by Cynthia Chow & Sandra Murphy

This week we have reviews of a pair of book related mysteries-Witch Upon a Star: A Witch Way Librarian Mystery by Angela M. Sanders and A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of both books and links to purchase them at the end of each review–you may not be able to see the Amazon links if you have ad blocker on.

Witch Upon a Star: A Witch Way Librarian Mystery by Angela M. Sanders
Review by Cynthia Chow

Book lovers may often feel as though their favorite reads are speaking to them, providing guidance, comfort, and emotional support. For librarian Josie Way though, the books actually do communicate with her and will even fly off the shelves when they believe it’s in her best interest.

Josie has recently learned that she comes from a lineage of witches, although it seems to have skipped a member when it comes to her sibling Jean. Always the Little Sister, their mother has asked Josie to keep their witch legacy a secret so as to not make Jean feel inadequate. Still finding her way in life, insecurity is a thing that Jean has long battled but now she has come to the town of Wilfred, Oregon as a follower of the celebrity life coach Cookie Masterson. While their mom worries that Jean may be under the sway of a cult or scammer, Jean is an unwavering supporter and one of Cookie’s many so-called “Crumbs.”

Josie had been enthusiastic about showing Jean all of the delights Wilfred has to offer, but a body in the new café was not on her travelogue list. When yet another deceased newcomer is found in Cookie’s retreat center, it’s impossible to see this as just a coincidence. In addition to her gift with books, Josie is a truth-teller, which means that she is unable to allow these multiple deaths to go uninvestigated. This will complicate her growing feelings for Sam, who is not only her neighbor but also Wilfred’s new sheriff. Jean isn’t the only one in the dark about Josie’s gifts, and keeping that a secret is becoming as much an obstacle to their relationship as her involvement in his criminal cases. So, in addition to determining the legitimacy of Cookie’s “Ready-Set-Go” life-coaching seminars, Josie must attempt to solve a murder while downplaying the clues given to her by extremely helpful books.

This fourth in the series skillfully weaves in Josie’s witchy talents with her practical, compelling investigation. Book lovers will of course appreciate the hints and advice given to Josie through their text and occasionally even through actual voices. Their involvement gets even more proactive by the end, making this a truly magical reading experience.

Those looking for a more grounded mystery will find much to like as well, not the least of these being the charming descriptions of the tourist-attracting town and its gathering-place café. Josie’s not-a-familiar cat Rodney continues to be more of a purring roommate than a witch’s assistant, while the library recharges her gifts as a book-housing battery. A low-key romance, quirky town characters, and the relatable sibling relationship make this a very fun mystery that delves deep into the complicated life-coaching trend.

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert
Review by Sandra Murphy

Jane Hunter didn’t think she’d be job hunting at age sixty but there she is, applying for a job cataloging books for Cam, a wealthy man who has few manners. He’s asked her to create a record of all his books and artifacts, an intriguing job and one that, if she can last, will help fund her so-called retirement.

It’s not that he’s rude. He’s agoraphobic to some extent, has limited social skills and little desire to improve them, and suffers from anxiety. She’ll have to draw on her people skills to get along with him.
He does lend out his manor house for special events, making the briefest of appearances if absolutely necessary, before retiring to his rooms upstairs. His assistant, Lauren, takes care of all the details. For the current party, there are house guests. Except for one. Cam dates, shows an interest in the woman, loses it quickly, and Loren has to take care of any fallout. Ashley, wealthy in her own right, is his latest breakup. Still, she comes to the party, perhaps in hope of reconciliation.

Sadly, before that can happen, Jane finds her body. Due to recent arguments, Cam is suspect number one. Since he reads mysteries, he feels he should be able to solve the case himself. However, hampered as he is by not wanting to leave the house, he enlists Lauren and Jane to ask questions and report back to him.
During the course of ‘investigating,’ Jane’s cottage is broken into and she’s followed. It must mean she’s getting close to the killer’s identity but really, who is it? The killer assumes she knows more than she does. The house guests, despite staying at the manor, don’t hesitate to throw suspicion on Cam. So much for friendship.

This is the first in a new series, Hunter and Clewe. Jane and Cam are delightful together and Lauren adds a level head when Cam goes off on a tangent. Once the three get used to each other, it’s a great combination. It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book.

To enter to win copies of both books, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “bookish” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 5, 2023. You must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. A new episode went up this week.

Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She’s editor for Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Stories Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s, with twenty-two cozy stories. She also edited A Murder of Crows, twenty-one stories featuring animals and crime (no animals were harmed). She also writes for magazines, newsletters, and the occasional guest blog. Both anthologies are available at the usual outlets, print or ebook.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.