Review of Witch and Famous (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, #3) by Jennifer David Hesse
When I first picked up Witch and Famous, I was captivated by the whimsical blend of magic and library life promised by Jennifer David Hesse. As a book lover and a staunch advocate for the joy of reading in my own community, I knew I was in for a treat. Set against the picturesque backdrop of autumn in Wilfred, Oregon, this third installment of the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries had me intrigued from the start, even if it didn’t quite weave the spell I was hoping for.
In this latest adventure, we rejoin Josie Wey, who is feeling accomplished after securing Wi-Fi for her town library—a feat that resonates deeply with anyone who’s pushed for tech upgrades in a cozy, community space. But soon, the festivities take a turn when movie star Daphne Morris arrives, stirring up a vortex of jealousy and chaos. As the plot unfolds, tensions rise when a murder occurs that eerily parallels one of Josie’s friend Roz’s novels, leading our librarian heroine on a wild journey filled with suspicion and a sprinkle of her growing magical powers.
While the premise is rich with potential, I found the plot to be overly convoluted. Hesse introduced multiple suspects and scenarios, which sometimes felt more like a chaotic mess than a thrilling mystery. I appreciated the exploration of Josie’s bibliomancy—her ability to connect people with just the right book—but the narrative seemed to lose focus, juggling too many storylines without offering the same depth we enjoyed in the previous titles.
Josie’s character development had its moments, but I found myself frustrated with her immaturity, especially regarding her relationship with Sam. She often made poor choices, like concocting a love potion—a trope that felt outdated and took me out of the story’s magical realism. I couldn’t help but draw parallels to well-loved tales like Harry Potter, where interfering with love never leads to happy outcomes. As she navigated her feelings for Sam, I wished she would take a page from her own books and communicate openly.
Amidst the drama, Hesse gives us some delightful characters, though I felt they were too often sidelined. Roz was initially a source of tension with her interactions with Lyndon, but I missed deeper insights into her motivations. The introduction of more quirky elements—like Josie’s familiar, Rodney, and the hilarious antics of young Thor and Buffy—added charm, but I longed for more substantial plots for the supporting cast.
Hesse’s writing style remains engaging, weaving humor and warmth throughout. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the storyline was, at times, a smorgasbord of too many ingredients vying for attention.
If you enjoy high-stakes cozy mysteries filled with eccentric characters and a touch of the supernatural, Witch and Famous might still charm you. It’s a lighthearted read that encourages a little reflection about love, loyalty, and the intricate webs we weave in our relationships. Though it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I can see its appeal, especially among readers drawn to narratives blending community, magic, and the spirited misadventures in small-town life.
In short, dive into Wilfred’s quirky antics and let Josie guide you through another mystery—but be prepared for a twisty path that, while colorful, might occasionally lose its plot.
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