Witch Upon a Star is the fourth title in the A Witch Way Librarian Mystery. While any series is best read from the first book onwards, I picked up the series with this title and wasn’t the least bit lost, so it could be read as a standalone title, in my opinion.

I loved the premise of this world where the library books give messages to Josie with the exact information that is needed at the moment, whether it’s information about a patron or about a murder suspect. Quite a handy bit of magic to have! Of course, this magic must remain hidden, and I adored her black cat, Rodney who has his own uniqueness. When Josie’s sister, Jean, arrives in town for an event things start getting lively. Two dead bodies in a tiny town are certain to turn heads, but when it seems that her sister is also in the killer’s sights, well, magic or not, Josie isn’t going to just sit around and do nothing.

As with any review of a cozy mystery, I’ll not be giving away details. What I am comfortable saying is that there are twists, turns, and red herrings galore — along with some chuckle-worthy moments in Witch Upon a Star. I had my suspicions, but I think I’ll keep those thoughts to myself and let you experience this mystery for yourself. In all, I had fun in this world where the characters are quirky, the mystery made me think, and the writing had everything flowing smoothly from one scene to the next. I would return to this world to get caught up on the earlier books without hesitation.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

A magical cozy with plenty of surprise twists. This is the first in this series that I have read but quickly got pulled into the characters and didn't feel that I couldn't follow along without reading any of the others in the series.

Josie, the town's librarian and witch-in-training (more about that later) hosts her sister while Jean is attending a seminar at the local retreat center. While homicide is unfortunately becoming a normal thing in town--enough that they laughingly think they can advertise it as more deadly than Cabot Cove--no one expects a body to show up at the grand reopening of the cafe or for another body to show up within the hour at the retreat center. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark but can Josie solve the mystery, keep her sister safe...and keep her magic secret from her at the same time!

Magic can be a tricky thing when combined with a mystery for me. Sometimes it can be relied upon instead of actual sleuthing which I enjoy or otherwise I wouldn't read so many mysteries. It is an interesting kind of magic: Josie can talk to books and they talk back, telling her things and sometimes suggesting themselves to patrons who have asked for something else entirely and gotten Josie in trouble. There is a real sense of joy in the magic. The books are also a source of power to her, she can use it almost as a play back on a video and learn skills like breaking into a locked door. But books can't give her all the answers and there are plenty of times when good old fashioned detective methods are needed.

I liked the characters. Josie learns that she can't treating her younger sister as a child and Jean really comes into her own sense of direction and power. There also a nice romance that is built upon quiet moments together and caring.

The mystery has plenty of twists and some humorous moments as well. I would definitely read more of this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was fun to meet Josie's younger sister, Jean but not so fun for Jean when the workshop she was attending became a scene for murder. For some parts, Sam let the sisters work with him in figuring things out, but there were only limited things he could disclose, so of course two sleuths are better than just Josie winging it on her own, right? Would Josie be able to tell Jean about her witchy powers? Or was Jean tuned in pretty well? You'll have to read and see!

The showdown after the quiet was a good one and with Jean (along with Josie's trusty books) helping, the perp was caught. Josie finally got the nerve to say something to Sam she'd been wanting to say for a while now...but did he feel the same? Another thing you'll find out if you read this book. It's just out today!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies, and my opinions are my own.

