The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
Published by Ballantine Books on April 7, 2026
Page count: 320
Genre(s): Magical Realism, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery
Find it on Goodreads and Amazon (ebook or physical book)
Rating: 4.5 stars
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Summary
Rainy March is a Book Witch. She jumps into and out of books, fighting to preserve some of the most beloved classics from villains–both real and imaginary–who seek to alter the stories to their benefit–or make them disappear forever.
But suddenly, her grandfather disappears and a thief breaks into her home, stealing her priceless book. And Rainy can call on only one person who could possibly solve this case: the Duke of Chicago, the handsome British (and fictional) detective from her favorite mystery series. The same Duke of Chicago for whom she broke several rules to pursue a very much forbidden romance and was banned from seeing at the risk of losing her Book Witch abilities.
But mystery and adventure call, and Rainy and Duke (and Rainy’s cat Koshka) must risk everything to investigate both Rainy’s grandfather’s and her treasured book’s disappearances in the pages of literary classics such as Alice in Wonderland and The Great Gatsby.
But what they find will change everything…
Likes
Cozy plots + fun characters: This is such a cozy, funny, sweet, clever, original, and simply lovely book. I loved the characters (especially Koshka!) and the storyline was just so sweet.
Nostalgic and feel-good vibes: Rainy’s adventures into Alice in Wonderland, The Great Gatsby, and more just made this book so nostalgic and fun. Her relationship with Duke is adorable and fun (I have a feeling Duke will be a new “book boyfriend” for a lot of readers!) and the “twist” toward the end might surprise you. And even if it doesn’t, this book is genuinely a pull-on-your-heart-strings, feel-good, lovable read and I can definitely see some re-reads in the future.
Eh
Logistics: I don’t want to share spoilers here, but the explanation for how the ending happened the way it did (I know, super vague) was confusing to me. The logistics and “rules” weren’t all that clear to me.
More book travels! Just because it was so fun to read, I wish there were more about Rainy’s previous adventures in books. There are allusions to them throughout, but man, I wanted to actually read through them! Not necessarily an “eh” part of the book, but definitely something I would’ve loved if it were added.
Recommendation & Rating
Do I recommend? Yes! I *highly* recommend this book if you like magical realism and books about books, and if you’re just looking for a light-hearted, cozy read with a little bit of everything: romance, magic, adventure, humor, and yes–opinionated cats. Add this to your to-read list if so. It’s more than worth it.
Also, Meg Shaffer, if you ever read this, please do everyone a favor and write more about Rainy’s adventures. The world needs them!
Book source: I requested and received the eARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
