A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders

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.