This is Fantasy Cozy Mystery, and this is the fourth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series. I have read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I really loved being back with these characters. I loved the mystery that was going on in this book. I think the books, witch parts, and the mystery parts were done so while. The ending I really did not like because it leaves you hanging (not about the mystery - mystery parts are wrapped up very nicely). I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Cozies) or author (Angela M. Sanders) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders is the fourth A Witch Way Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. However, reading the series in order will allow you to get to know Josie and her backstory. Witch upon a Star has Josie’s sister coming to town to take part in Cookie Masterson’s life coach seminar. Josie’s sister, Jean, is not known for making the best decisions. Josie needs to be careful that she does not reveal her magic to her sister. I like that Josie’s magic is through books. The books in the Wilfred library speak to her. I thought the book ballet was cute. The mystery was straightforward. I easily solved the whodunit long before the reveal. The twist was not difficult to figure out. I like how the books help Josie solve the mystery. Of course, the books sometimes get Josie into a little hot water. Their antics had me chuckling. I like how Rodney, Josie’s familiar, helps her. I would like to see Josie slow down and think through a decision or thought. If she thought through things, it would prevent some of the silly things she does. There is a significant amount of repetition. After a while, I could repeat the facts verbatim. I ended up doing a little skimming to get through to the end. Wilfred is filled with friendly residents. I like how they have welcomed Josie. Witch Upon a Star is a casual cozy with a book ballet, a sister reunion, a killing in the café, seminar kerfuffle, a magical & feisty feline, obliging books, and sleuthing librarian.

Witch upon a Star is book #4 in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series by Angela M. Sanders.

Josie is a librarian and a trainee witch. Her sister, Jean, is visiting to attend a workshop for becoming a life coach. Something is in when there is not one, but deaths. Is the killer planning on victim #3?

If I could have a witchy power, I would want Josie’s. I liked the characters, the magic, and the mystery. It was a good mystery that held my interest. This was the first book I’ve read in the series and it was easy to read a a stand-alone. I already purchased book 1 to catch up on the series.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

There is a lot going on in the small town of Wilfred, Oregon - the local café is done with their renovations and is ready for their grand reopening, the retreat center is having Cookie Masterson’s trademark “Ready-Set-Go!” workshop as it's first workshop, and Josie's sister Jean has come to town to attend the workshop. When the doors are thrown open to the café for the first time, the body of a man is discovered, stabbed in the back. At the same time, the sheriff receives a report of a fresh corpse at the retreat center. When Josie's sister receives the killer’s chilling calling card, she’ll use everything within her otherworldly powers to divine just who in town has homicide as his new slogan
This was a fun, quick read, with a great mystery. Although this is the 4th book in the Witch Way Librarian Mystery Series, these can be read as a stand alone. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries with a fantasy theme, then this will be perfect for you.

Angela Sanders continues the Witch Way librarian mysteries with Witch upon a Star. Josie, the librarian with witchy powers over books runs the Wilfred library. Her sister Jean comes to visit as she takes a life coaching class at the retreat center. Two bodies drop and the suspects multiply. Josie agrees to keep out of the sheriff's way in solving the case until her sister receives threats. The books try to help out, but everything is muddled. Read and solve the puzzle.

Jean visits her sister Josie in Wilfred in this 4th Witch Way Library Mystery. Josie is a witch and the librarian in Wilfred, where her sister is participating in a life coaching workshop named Ready-Set-Go. Her sister Jean is looking for direction in her life since she doesn’t share Josie’s gift of magic or know Josie’s a witch.

On the morning the workshop starts, one of the participants dies at the retreat center, and a man is found slumped over the counter at the grand reopening of Darla’s Café with a knife in his back. Then Jean receives a threat, and Josie wants her to quit the workshop. Jean refuses, so Josie and Rodney, her familiar, begin investigating along with her next-door neighbor Sheriff Sam Wilfred.

Angela Sanders crafts an engaging mystery with eccentric characters, appropriate plot twists, and red herrings, all at a comfortable pace.

Cozies are my favorite and I’ve recently gotten into the paranormal cozy genre. This is the fourth book in the series and I read all four in less than a week! The series is a fun, quick read with quirky characters and interesting scenarios. I loved this series and can’t wait for the next one!

Set in the small town of Wilfred, Oregon. Josie Way is the town librarian and she is also a trainee witch.

Josie's powers are wonderfully linked to her job - she can move books around with her thoughts and she can talk to the books and they talk to her. Even better although unrelated to books, she can move her mind into Rodney, her friendly black cat. I also loved the way specific books would 'volunteer' themselves when they saw that someone needed them.

