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Library Witch Mystery #1
Spells & Shelves
Bookshop assistant Aurora "Rory" Hawthorn thinks reality will never be as interesting as fiction. Content to spend her time escaping into a good book to escape her micromanaging boss, the very last thing she expects is to be cornered by a group of terrifying strangers hunting down a journal that belonged to her late father.
It turns out Dad was keeping a secret or two… most importantly, that he was a wizard, and that Rory has a hidden magical family she's never met. When her witchy relatives invite her to live with them in their enchanted library, it's literally a dream come true.
Until she stumbles upon a dead body hidden behind a bookshelf.
Juggling a new family and job would be enough of a challenge without also having to deal with a murder mystery, cranky familiars, and the attention of the local reaper -- even if he is the hottest guy in town.
It's up to Rory to embrace her new witchy powers to help catch a killer before she loses the new life she never knew she wanted.
It turns out Dad was keeping a secret or two… most importantly, that he was a wizard, and that Rory has a hidden magical family she's never met. When her witchy relatives invite her to live with them in their enchanted library, it's literally a dream come true.
Until she stumbles upon a dead body hidden behind a bookshelf.
Juggling a new family and job would be enough of a challenge without also having to deal with a murder mystery, cranky familiars, and the attention of the local reaper -- even if he is the hottest guy in town.
It's up to Rory to embrace her new witchy powers to help catch a killer before she loses the new life she never knew she wanted.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2019
About the author
Elle Adams
69 books221 followersElle Adams lives in the middle of England, where she spends most of her time reading an ever-growing mountain of books, planning her next adventure, or writing. Elle's books are humorous mysteries with a paranormal twist and tons of magical mayhem.
She also writes urban and contemporary fantasy novels as Emma L. Adams.
She also writes urban and contemporary fantasy novels as Emma L. Adams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
March 20, 2019
Dull.
Dull dull dull dull dull.
The plot didn't get going until about 35% through the book and even then it seemed somewhat aimless. The only character with any real personality was Cass and she actively wanted people to hate her.
Your antagonist should not be the only real character. Come on now.
Dull dull dull dull dull.
The plot didn't get going until about 35% through the book and even then it seemed somewhat aimless. The only character with any real personality was Cass and she actively wanted people to hate her.
Your antagonist should not be the only real character. Come on now.
October 13, 2021
3.5 stars
What’s the only thing better then a witch who works in a bookstore as the main character,
This was a terrific start to the series, loved Rory the main character and also the magic system that the author has used. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a system used in the many fantasy books I’ve read.
I’ll be reading more of this series.
What’s the only thing better then a witch who works in a bookstore as the main character,
This was a terrific start to the series, loved Rory the main character and also the magic system that the author has used. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a system used in the many fantasy books I’ve read.
I’ll be reading more of this series.
May 12, 2022
First in series
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries so I can't make a comparison on a big scale. I will say that I found this an entertaining read. The characters were great and they held my interest to the end. Will continue with the series.
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries so I can't make a comparison on a big scale. I will say that I found this an entertaining read. The characters were great and they held my interest to the end. Will continue with the series.
December 19, 2019
Nice, easy and light
I haven't read Elle Adams' books before, but I really liked this one. If you want a book that is easy to read and fun with lots of twists and turns to keep you interested, this book fits the bill.After all, no one can be constantly on the edge about the end of our world as we know it. If you are looking for a fast, fun read, this is it.
I haven't read Elle Adams' books before, but I really liked this one. If you want a book that is easy to read and fun with lots of twists and turns to keep you interested, this book fits the bill.After all, no one can be constantly on the edge about the end of our world as we know it. If you are looking for a fast, fun read, this is it.
September 6, 2019
Sweet little cosy mystery - enjoyed the concept of a library witch.
