A wonderful cozy mystery. I was so excited to jump back into Josie's world. We get to meet her mom in this book which is nice. No spoilers but her mom pushes her to do something and I honestly thought there would be resolution but nope! Now I've got to wait and hope that everything will work out. Can't wait to join Josie on her next adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and and Kensington Publishing for the ARC!

Until she returned to her hometown of Wilfred, Oregon, librarian Josie Way was completely oblivious to her heritage of coming from a long line of witches. Since fleeing a trial in which she was the innocent whistle-blower, Josie has been learning from her late grandmother’s letters how to hone her witchy abilities that have her able to communicate with and move books, not to mention matching them perfectly with readers. Less enthusiastic about their witch background is Josie’s mother, who hid from her abilities and has now unexpectedly arrived in town to stay with her daughter. Dropping the news that she’s divorcing Josie’s rather distracted historian father, Josie’s mother refuses to discuss anything more as she accompanies her on a book buying trip. The estate of Reverend Clarence Duffy promises a treasure trove of enviable books, at least until Josie “hears” dire warnings emanating from them. Ben Duffy’s death from a fall would seem to justify their ominous murmurings, as suspicion soon rises that the Reverend son’s death was less than accidental.

A series of threatening letters soon begin to plague the town as well, with the cut-and-paste words demanding money in exchange for keeping secrets. Josie receives one herself, and she worries that someone has discovered her witchy talents. That she has not even told her significant other Sam Wilfred, whose by-the-book, practical outlook has Josie worried that she could lose it all if she tells him the truth. Surprisingly, it’s Josie’s mother who insists that she share her true self with Sam, as otherwise it will stand in their way of having a true and honest relationship.

This 6th in the series is all about secrets, and the costs of both keeping and sharing them. It’s a dilemma that has Josie demanding the truth from those who received letters, while she herself hesitates to do the same with the man she loves. The quirky characters of Wilfred keep the novel light and lively, with quotes from books “speaking” out and proving clues about their readers and the murder. This is a fun and engaging mystery for booklovers and fans of those looking for a lightly paranormal mystery. The magic of books is an undeniable lure for readers looking for a blend of romance and the power of the written word.

Josie is a witch in a small town in Oregon. She's also the town librarian - good thing, since the books talk to her. Someone comes into town, showing interest in the old Aerie Mansion, now that the patriarch of the family has passed away. Followed by another death. But not everyone in the family wants to sell. Then the poison pen letters begin to appear. Is this all connected? Josie's mom shows up for a surprise visit because she's mad at Josie's dad. She encourages Josie to tell Sam (her boyfriend) her secret. And what's with the crows? Book six of the series solves one mystery by leaves us with another.

The Witch is Back by Angela M. Sanders is set during the summertime, and Josie has quite a few mysteries to solve.

Is the poison pen letters connected to the murder? Or is it just a coincidence? Why is Josie's mother visiting her?

Josie and Nora
Josie has those questions and more to answer in this newest Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series installment. She has her hands full trying to figure out why her mother is in town unannounced and why was the boxes of books so mean at the Aerie. Josie is doing great with figuring out her magic, especially with her grandma's help from her letters. Except is her magic enough to take down the poison pen letter writer and find a murderer? Probably not. Nora is there, and she can help.

I love the Way family members and how Josie was able to help the two family members who have come to visit her to see things differently. Josie is a remarkable character, and I would love to be friends with her. Mostly so that I can hang out in that fabulous library that she runs. Now, that is a fantastic place, as I see it in my head. Josie's relationship with her mom is excellent, and I love a good mom-daughter duo.

The Mysteries
Josie has quite a few mysteries going around town. The major one for Josie would be why her mother is in town without her father and why she always looks so dejected. The next mystery would be the poison pen letters. Another mystery is the dead body of one of the reverend's sons. The last one, technically for Josie, is who wrote her poison pen letter. There is another mystery, but I can't say what it is since it's not in the plot summary, and I don't want to spoil it. Josie has her hands full, trying to figure all of these mysteries out while still being a good hostess with her mom in town.

