Reviews

Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

3.0

Seven-Year Witch is the 2nd book in A Witch Way Library Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is best to read Bait and Witch first. Josie Wray is a librarian who recently discovered she is a witch. Her magical ability helps her find the right book for each patron. The books in the grand old library talk to her. To learn what Josie needs to know regarding her powers, her grandmother left her lesson letters. We are introduced to quite a few town residents. It can be hard to keep them all straight. The residents are a quirky bunch. The whodunit revolves around the new retreat center being built at the site of the old mill. One of the residents believes the land is cursed which is why incidents keep happening on that property. When Fiona, Sam’s wife disappears and the architect is found dead in the lake, Josie sets out to learn more about curses. Sam is the interim police chief’s prime suspect and Josie wants to get him cleared as quickly as possible. There are a handful of suspects for Josie to investigate. This whodunit can be solved early in the book. The guilty party is obvious from the moment of introduction. Josie gets help from the books in solving the crime. I love how the books talk to her. There are a couple of side stories as well. Josie learns about curses and tries to figure out why the old mill site feels uneasy. She is also curious about Marilyn Wilfred who created the library where Josie works and lives. She has heard conflicting information about Marilyn and Josie wants to learn more about the library’s benefactress. There is also a town resident who wants Rodney, Josie’s cat, to wear a cat collar with a bell on it. Rodney objects which leads to rebellion. I just love Rodney. I like how Josie can use him to help with her investigation. I like the paranormal elements in the story with my favorite being the talking books. I also love the descriptions of the beautiful building housing the library. Seven-Year Witch is a charming paranormal cozy mystery with challenging cat collar, verbose books, an AWOL architect, a curious curse, and an affable baby boy.

milowolfhart's review against another edition

mysterious

4.0

aeola's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

knitnread's review against another edition

informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

lmerricks's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

caseydreams's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

readbytay's review against another edition

dark emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

aubreysmith9412's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Six months following the events of the first book, and we're really kind of thrown into it headfirst. Josie has settled into her role as the head librarian, and she's definitely leaning into her magic more and more, which opens up so many possibilities!

From the beginning, I had an uneasy feeling about Sam's return. I knew it would only bring bad news for Josie. I didn't like him much in the last book, and he didn't give me a much better impression this time around. 

In a nutshell, Sam's life is rather a mess. And the mystery that kicks off in this book just makes is that much messier. The web of events feels like it gets a little convoluted, and the drama just ramps up incredibly, thanks to an extreme narcissist. While I expected some drama, this is all a bit much. Were I in Josie's shoes, I'd wash my hands of it all and walk away. But of course, that wouldn't make a good story. 

As the mystery twists and turns around itself, seemingly in knots, Josie does get to explore more of her magic, and more of what her abilities can do. She's very practical, and very careful - as one would be when they've discovered they're a witch quite suddenly - and that definitely plays to her advantage. As does her inquisitive mind. 

Of course, that inquisitive mind does get her into a little bit of trouble. Nothing her newfound magic can't get her out of, however.

Josie has really shown an aptitude for cracking mysteries wide open - red herrings and all. I'm still not very keen on Sam, but I am really enjoying watching the way Josie's magic comes alive in the presence of books, and the written word. And I'm excited to see where her magic - and the library - take her next. 

butterfly_in_the_sky's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 Enjoying the series but this installment turned out to be meh for me.

ufohnooo's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious relaxing

• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5