Witches of Dubious Origin, Jenn McKinlay
Witches of Dubious Origin, Jenn McKinlay
List: $22.00 | Sale: $15.40
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Witches of Dubious Origin

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Unabridged: 9 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 10/28/2025


Synopsis

When a librarian discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches, she’ll need all of her bookish knowledge to harness her family’s magic, in this enchanting cozy fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing dark magic that must be guarded.

Here, among their most dangerous collection, the Books of Dubious Origin, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.

With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin department—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide whether or not she’s ready to embrace her destiny.

About The Author

Jenn McKinlay is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages in countries all over the world. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband's guitars.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog on September 27, 2025

*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review* Zoe Ziakas lives a quiet life as a librarian in a small New England town. When a mysterious book arrives at her workplace bearing her name, Zoe suspects a prank. But then it appears on her doorstep, and she begins hearing faint wh......more

Goodreads review by Dani (Daniiireads) on September 22, 2025

3.5 ⭐ First off, thank you to Berkley Pub and Netgalley for the arc! Witches of Dubious Origin follows Zoe, who lives a perfectly normal and quiet life working as a librarian, until that gets completely upended when a mysterious black book arrives at her local library. Curiosity piqued, Zoe digs deepe......more

Goodreads review by Leanna on October 04, 2025

I love a good cozy fantasy, and this one hit all the right notes. It had magic, mystery, and that comforting, small-town charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea while you read. Zoe was such a relatable main character, a librarian who just wants peace and routine, only to......more

Goodreads review by Angela Y on November 24, 2025

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group. Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a stran......more

Goodreads review by Deborah on October 16, 2025

This was a read I was looking forward to but was absolutely not sure what to expect, and it was indeed a crazy ride! Though this was totally different from anything I had read from her before, you really never go wrong with a Jenn McKinlay book. If you are expecting a cozy mystery, that's not really......more


Quotes

"A delightful treasure! With a wonderful cast of characters, a fabulous spellbook, and a library you'll want to live in, Witches of Dubious Origin is one of those books that you fall more and more in love with until suddenly it's two in the morning, and you've lost track of the world. Such a fun and fantastic read!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

"This book is perfect for everyone who loves libraries and magic as well as comfort, adventure, and romance. I wish every library had a special collection of Books of Dubious Origin, along with a rooftop garden where a witch is cultivating poisons. These characters—including the books, they're characters too—are tremendously entertaining, and I'm looking forward to many more shenanigans with Zoe, Jasper, Miles, Tariq, and Olive!"—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles

"With an irresistible found family, tons of magic and a dash of romance, this book is a rollicking, delightful adventure from start to finish."—Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Haunted Ever After

“McKinlay has conjured a world so rich in bookish charm and magical oddities, readers will never want to leave. I loved it! Now, seriously, how do I get a job in the Books of Dubious Origin department?”Auralee Wallace, national bestselling author of In the Company of Witches

"
The perfect story for readers who’ve always dreamed of stepping into a world where books take on a life of their own and enchantment is waiting with every turn of the page. As a librarian with a passion for the written word, Zoe is the perfect witchy heroine, and following her as she comes into her power is nothing short of an absolute delight. Brimming over with magic, mystery, and just the right dash of romance, Witches of Dubious Origin is a must-read for fall!"—Stacy Sivinski, nationally bestselling author of The Crescent Moon Tearoom

"[A] smart, fast paced novel... This is the kind of escapist reading that keeps a reader reading."—The Colorado Sun

“Jenn McKinlay writes a spellbinding (no pun intended) novel that takes the reader on a highly imaginative adventure with fascinating characters and creative challenges for a group of folks with differing magical abilities. A thrilling read to be sure.”—Fresh Fiction

“Deftly matching an ingeniously inventive plot with an engagingly quirky cast of characters, including an adorable bookish feline, and adding a hint of flirtatious romance as well as her signature snappy wit, McKinlay casts a spell readers will find impossible to resist.”—Booklist (starred review)

"McKinlay’s magically delicious contemporary cozy fantasy... will appeal to fans of the TV show The Librarians, as well as anyone who loves stories that combine witchcraft, mystery, and romance with compelling quests and fascinating adventures."—Library Journal (starred review)

Praise for Jenn McKinlay's romance novels


"The characters are fresh and beautifully drawn, and the chemistry is magic. It’s the perfect summer vacation."—Annabel Monaghan, author of Same Time Next Summer

"Jenn McKinlay writes sexy, funny romances that will leave you begging for more!"—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author of Almost Just Friends

“A playful breezy read that I couldn't put down!”­—Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly

"With lovable characters and swoon-worthy moments, this heartwarming tale has it all."—Woman's World