I have to say that I thought the poison pen letters and the murder was connected and who did it. Ms. Sanders caught me with a fantastic red herring that she put in.

Five Stars
My rating for The Witch is Back by Angela M. Sanders is five stars. After reading every installment, I can't help but recommend this series—it's that wonderfully written. Ms. Sanders has a way of transporting me from wherever I am to Wilford, Oregon, where I can help Josie solve a mystery and see how she is doing with Sam Wilford.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Witch is Back by Angela M. Sanders.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Another good book in this series. This book has Josie dealing with a funny energy that is interfering in her life and dealing with Sam. Her Mom comes to visit and discovers a little more about her family - Aunt Beata. Who is she and where is she now. No one has seen or heard from her so this a good mystery. Josie is also busy solving two murders in town along with the folks receiving strange letters. No rest for Josie and you feel sorry near the end after she told Sam that she is a witch - will the next book tell us that Sam no longers wants to be with Josie or will he still love her? We can only hope!

Josie is as baffled as anyone by the poisoned pen letters that have been circulating through town. When the townspeople ask her to figure out who is sending them, she just adds it to the list of things that seem to be challenging her. One is the unexpected visit from her mother and the news that her mother intends to divorce her father. He is a clueless and absent minded professor who has taken her for granted so when a suave man shows interest, Josie is appalled that her mother seems to be enchanted. This is the mother who tried to deny her witchy powers which run through the female side of the family. And she is still trying to deny her own powers.

Josie’s powers are strong and she is able to use them to help solve a murder as well as unmask the letter writer. I figured that part out right from the start. The clues were obvious but the murder was a little more mystifying. The big question that is left unanswered at the end of the book is who is the other powerful witch who seems to be throwing negative energy at Josie. What is apparent though is that Josie had to tell her boyfriend the truth about her powers. Whether he believes her or not and whether he can accept it and continue the relationship is another unanswered question .I guess we will just have to wait until the next book to find out. Four purrs and one paw up.

I've definitely fallen in love with the town of Wilfred and its amazing library. The townspeople are all interesting and Josie Way has her hands full being the librarian- and amateur detective. When poison pen letters begin to arrive, along with a dead body, a visit from her mother, and revealing a big secret to her boyfriend Sam, life is hectic. Can Josie figure out who is behind it all and possibly catch a killer at the same time. All while dealing with parental drama and her own personal relationship issues?

Along with country house mysteries, poison pen letter plots are among my favorite cozy types. While I figured out the writer fairly early on, it didn't detract from the murder, or the myriad other subplots. Josie's mom comes to visit, in an immature attempt to make Josie's dad appreciate her. Given how her mom avoids talking to her family about things, it's no surprise that Josie has dithered this long about telling Sam of her powers. We do see some growth with the characters, which I much appreciated.

Why you should read this book: For the character development, and to see Josie gain in strength and confidence.

Why you might not want to read this book: The mystery itself is a little weak, and the poison pen writer is pretty obvious.

I received an advance copy from Kensington Cozies via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 out of 5 stars

I'm always happy to read a new instalment in one of my fav series and was happy to read a new installment.
I'm curious about the rest of the series as there's a sort of cliffhanger that left begging for more even if I know I have to wait.
It's always a pleasure to catch up with Josie, Rodney, Sam and the local people. There's a lot of but also a complex mystery with different subplots and some clues of a more intriguing background story.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

“The Witch is Back” is the nicely done sixth book in Angela Sander’s Witch Way Librarian cozy mystery series. Be warned – this is not a series that you can just jump into – you need to read it from the very beginning to fully appreciate the characters, setting, and storyline. The premise of this series is a great one – Josie Way is a Librarian who just happens to be a witch who hears the books talking to her (if I were a witch I would want this to be my power!). Throughout the course of the series we have gotten to know more about Josie, her family, her powers, and her relationship with Sheriff Sam. The small town setting is nicely done and comes into play in one of the plots in this book which involves poison pen letters being sent to various townspeople. This plotline is well done as are the other plotlines in the book – a murder, a newcomer who may not be what he seems, and a possible threat to Josie’s powers. Some of these are wrapped up by the end of this book – others are not and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This series is consistently well done, and my favorite bits include Josie using her powers with books. This is a nice addition to the series, with Josie faced with a surprise visit from her mother, choices about revealing her status as a witch, and a solid mystery.

