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Member Reviews

I love a good cozy fantasy, and this book seriously delivered. If you're a sucker for library settings, national treasure kind of vibes, mystery and magic, this is absolutely up your alley.

The characters were amazing. The main character was relatable, fun and strong. No weak female main character energy here, she wanted to stand on her own feet and take care of her problems on her own. I love that in a character. The side characters absolutely enhanced the feel and enjoyment of the story too. Such huge found-family vibes, which I LOVE. And they were completely lovable, each in their own ways.

With the journey of figuring out the mysteries of the story, it was fun, exciting and eventful. I did not at all see it unfolding the way that it did and that just makes a book even more enjoyable for me. I want that little jaw drop moment and the "whaaaaat?" feel. It was great and the author really made it compelling to read the journey and they seriously delivered with the outcome.

The romantic sub plot was really cute and well done. I really enjoyed that it wasn't a cornerstone of the story too. I thought the book being mostly focused on the magic and the mystery was exactly what it needed. That being said, the little bits of romance thrown in were swoon worthy and cute.

There wasn't a moment with this book where I was bored, I never once zoned out while reading, it was just that addictive and interesting. I really recommend this as a cozy and witchy fantasy/mystery. I can't wait to read more from this author!

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Jenn McKinglay creates a highly cozy and entertaining world of magic and mayhem in WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN. A story truly rife with adventure!

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Jenn Mckinlay does such a good job at a cozy, comfy book. Just the right amount of adventure and romance mixed together.

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I tend to enjoy cozy, witchy takes and this was one of those. No high stakes but you still feel engaged and needing to know how everything resolves. Well-written and I look forward to reading from this author again.

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A totally enjoyable cozy fantasy. I am a great fan of Jenn McKinlay writing and really enjoy her “Library Lover’s Mystery” series. So, as soon as I saw this ARC on Netgalley I had to request it. I am so glad that I did because I read it in one sitting and can’t wait for another in the series. It had plenty of action, a sprinkle of romance, a dash of mystery and so much more. You can’t help liking Zoe, who leads a quiet life as a librarian in a small New England town until a mysterious book shows up for her at the library. This is when Zoe is introduced to the Museum of Literature and the guarded collection of Books of Dubious Origin. The book that mysteriously appeared at Zoe’s library ended up being her family’s grimoire with holds some very powerful spells. That is when Zoe life completely changes from a very dull and quiet to tons of action and near-death experiences. She ends up needing help from the eccentric staff of the Museum of Literature. Pick up this book and enjoy a great fantasy and find out what happens to Zoe and her helpers from the Museum of Literature. I highly recommend this book.

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I’m too annoyed by how librarians are being portrayed to finish reading this. The main character’s job was obviously chosen to help support her personality just as much as to allow an avenue for learning about the grimoire, and what I read oh her I found unlikeable.

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