February 5, 2021
I Put a Curse on You
I’m a big fan of Elle Adams’ other works, so I decided to check out her library witch series. I wasn’t disappointed. Imagine being fired from your job and finding out that you’re a witch the next day. Add to that, you just found out that vampires are real. In that case, you must be Rory. Join her on her journey as she learns about the magical side of her family and her powers. Oh yeah: she might solve a couple of murders while she’s at it. A must read for any paranormal cozy mystery fan!
I’m a big fan of Elle Adams’ other works, so I decided to check out her library witch series. I wasn’t disappointed. Imagine being fired from your job and finding out that you’re a witch the next day. Add to that, you just found out that vampires are real. In that case, you must be Rory. Join her on her journey as she learns about the magical side of her family and her powers. Oh yeah: she might solve a couple of murders while she’s at it. A must read for any paranormal cozy mystery fan!
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July 28, 2024This was a cozy mystery with all your usual flavors of paranormal in a magical library.
What I liked:
- The premise. I mean, who wouldn't love to find out you're a witch and go live in a magical library?
Easy read, very short, and super chill vibes.
What I didn't like:
- The tension and character depth just weren't there for me. Though they're dealing with a murder, everyone seems to take it rather in stride, and I didn't feel like we really cracked the surface of most of the characters.
So no quite for me, however, if you like your mysteries with MAXIMUM cozy, this might be for you!
What I liked:
- The premise. I mean, who wouldn't love to find out you're a witch and go live in a magical library?
Easy read, very short, and super chill vibes.
What I didn't like:
- The tension and character depth just weren't there for me. Though they're dealing with a murder, everyone seems to take it rather in stride, and I didn't feel like we really cracked the surface of most of the characters.
So no quite for me, however, if you like your mysteries with MAXIMUM cozy, this might be for you!
November 18, 2023
Cute but boring
October 22, 2022
fun and perfect for fall. i’ll be continuing this series
December 22, 2022
Do you have dreams of one day waking up to find that your late father was actually a wizard, you are a witch, and now you get to work in an enchanted library? Doesn't that sound magical? Did I also mention there are creepy strangers after your father's journal, you have a family you didn't know existed, and (oh yeah) there's a dead body in the library? Guess you'll have to figure all that out now!
The set up for this magical cozy mystery was great. I enjoyed reading it, but I do feel that not a lot happened for the majority of the book. The plot didn't really pick up until the end, and then you were still left hanging on a big secret. I know this is the first book in a series, but don't cozy mysteries usually wrap up in a way where you can just read one-and-done if you want?
I still thought this was a pretty good read, but it's not a series I think I'll continue with. Thus continues my search for my perfect cozy. :)
The set up for this magical cozy mystery was great. I enjoyed reading it, but I do feel that not a lot happened for the majority of the book. The plot didn't really pick up until the end, and then you were still left hanging on a big secret. I know this is the first book in a series, but don't cozy mysteries usually wrap up in a way where you can just read one-and-done if you want?
I still thought this was a pretty good read, but it's not a series I think I'll continue with. Thus continues my search for my perfect cozy. :)
February 1, 2024
Good mystery and world building
I liked that the author did a good job of balancing the paranormal world introduction with the mystery of the book. It was done in good bite sized pieces just as the main character was learning it as well so it didn’t feel overwhelming with world building lore.
The mystery kept me guessing until the last two chapters, which is good for a cozy mystery. Excited to read more of this series.
I liked that the author did a good job of balancing the paranormal world introduction with the mystery of the book. It was done in good bite sized pieces just as the main character was learning it as well so it didn’t feel overwhelming with world building lore.
The mystery kept me guessing until the last two chapters, which is good for a cozy mystery. Excited to read more of this series.
February 26, 2020
Set in a magical library? Give me more 🥰
Likeable characters, with a fast paced plot that takes place in an amazing magical library. The world building was simple, yet effective, and the story was full of a unique magical system, biblio-magic, that I found rather enchanting.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Likeable characters, with a fast paced plot that takes place in an amazing magical library. The world building was simple, yet effective, and the story was full of a unique magical system, biblio-magic, that I found rather enchanting.
