Bait and Witch

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.