Of course the book is also a cosy mystery and Josie along with her sister, Jean, is involved in quite a complicated investigation. The author kept the action going at a good pace and did not spend too much time on the characters debating who the murderer might be. There was humour too especially in the magic. The books occasionally got Josie into trouble by turning up at unsuitable times.

I enjoyed it very much and immediately acquired the first book in the series to read next.

Witch Upon a Star is the fourth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series, and people just keep on getting murdered in the small town of Wilfred, Oregon. Our magical heroine/sleuth, Josie, is joined by her younger sister, Jean, and all of the other town inhabitants. Shenanigans ensue when 2 people are murdered within an hour of one another in two different locations, and the killer is not done!

The magic in this series just keeps getting more intricate and exciting. It is hard to go wrong with books, magic, small-town murder and an “enchanted” library. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read just for those plot lines. How there is so much drama drawn to this town is beyond me, but it is fun watching the magic.

There are a lot of things about Josie’s character that drives me crazy, including: her nosiness, her over the top drama, how she can’t even walk-up stairs without breathing hard, etc. There are just so many inconsistencies. Jean is even worse, I’m not even sure how we are supposed to like her. If you can’t handle over the top drama or inconsistent character development then this book is probably not for you.

Overall, I enjoy these books for the magic library and murder mystery. The characters, not so much. These are short and easy reads, and anyone that loves a good cozy murder mystery with a bit of magic should definitely read this book.

This is the fourth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries. I always enjoy returning to this fun cozy paranormal series with great charcters and fun sleuthing throughout the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Josie is our magacial protagnist who has a special way of connecting the right books with the person meant to read them. The books speak to her and through her craft she helps many of her fellow townspeople. She manages the local libary and is enjoying her life among books when her sister comes to visit to attend a self help retreat. Josie fears the retreat is a sham but cannot stop her sister from attending. When a body is found at the retreat center Josie becomes involved in crafting clues together amid the red herrings and multiple suspects . With the help of her magical cat, the books and her friends soon Josie is finding the right clues to lead her and law enforcement to the right suspect.

A enjoyable sleuth to conclusion. I highly recommend this cozy series for all who enjoy paranormal series with great charcters.

This series hasn't disappointed me once. The small Oregon town of Wilfred has a new retreat center ready to open with its first workshop. Josie's sister, Jean, is looking forward to taking the life coaching workshop. Imagine everyones surprise when a dead man is there to greet them. If that isn't bad enough, another one turns up at the cafe. The police will investigate, Josie will host her sister...all the while keeping her witchy talents a secret from her. Sounds like a plan until it becomes clear that Jean has become one of the killer's targets. Now the playing field has changed and Josie will pull out all the stops to keep her sister from becoming the next corpse.
With a great cast of well developed characters working together to unravel the puzzle and catch a killer, this was another enjoyable reading escape. The library and the magic of the books along with Josie learning about her magical talents are sure to keep me eager to read all future books in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, but it it my first experience with the series. I was pleased that I could jump right into this even though I hadn't read the other books, and I had no trouble following the story and didn't get that feeling that I had missed to much that I had to start at the beginning.

The Description:
Josie is eager to show off Wilfred's delights to her visiting sister, Jean--even though Josie must conceal her magic from her. In any case, Jean is excited to attend Cookie Masterson's trademark "Ready-Set-Go!" workshop on becoming a life coach. Then there's the grand reopening of Darla's Cafe, where the doors are thrown open to reveal . . . a dead man, stabbed in the back. That was definitely not on the revamped menu...

Even more worrisome, the sheriff receives a report of a fresh corpse at the retreat center. Maybe murder isn't so uncommon in Wilfred anymore, but two unfamiliar bodies within an hour certainly is! Josie's willing to let law enforcement take the lead--after all, she's gotten into some trouble from the hints the library's spellbound books keep feeding her about the patrons. But when her sister receives the killer's chilling calling card, she'll use everything within her otherworldly powers to divine just who in town has homicide as his new slogan . . .

