Gone with the Witch: A Whimsical, Yet Wobbly, Tale of Mystery and Magic
Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #5 by Angela M. Sanders
As a long-time fan of cozy mysteries and the delightful escapades of Josie, the truth-telling librarian, I dove into Gone with the Witch with a giddy mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Angela M. Sanders has a knack for weaving magical whimsy with the everyday drama of small-town life, and I was eager to see where this fifth installment would lead us. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself caught in a web of twists and turns that occasionally spun out of control.
The story kicks off with Duke and Desmond unearthing bones beneath an old outhouse while preparing to build a garage. This ominous discovery sets the stage for a gripping investigation into the past, spearheaded by Helen Garlington, whose quest to find her missing husband, Martin, propels much of the narrative. The introduction of Bruno Gates, who bears a striking resemblance to Martin, adds layers of intrigue, but as the plot thickens, it becomes a bit too convoluted for my taste.
Helen’s character struck a chord with me—her desperate longing for closure amidst the sadness of her unchanging life felt palpable. I could empathize with the way in which she clings to memories, hoping against hope for the return of a cherished love. Yet, her reliance on Josie for help felt somewhat misplaced; shouldn’t self-discovery also involve reaching out for help independently? There’s a powerful truth in the need for vulnerability, yet I found myself longing for Helen to reclaim some agency in her search.
As for Josie, she shines in many moments, juggling her blossoming relationship with Sam while wrestling with the ethical implications of her double life as a witch. I felt her internal conflicts deeply, especially her desire for authenticity in her romance, which resonated with my own experiences of balancing secrets with openness. Yet, the pacing of the narrative, particularly during the middle, felt sluggish—almost as if the energy of the initial excitement had been lost amid too many plot threads.
The writing style remains engaging, with Sanders’ signature blend of lighthearted banter and serious themes. However, the fantastical elements, particularly the introduction of Josie’s new sidekick, felt overwhelming rather than enriching. Describing Josie’s magic as both a gift and a burden could have been such a poignant narrative thread, yet it often threw me off balance, especially as new characters and complications crowded the stage.
There were moments of brilliance, though, particularly in scenes with Helen and the intoxicating atmosphere of the tavern where secrets are spilled like drinks. I could almost smell the brews and hear the laughter echoing through the pages. Moments with the comically perceptive children, Buffy and Thor, were delightful highlights that contributed levity when the tension became too thick.
In conclusion, Gone with the Witch has its shining moments, appealing to those who enjoy a blend of mystery and magic, but it stumbles under its own weight at times. Readers who appreciate quirky character dynamics, small-town charm, and a dash of the supernatural will likely find some enjoyment. Personally, while it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of love, loss, and the myriad shades of truth we all navigate. Here’s hoping the next installment brings us back to the enchanting consistency I’ve come to adore!
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