3.5 stars ⭐️
April 8, 2024
Entertaining cozy mystery. Rory's father passed a way a few years ago and when vampires show up to get his journal, she finds out that she has magic. She is whisked off by 2 aunt's that she's never met to work in her grandmother's library.
December 31, 2023
Rory discovers she is a witch and had hidden family after some vampires accost her for her father's journal
What I enjoyed:
* Interesting world building, I haven't really seen biblio-witch before.
* The magical library is a great setting
* The characters are ok, but will hopefully improve as the series goes on
What could have been better:
* the villain was lame
What I enjoyed:
* Interesting world building, I haven't really seen biblio-witch before.
* The magical library is a great setting
* The characters are ok, but will hopefully improve as the series goes on
What could have been better:
* the villain was lame
April 13, 2019
This was super slow to get going with a lot of upfront exposition before we even get into the mystery, but it was also all-in with its premise, which I appreciated. Basically, it did what it said on the tin, and though I hope that the characters develop some more dimension in future books, it scratched the itch for me.
January 27, 2020
This is a pretty quick read. Some of it seemed a bit rushed. I like to visualize when I read and some parts felt lacking in detail which made the magical element wanting. Not sure about the main character yet. I think she “grew” a little too quickly from what she was introduced as. There are some interesting supporting characters so I’ll give this series another go with book 2.
August 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ this book was alllllllll over the place but man the setting was so cozy. i want to live in that magical library
January 9, 2020
This was better written than some paranormal cozies I've read before, which were laughably bad. The mystery was relatively basic, but after reading a few of these paranormal cozies I feel like they all have extremely simple plots. They're fluff reads and not for engaging your brain, unlike normal cozies or mysteries. This would have been 3-4 stars if not for Cass. I detest reading about asshole minor characters.
March 23, 2020
I’ve been in a witch mood for the last couple of weeks, I have no idea what started it off but honestly I can say that I’ve discovered some interesting reads and some new authors. And that’s how I ended up discovered Elle Adams and this book…. The cover and blurb reached out to me, so I thought I’d dive in and see if the blurb lived up what the story contained. I can honestly say that I was very impressed with the story, although I do have one thing that bugged me the entire way through…. That being Cass…. I’m sorry, the way she treated Rory was just rude and inexcusable…. Rory has literally had her life changed and she’s literally found out she’s from a family of witches and due to the rules back where her new long lost family live, you can’t exactly blame her for anything that’s happening. So the fact that Cass just treats her badly and makes her life a living hell even when it’s not like Rory asked for any of it is just wrong. Otherwise, I do think that Elle did a good job of writing this book and I’m intrigued to see if sparks fly between Rory and Xavier, plus it’ll be interesting see how the rules would play out between witches and reapers.
I’m excited to see how the rest of the series will play out, but I can say for sure that Elle has gained me as a new fan. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Rory lost her dad three years ago, so since then she’s been working at the bookshop her dad owned along with his business partner… However, after some strange looking guys come into the bookshop wanting to get their hands on Rory’s dads journal, things start to go in a whirlwind for her…. First she ends up being fired, then she panics on how she’ll be able to pay for her flat, but that’s the least of her problems as when she gets back to her place the same guys from before wanting her dads journal are waiting for her…. With nothing else to do, she starts running, and everything gets crazier from there as she is saved by her new long lost family that she had no idea about. With making the decision to go back home with them and to keep away from the vampires, things start to feel easy for Rory even though she’s just found out she’s a witch… It’s like her life was meant to be back with her family in the ibrary, but things get worse before they get better as she’s only been there a day and she discovers a dead body hiding in the library…. Will they get to the bottom of it??? And will the same vampires have left Rory alone for good or was that only just the beginning????
I’m excited to see how the rest of the series will play out, but I can say for sure that Elle has gained me as a new fan. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Rory lost her dad three years ago, so since then she’s been working at the bookshop her dad owned along with his business partner… However, after some strange looking guys come into the bookshop wanting to get their hands on Rory’s dads journal, things start to go in a whirlwind for her…. First she ends up being fired, then she panics on how she’ll be able to pay for her flat, but that’s the least of her problems as when she gets back to her place the same guys from before wanting her dads journal are waiting for her…. With nothing else to do, she starts running, and everything gets crazier from there as she is saved by her new long lost family that she had no idea about. With making the decision to go back home with them and to keep away from the vampires, things start to feel easy for Rory even though she’s just found out she’s a witch… It’s like her life was meant to be back with her family in the ibrary, but things get worse before they get better as she’s only been there a day and she discovers a dead body hiding in the library…. Will they get to the bottom of it??? And will the same vampires have left Rory alone for good or was that only just the beginning????
May 31, 2022
Spells & Shelves is the first book in the Library Witch Mystery series. It is an enjoyable paranormal cozy with likable characters, fun Witch antics and an interesting mystery. Aurora (Rory) loses her job at a bookstore and meets 2 Aunts and 2 cousins she didn't know she had and she finds out she is a Biblio-Witch. Rory moves to a Paranormal Library her Aunts own. Floors, stairs, and shelves all move around. Rory spends a lot of time lost. It adds humor to the story. Three vampires chase Rory. A Library patron is found dead and they all work together to figure out what is going on. I was in the mood for something lighter and this was a great choice.
July 22, 2021
Good
When Rory discovers she has family she never knew, they turn her life upside down.
With a new job and a new home in a magical library, and the discovery of her new magical ability, she is enjoying herself- right up until she discovers a dead body.
This enjoyable cosy paranormal mystery features a magical library, winged familiars and a soupçon of romance.
The characters are entertaining and interesting, and the story itself an enjoyable one.
A fun read for those who enjoy cosy paranormal mystery books.
When Rory discovers she has family she never knew, they turn her life upside down.
With a new job and a new home in a magical library, and the discovery of her new magical ability, she is enjoying herself- right up until she discovers a dead body.
This enjoyable cosy paranormal mystery features a magical library, winged familiars and a soupçon of romance.
The characters are entertaining and interesting, and the story itself an enjoyable one.
A fun read for those who enjoy cosy paranormal mystery books.
December 28, 2021
If you're interested in a bit of fluff reading, this one won't be taxing, allowing you to get through it within a day or two. There are some inconsistencies within the book that should have been caught by an editor and overall it just felt hollow; no real substance.
I did enjoy some of the characters and the library setting. I may continue on with the series if I need a filler book or two for my annual Goodreads challenge.
I did enjoy some of the characters and the library setting. I may continue on with the series if I need a filler book or two for my annual Goodreads challenge.
March 14, 2019
This is another series in the witch cozy mysteries type of books. In this case the witch is Aurora who, at first, has no idea at all she is a witch. She works in what was her father's bookstore under a really nasty guy. Things get worse when several males appear who seem to be vampires, something that shouldn't actually exist as far as she knows.
Before long she's not even there anymore but in her family's humongous, beautiful and wonderful sentient library. She has to come to terms with being a biblio-witch, a witch that writes down certain words and things happen. She also lives with her aunts and others, including one girl, Cass, that doesn't seem to like her at all.
It's not quite a normal library, though, as it can change physically at any time, resulting in a person falling down to another level, getting totally lost and so on. There's a familiar named Sylvester who is an owl and he doesn't like Aurora very much either.
Another main and very interesting character is the grim reaper, sort of. He's not actually the #1 Grim Reaper, though, he just works for him. Throw in a couple of deaths, a police department consisting of an elf and two huge trolls, her father's journal which contains words that no one can decipher and one of the original vampires from our reality who wants it really, really, really bad and you have an excellent first book in a series. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Before long she's not even there anymore but in her family's humongous, beautiful and wonderful sentient library. She has to come to terms with being a biblio-witch, a witch that writes down certain words and things happen. She also lives with her aunts and others, including one girl, Cass, that doesn't seem to like her at all.
