 1, 2021
A cute little witchy romance with a touch of mystery (and a ghost). Recommended for anyone in the mood for a feel-good/warm fuzzies read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews