The premise of this book was intriguing and I couldn't wait to start it. As cozy paranormal mysteries go, this was one of the better ones. A lot of interesting characters and a solid plot line, I truly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

Josie and her colleague become whistle blowers in Washington D.C. and for fear of her life she flees to small town Oregon. Not as smart as can be, she is followed and chased by several. During this time, she gets involved in the community and meets and works with several key characters. Fun group. She also meets her familiar, a black cat, and can hear the books talk to her, which helps, since she is a librarian. Finding out she is descended from a long line of witches, and learning about her powers was interesting. Her being scared and trying to subdue or stifle them is odd. Didn't like that, not that she opened up so much to the people around her. Not smart. Overall though, a good start to a new series and look forward to the next in book. Highly recommend.

When Josie, a librarian from the Library of Congress, overhears a conversation she shouldn’t, she blows the whistle and finds herself on the rub. Trying to hide from potential threats against her, she takes a job in rural Oregon. The next morning she finds a body in the woods near the library and realizes she may have already been found.

As Josie tries to figure out who killed the only other stranger in town without giving herself away, she learns more about the locals and herself. First the two library is actually set to be sold and second, she apparently is descended from a long line of female witches. Now to harness a killer and her power before she hurts someone or becomes the next victim.

Nowhere have I seen it indicated if this is a the first book in a new series or a stand alone. I’m hoping it’s the former as I really enjoyed the town, Josie, and Rodney. Fingers crossed.

Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders is an excellent new cozy mystery series that I truly devoured from beginning to end. I absolutely loved this book. It has it all: an excellent murder/mystery plot, fantastic cast of characters, wonderful/quirky small town in Oregon, wonderful main female character, and a perfect addition of a magical component. It also involves books (I love anything that has to do with libraries!) It has been a long time since I have been able to find a new cozy mystery series that I have been excited about (I have a few well established older series that I love of course), and this definitely checked every box for me.

Josie Way makes her way to a small out of the way town in Oregon in hopes of hiding out under the radar after informing law enforcement of a corrupt government bribe/deal while at work. To keep her family safe, she takes a job for a small town librarian in Wilifred. Little does she know that this action creates a cascade of events that ultimately helps change this town, for the better, forever and also in the process, helps her find herself.

I loved Josie. She is smart, she is feisty, she has a moral compass, and I love her loyalty to her newfound friends, and her family. I loved the addition of her family history and ancestors and their "powers" and finding out that the females in her lineage (including herself) are witches. I thought it was tasteful, well-incorporated, and a great addition to the book.

I also loved the murder /mystery plot. I love the old library, the full character cast with complex interactions and histories, and I loved the ending. There is so much wonderful material to draw from for future books for this series.

I have to say my favorite character (yes, even more so then Josie) is Rodney. How can one not love a fabulous black cat with a warm/feisty personality.

Everything about this book is perfect and everything that a cozy mystery should be. I cannot recommend this enough and I cannot wait until the next book is out.

5/5 stars enthusiastically.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Cozy mysteries contain specific elements that the reader can trust and enjoy. The first in a new series, #BaitAndWitch sets up a highly enjoyable series to come. Librarian Josie Way needs to find a safe place to hide and she finds what she believes is the perfect set-up in Wilfred, OR. The town's library is located in a Victorian mansion that may or may not continue to be used for that purpose. With a cast of quirky characters, a beautiful setting, a handsome mysterious FBI agent, and Josie's discovery that she is a witch, this book kicks off a cozy series perfectly. #NetGalley

Josie Way is a great main character in this new series. She moves to take over a library in a small town. She needs a break and thinks this is the way to do that. Josie has a gift of listening to books and who needs to read them. She discovers she actually comes from a long line of witches. Developing her skills, adjusting to a new life and finding a body is an adventure!
#BaitandWitch #NetGalley