My Thoughts:
First let me say that I enjoyed this cozy mystery and may go back an pick up the other books in the series. I found Josie's magic ability with books to be interesting and unique. I wasn't sure whether the wellness coach was a scam artist or not and was anxious to see what was going on with her. There were some surprise twists in the book, and it kept my attention throughout. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on May 23, 2023.

Big things are happening in small-town Wilfred, Oregon! The retreat center is open for its first workshop, the local café is done remodeling, and librarian and witch-in-training Josie Way is hosting her sister—and a few suspicions about the new killer on the loose . . .
Josie is suspicious of Cookie. She is sure she is the murderer but Cookie convenes her otherwise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

2.5 stars. An interesting cozy mystery that just wasn't for me.

Josie is delighted to have her sister Jean visiting her small town for a workshop. But Josie is trying to hide her magic from her sister and deal with trying to protect her sister from someone she believes to be a fraud running the workshop. Then 2 people associated with the retreat are killed within hours of all the participants arriving. Jean receives the killer's calling card and now Josie is even more determined to help solve this mystery before it's too late.

Overall, I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this story and Josie's magic is definitely interesting. The small town charm is also nice. However, I just really could not get attached to any of the characters since they behaved in such illogical ways quite often. Obviously a certain amount of silly choices are expected in this kind of story, but their choices were terrible and Josie and Jean spent a lot of time arguing like children. I definitely have disagreements with my sister at times, but the characters made me feel like they were in high school, so it was hard to really root for them.

If you enjoy other cozy mysteries with a touch of magic, I would suggest giving this series a try, particularly if you are a plot-driven reader over a character-driven reader. The plot is definitely the best part of the story.

This is the fourth book of the Witch Way Librarian Mystery series, and I'm here for it! This is a great series and I love reading about our heroine, Josie Way gaining so much confidence.

Josie is a witch and her power comes from books, which is perfect for a librarian. The books talk to her, provide suggestions for small problems and help her in spell work for the bigger ones. In this story, Josie's sister Jean, who does not know Josie is a witch, has come to town for a very expensive, exclusive life coaching conference.
Cookie Masterson, the presenter doesn't seem to be all she reports herself to be, however Jean is invested and an eager student. When two people in town end up dead, Josie struggles to leave it to the police.

Then, Jean receives a threatening note and Josie jumps into the investigation. I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was a great addition to the series that I really like. I love that Josie is coming into her own as a witch, she's really becoming more confident in her skills and in expressing what she wants - like a relationship with neighbor and sheriff Sam Wilton.

My thanks to the publishers and #Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the digital ARC! Witch Upon a Star is the fourth in Angela M. Sanders fantastical, cozy mystery series, the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries. In this book, librarian Josie, who is a witch with the ability to communicate with books and the written word, is visited by her younger sister Jean who's in town for a life coach training course, "Ready, Set, Go!" When two people turn up dead, one at the very conference Jean's attending, and the other the husband of life coach trainer, Cookie Masterson, could Cookie be the culprit or is one of the attendees hiding a murderous side? The book also advances the romance subplot of Josie and local sheriff, Sam. This is sure to please fans of the series and fans of magic-based cozy mysteries.

This series keeps getting more and more fun. I continue to enjoy the brand of magic Josie has and how she continues to use and grow her powers. More hijinks and sticking noses where they shouldn't, along with a little sister in town creates conundrums and more stress in this fourth book of a series where a small town librarian helps solve murders while providing the best book recommendations possible. The family dynamic of a sibling wanting to protect their sister while simultaneously letting them make their own mistakes adds depth and frankly gets an understanding nod from me. If you are looking for some development in relationships, family, and magic with a side of solving crimes this one is for you.