It's not quite a normal library, though, as it can change physically at any time, resulting in a person falling down to another level, getting totally lost and so on. There's a familiar named Sylvester who is an owl and he doesn't like Aurora very much either.
Another main and very interesting character is the grim reaper, sort of. He's not actually the #1 Grim Reaper, though, he just works for him. Throw in a couple of deaths, a police department consisting of an elf and two huge trolls, her father's journal which contains words that no one can decipher and one of the original vampires from our reality who wants it really, really, really bad and you have an excellent first book in a series. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
March 23, 2020
An introduction..
Meet Aurora, Rory, who's been working at her father's bookshop since he died and left it to his business partner Abe. All Rory has is an old journal that her father wrote in code.
When 3 strange men appear and demand she hand it over Rory gets her first inkling that she might be different, when they dust the counter with some odd sand that starts a fire and she puts it out by writing "stop". Abe not seeing the mysterious visitors sacks her for risking the store.
Luckily it triggers a distress call to her family, a family she didn't know existed. Rescuing her from the men who are vampires they take her back to their home, a magical library in Ivory Bay.
From there her new life begins as a biblio-witch helping to run the library. Things don't start smoothly, a dead body creates a problem and then the vampires reappear and more trouble is coming but Rory is sure of one thing.. this is home.
It might help if we knew why her father didn't leave her his half of the business.. he wanted to keep her away from the paranormal world yet left her nothing to keep her financially secure. It feels like a plot hole after finishing the book as it doesn't appear to be mentioned anywhere. I enjoyed it but I prefer the series about Blair in Fairy Falls at this point, I need to get to the 4th book though to continue Blair's story in the correct order as the two crossover at that point in time.
Meet Aurora, Rory, who's been working at her father's bookshop since he died and left it to his business partner Abe. All Rory has is an old journal that her father wrote in code.
When 3 strange men appear and demand she hand it over Rory gets her first inkling that she might be different, when they dust the counter with some odd sand that starts a fire and she puts it out by writing "stop". Abe not seeing the mysterious visitors sacks her for risking the store.
Luckily it triggers a distress call to her family, a family she didn't know existed. Rescuing her from the men who are vampires they take her back to their home, a magical library in Ivory Bay.
From there her new life begins as a biblio-witch helping to run the library. Things don't start smoothly, a dead body creates a problem and then the vampires reappear and more trouble is coming but Rory is sure of one thing.. this is home.
It might help if we knew why her father didn't leave her his half of the business.. he wanted to keep her away from the paranormal world yet left her nothing to keep her financially secure. It feels like a plot hole after finishing the book as it doesn't appear to be mentioned anywhere. I enjoyed it but I prefer the series about Blair in Fairy Falls at this point, I need to get to the 4th book though to continue Blair's story in the correct order as the two crossover at that point in time.
November 24, 2019
I found this title while browsing for Kindle Unlimited reads and I loved every page. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series to see what happens to Aurora (Rory) next. When bookshop assistant Aurora gets fired from her job, she didn’t know what she was going to do. Three strange men had come into the shop demanding her father’s journal, and when she refused to give it up, they started a fire that she somehow managed to put out. On her way home, she finds the same men in front of her apartment complex.
It turns out the men are vampires, and that Aurora is really a witch. A witch in trouble. Her family (that she didn’t even know she had) jumps in to save her and they invite her to live with them and get trained in the way of their family.
Only, it’s not all fun and games. She discovers a body, then things really start going crazy. Vampires, fae, even the reaper are all real and she’s got to learn it all while dealing with not only them, but her familiar, the grumpy family familiar, and a cousin that doesn’t want her there, she’s not sure what’s going to happen next. But one thing’s for sure, she needs to protect her father’s journal at all costs, and figure out the code he used to write it in.
It turns out the men are vampires, and that Aurora is really a witch. A witch in trouble. Her family (that she didn’t even know she had) jumps in to save her and they invite her to live with them and get trained in the way of their family.
