4 stars

A cozy mystery that combines a librarian, a cat, and magic. What could be better?

Number 5 in Angela M. Sanders Witch Way series is adorable. Of course there is a crime to solve, and Josie Way, Wilfred’s resident librarian, is up for the task. A pile of bones is found when an old outhouse is demolished. Unknown bones. Martin Garlington has been missing for years. His wife, Helen, left behind decides it might be Martin and implores the sheriff to test the DNA of the bones.

When it’s not Martin, Helen enlists Josie to try to help her solve the mystery of her missing husband, whom she swears she just saw on a game show. Josie gets involved, and with her magic, enlists the help of Sherlock Holmes, the book version. Sherlock and Josie are determined to solve the mystery of the bones and another unexpected death in Wilfred.

This was such a fun mystery novel. I never read the first four, and I still enjoyed it immensely. Of course now I’m feeling compelled to read one through four. Sanders writes with wit and humor and keeps us thoroughly entertained. Wilfred sounds like one of those charming little towns that’s been left behind. A place I could easily call home.

I'm still enjoying this series. The mystery wasn't the greatest. I read this one in chunks, weeks apart so maybe that was a factor.

4.5 rounding up

Delightfully charming cozy series. When bones are discovered in an abandoned outhouse, the small of Wilfred, Oregon, is rife with speculation as to whom they belong, as well as how did they get there. DNA testing proved they did not belong to the long-time missing husband of of Helen, the church organist. Then a random glimpse on a TV game show convinces Helen that the winner was her husband, Martin. Helen begs Josie, librarian and apprentice witch, to help her locate the man. The town is peopled with well drawn and quirky residents, plus Josie's power comes from books speaking to her. As a book lover how could you not be fascinated with that. The mystery itself is full of twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars. Love this series so much! It is so cozy and comfy, a great October/Halloween mystery. I love how she gets her magic from books, I love the rainy dark nights, the fireplace, the library, her conversation with the books. I love the town and all the residents, I feel like I myself am an old friend and love seeing how everyone is progressing in the town and “catching up” with them. The addition of Sherlock was super fun! And I love Rodney the cat. The mystery itself too felt more fun than usual, although a bit hard to follow and convoluted. I can also tell the writing and storybuilding/world building has improved a lot since the first book! Love seeing that in a series, when you can tell an author is getting better at their craft. I also like that she still gets lessons from her grandma :)

I would say 4.5 stars. Docking half a star because I got so tired of Josie putting up with everyone’s crap! Helen was so rude just told her she needed to solve the mystery for her and she wasn’t going to help? Then letting Martin into her home and sleep in her bedroom and hiding him and doing everything he asked and also agreeing to solve this very dangerous case while he hides away?? Then Roz has no boundaries and doesn’t take no for an answer and decides she’s entitled to moving in?? I get why these people needed to be uninvolved in the investigation because we want to see Josie do it all, and Roz staying in the house had it’s own need, but maybe we can do a better job of writing Josie as a total doormat? Also why did Lindy not get in trouble for attempted murder of Josie, why did we wave that away? Wouldn’t anyone also be mad at Josie for hiding Martin away secretly? Sam deserved a better explanation for being lied to.

Anyways, those were my frustration, but it didn’t take away much from the book. It was still a light, fun and cozy read and a great little escape. Love the whole atmosphere and all the vibes of the book. It gave me exactly what I wanted from it. Can’t wait for the next!