I enjoy this series. Who wouldn't love being a librarian in an historic building in a small town. I enjoy the characters. The mystery kept me guessing. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Josie is one of my all-time favorite sleuths in cozy mysteries! This entire series just feels like returning home and I love spending time with this magical librarian. Angela M. Sanders is so good at creating an atmosphere that feels alive. I always look forward to seeing how Josie will use books and her surroundings to solve the mystery!

Josie and Wilfred,Oregon residents are trying to find out who is sending poisoned pen letters. Also the Reverend has passed after being shut in for two years. His caretakers are holding an estate sale that the town is wanting to attend. An enjoyable read with lovable characters. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Reverend Clarence Duffy has died and the town is excited to see inside his house since he had been a shut in for two years. It's called the Aerie and there's going to be an estate sale. His son Adam had been his caretaker. It is he, his brother Benjamin and Benjamin's wife who are running the estate sale.
But that's not the biggest news in Josie's life; it's what her mother says to her as they're leaving that chills her to the bone. She sees disaster ahead. Josie needs to tell Will that she's a witch.
I liked this book since it moved a number of relationships along. The mystery was sort of a side piece but we get to learn more about Josie and Will as well as her parents.

Four stars
This book comes out November 26, 2024
Follows Gone with the Witch
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie's mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie's theories. Nora's personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she'd embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it's out.

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

Another fun visit with Josie and the residents of Wilfred, Oregon. I love how Josie has become an integral part of the community and the way they come together to figure out who is writing the poisoned pen letters but it should have been obvious from the start and the way that was dragged on drove me batty! Also, Josie finally, FINALLY realizes that she has to tell Sam about her powers but again, it is so drawn out… it’s been 6 books! Also, there was one questionable comment about Mother Teresa that didn’t sit well with me. The mystery was well-paced and there were quite a few red herrings to keep you guessing. This series has almost redeemed itself since the last one and I am hoping the next one gets it back on track.

The Witch is Back is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian mystery series by Angela M.Sanders. I love this series set in small town oregon and featuring a witchy librarian. Josie is joined by her mother Nora in this book. Her mother is involved in a trial separation from her father and is searching for what's missing in her life. Josie is trying to help her while still developing her own magic. Her mother, Nora, comes to visit with little notice.
The mystery surrounds a dilapidated estate of a newly passed pastor, poison pen letters going out with secrets involving almost everyone in town, the death of towns member and a charming stranger interested in Josie's mother. All these issues are on top of the underlying mystery from teh past few books of Josie's magic and the "dark force" that seems to be targeting her.
The poison pen plot was a bit obvious, but because there was so much other things going on in the book that didn't take away from my enjoyment or my interest. I love when there is a bigger mystery going on in a series, so I can't wait for book 7 to see who is targeting Josie. I would recommend reading the rest in the series to get the full enjoyment of the plot as there is a lot to absorb if you are just starting with this one.

This is one of my favourite cozy series. The world Sanders has created is so wonderfully magical & yet still so real. She has also imagined some of the most eccentric side characters, that really make the books wonderful. This time we’re dealing with a poison pen letter writer, which could lead to Josie’s big secret being revealed. And then a murder. So there’s really two matters to solve, but are they connected? Delving into Josie’s relationship with her mother was also a highlight. And how the two mysteries came together well accomplished very adeptly.

Truly this is one of the most charming cozy series you could read. Each book is as good as the last & I anxiously await more!

This was a new series to me. I did enjoy the characters and after seeing the other readers who have left reviews after reading the whole series up to this point I will go back and read the rest of the series to help me fill in some gaps.

Overall this is a good book with a slow burn romance. I loved the poison pen concept and the chaos it was causing.

I am rounding this to 3.5 stars ⭐️and only because it seemed a little slow to me.

Thank you NetGalley for chance to read this arc. All options are my own.