Only, it’s not all fun and games. She discovers a body, then things really start going crazy. Vampires, fae, even the reaper are all real and she’s got to learn it all while dealing with not only them, but her familiar, the grumpy family familiar, and a cousin that doesn’t want her there, she’s not sure what’s going to happen next. But one thing’s for sure, she needs to protect her father’s journal at all costs, and figure out the code he used to write it in.
May 11, 2022
Spells and Shelves sees our main character Aurora (Rory) getting fired from the bookshop her late Father used to own. Rory finds his journal that she can't decipher and this leads to 3 Vampires attacking her.
Enter 2 Aunts and 2 cousins - A family she never knew existed, They help take her back to their home: a massive magical library.
Que: Rory finding out that she's a biblio-witch
Whilst Rory finds her footing in the new world of magic 2 deaths happen. The whole story turns into a magical who dunnit.
Great cozy witchy mystery. The world building is great and throws you into a magical world with all different characters.
Rory is a great newbie witch, Estelle is a wonderful character along with the Aunts. Cass is a character that just like portrayed is unlikeable for her rudeness, though as the series goes on she may become likeable.
I love Xavier the reaper, and have high hopes for him and Rory. Though nothing suggests anything other than friendship I still think it may turn.
This was an incredibly easy page turning read, which I found most pleasant. I'm actually loving the paranormal cozy mysteries and am looking forward to reading the next novel
Enter 2 Aunts and 2 cousins - A family she never knew existed, They help take her back to their home: a massive magical library.
Que: Rory finding out that she's a biblio-witch
Whilst Rory finds her footing in the new world of magic 2 deaths happen. The whole story turns into a magical who dunnit.
Great cozy witchy mystery. The world building is great and throws you into a magical world with all different characters.
Rory is a great newbie witch, Estelle is a wonderful character along with the Aunts. Cass is a character that just like portrayed is unlikeable for her rudeness, though as the series goes on she may become likeable.
I love Xavier the reaper, and have high hopes for him and Rory. Though nothing suggests anything other than friendship I still think it may turn.
This was an incredibly easy page turning read, which I found most pleasant. I'm actually loving the paranormal cozy mysteries and am looking forward to reading the next novel
April 10, 2023
(3.5 rounded to 4.0)
Rory Hawthorne is struggling alone to make a go of a family owned bookshop since her dad’s death three years ago. But things aren’t going so well and when she is attacked by three vampires who want her to give them her dad’s journal. Rory resorts to a pen-paper with incantation that results in a magical fire and puts out an alert to her aunts that she has discovered her magical powers. Rory begins magical training and moves into her family’s home above the family owned library. Her new family includes her aunts Candace, Estelle, and Adelaide and a cousin, Cassandra. When dead bodies begin to show up in the Library and books are returned with curses. Vampires continue to attempt to get her father’s journal from her and destroy the Library in the process.
This book was a fun read with lots of twists, turns and false starts. The characters are quirky but lovable. The town for magical beings is a nice place to visit. All in all a comforting read and I will look forward to some future volumes. Recommend to readers of mysteries, paranormal, witches, magic, fantasy, vampires, books about books.
Rory Hawthorne is struggling alone to make a go of a family owned bookshop since her dad’s death three years ago. But things aren’t going so well and when she is attacked by three vampires who want her to give them her dad’s journal. Rory resorts to a pen-paper with incantation that results in a magical fire and puts out an alert to her aunts that she has discovered her magical powers. Rory begins magical training and moves into her family’s home above the family owned library. Her new family includes her aunts Candace, Estelle, and Adelaide and a cousin, Cassandra. When dead bodies begin to show up in the Library and books are returned with curses. Vampires continue to attempt to get her father’s journal from her and destroy the Library in the process.
This book was a fun read with lots of twists, turns and false starts. The characters are quirky but lovable. The town for magical beings is a nice place to visit. All in all a comforting read and I will look forward to some future volumes. Recommend to readers of mysteries, paranormal, witches, magic, fantasy, vampires, books about books.
