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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders is the delightful debut of A Witch Way Librarian Mystery series. Josie Way has been working at the Library of Congress. She is having lunch in a basement room with her co-worker and friend when they overhear two men plotting corruption. They report what they overheard, and the FBI becomes involved. The next day Josie’s co-worker has vanished which has Josie and his wife worried. Josie decides to lay low and takes a position as librarian in Wilfred, Oregon. The next day, Josie learns that beautiful Victorian the library resides in may be sold which means she will be out of a job as well as a place to live and a hiding place. Later that day, Josie takes a walk in the woods and finds a murdered woman. Josie has always felt a kinship with books, but she begins to notice some odd things after beginning her new job. Its almost as if the books are talking to her. That cannot be possible or can it? Bait and Witch is a fun story to read. I liked the interesting cast of characters that includes the library staff, town residents, Josie’s family, Rodney, the library cat. I liked getting to know Josie and look forward to seeing what happens with her next. The author has a casual writing style that makes this cozy mystery easy to read. The book moved along at a good pace and we are given vivid descriptions of Wilfred, the library, the shops, and its residents. I especially loved the descriptions of the Victorian the library resides in. There is humor scattered throughout the story along with mystery, friendship, suspense, family, and a touch of romance. The mystery was not the focus of the book in the beginning. It becomes more prominent as the tale progresses. There is a red herring, a couple of suspects, and helpful clues. Bait and Witch is a cute cozy mystery with a paranormal twist. The author came up with some fun paranormal elements. I thought a book witch was a wonderful concept (great opportunities for book references). I am looking forward to reading the next A Witch Way Librarian Mystery. Bait and Witch is a diverting tale with a clever cat, a secretive man named Sam, Roz’s curious project, rampant rumors, political corruption, babbling books, and witchy wonders.
clairemklos's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
grrrlbrarian's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
As a librarian, the premise of this book was utterly insane. After I got past that, I did enjoy it as a cosy, witchy murder mystery.
lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
BAIT AND WITCH by Angela M. Sanders brings corruption and magic to a new paranormal cozy mystery series set in Wilford, Oregon. A Victorian house that is the small town’s library is just the place for Josie Way to hide, or so she thinks.
Our protagonist, 25 year old Josie, arrives in town to be the new librarian. While working at the Library of Congress, she and a colleague overheard a conversation that deals with corruption. After they go to the FBI, her colleague disappears and Josie decides to get out of town until the trial. However, her hiding place isn’t as calm as she expected. The library is set to be torn down so that a retreat can be built. On top of that, Josie finds out she is descended from a long line of witches and her powers have suddenly been activated. The library books are actually talking to her. Finding a dead body the first night she arrives only adds to her terror. Will the crooks find her? What will happen to the library? Is Josie able to control her magic? How long will she spend in Wilfred? Who was killed on the library grounds and why?
The writing style felt warm and friendly. I was able to vividly see the picturesque library, the town, and the people of Wilford. I quickly related to Josie and wanted her to be safe and successful. Of course, things don’t always go smoothly, but I was rooting for her to win. The secondary characters were a mixed lot of the unusual as well as ever-day folks that you could meet in any small town. While their depth varied, it felt adequate for a first book in a series. Of the secondary characters, Rodney the cat stole the show.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Josie’s world. It was filled with the challenges of starting over against a backdrop of murder, corruption, secrets and more. This was a fun and entertaining read that I did not want to put down. I also enjoyed the way the historical aspects of the town and a possible romance were woven seamlessly into the story.
This is the first book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series, and I highly recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. If you love share Josie’s and my love of books and libraries, this may be the next book for you. It was a fun, relaxing, and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Josie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Angela M. Sanders via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Our protagonist, 25 year old Josie, arrives in town to be the new librarian. While working at the Library of Congress, she and a colleague overheard a conversation that deals with corruption. After they go to the FBI, her colleague disappears and Josie decides to get out of town until the trial. However, her hiding place isn’t as calm as she expected. The library is set to be torn down so that a retreat can be built. On top of that, Josie finds out she is descended from a long line of witches and her powers have suddenly been activated. The library books are actually talking to her. Finding a dead body the first night she arrives only adds to her terror. Will the crooks find her? What will happen to the library? Is Josie able to control her magic? How long will she spend in Wilfred? Who was killed on the library grounds and why?
The writing style felt warm and friendly. I was able to vividly see the picturesque library, the town, and the people of Wilford. I quickly related to Josie and wanted her to be safe and successful. Of course, things don’t always go smoothly, but I was rooting for her to win. The secondary characters were a mixed lot of the unusual as well as ever-day folks that you could meet in any small town. While their depth varied, it felt adequate for a first book in a series. Of the secondary characters, Rodney the cat stole the show.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Josie’s world. It was filled with the challenges of starting over against a backdrop of murder, corruption, secrets and more. This was a fun and entertaining read that I did not want to put down. I also enjoyed the way the historical aspects of the town and a possible romance were woven seamlessly into the story.
This is the first book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series, and I highly recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. If you love share Josie’s and my love of books and libraries, this may be the next book for you. It was a fun, relaxing, and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Josie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Angela M. Sanders via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
_branflakes_'s review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
aeola's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
catladybooktok's review against another edition
2.0
Bait and Witch" is a cozy mystery with a touch of romance, making it a delightful treat for fans of the genre.
So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and get ready for a bewitching adventure that will leave you spellbound.
So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and get ready for a bewitching adventure that will leave you spellbound.