March 13, 2021
Excellent Paranormal Murder Mystery
A wonderful start to the series....witches, vampires, elves, and countless others (wererabbits!) inhabit a small coastal village in England, where our protagonist Aurora call me Rory--a new biblio-witch (!!!) is taken in by the magical branch of her family....one she never knew existed. After her father's death, Aurora is still working in the decrepit bookstore he co-owned. She's treated shabbily by her boss, and is being sought (& threatened) for her father's handwritten journal. Enter her biblio-witch Aunts, who own an amazing magical library, who whisk her to their world.
When a library patron is found murdered--killed by a curse--Rory becomes our amateur sleuth.
I want to live in this library! Love the concept of biblio-witches, along with many other interesting tidbits the author has sprinkled into this short, but very INTRIGUING novel. I would write more of why I highly recommend Spells & Shevles, but instead am off to read the next book in this series!
Read this!
A wonderful start to the series....witches, vampires, elves, and countless others (wererabbits!) inhabit a small coastal village in England, where our protagonist Aurora call me Rory--a new biblio-witch (!!!) is taken in by the magical branch of her family....one she never knew existed. After her father's death, Aurora is still working in the decrepit bookstore he co-owned. She's treated shabbily by her boss, and is being sought (& threatened) for her father's handwritten journal. Enter her biblio-witch Aunts, who own an amazing magical library, who whisk her to their world.
When a library patron is found murdered--killed by a curse--Rory becomes our amateur sleuth.
I want to live in this library! Love the concept of biblio-witches, along with many other interesting tidbits the author has sprinkled into this short, but very INTRIGUING novel. I would write more of why I highly recommend Spells & Shevles, but instead am off to read the next book in this series!
Read this!
February 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I read a lot of magical cozy mysteries, and this one really hit the spot for me. The writing style was smooth and well-edited. The library setting is one of my favorite for this genre, and I really liked how the library seemed to have a personality of its own. The book was not too long, so I was able to finish it in an evening after the kiddos went to bed. The mystery had me guessing until the reveal happened, although I could see the bread crumbs that were left to find. Some other reviews mentioned that it was a bit slow to start, but I disagree. I was hooked from the first couple of pages where the main character was already using her magic. It was the perfect pacing for me. The magic used by the main character and her family of biblio-witches was very unique and I'm excited to find out more about how it works in subsequent books. I will definitely be continuing with this series and exploring the author's other works. I did not receive a free copy of this book, but used my Kindle Unlimited subscription to read it.
January 28, 2019
The pen is mightier then the sword
A good start to a new series. A bit haphazard in places as it seemed to 'frenzied' but this should settle down in future books. The characters need a bit more work as they still need to become 'real' at present they seem a bit two dimensional.
She has worked in the bookshop since her father died. Trying to keep his legacy alive even though his partner wasn't helping much. When a group of strangers enter, she is concerned which proves apt when they try to set the shop on fire after demanding her father's journal (a journals he saved from the owner but couldn't read). Now fired she heads for her small apartment only to see the same men outside her building. Chased as she tries to run away she is rescued by women who claim to be her aunts and cousin. Vampires, witches, a magical library, familiars, murder and a grim reaper! How will she cope with her new life and people out to kill her?
A good start to a new series. A bit haphazard in places as it seemed to 'frenzied' but this should settle down in future books. The characters need a bit more work as they still need to become 'real' at present they seem a bit two dimensional.
She has worked in the bookshop since her father died. Trying to keep his legacy alive even though his partner wasn't helping much. When a group of strangers enter, she is concerned which proves apt when they try to set the shop on fire after demanding her father's journal (a journals he saved from the owner but couldn't read). Now fired she heads for her small apartment only to see the same men outside her building. Chased as she tries to run away she is rescued by women who claim to be her aunts and cousin. Vampires, witches, a magical library, familiars, murder and a grim reaper! How will she cope with her new life and people out to kill her?
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