Review - - Witches of Dubious Origin

Witches of Dubious Origin

by Jenn McKinlay

Publisher: Ace

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

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.

PJ's Thoughts:

Jenn McKinlay is an author whose books have entertained me for years. From contemporary romance to cozy mysteries to women's fiction, she's never let me down. So, it was with this background that I began reading her newest book, Witches of Dubious Origin, a spooky, quirky, mysterious, action-packed tale that took me in an absolute delight of a new direction. Honestly, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. 

The characters are all impeccably depicted and masterfully interwoven to add richness, texture, humor, and a dash of romantic potential. The books, characters in their own right, captivated me with their magic and the keepers of the Books of Dubious Origin (BODO) are a lively, eclectic crew who are with Zoe, leading, mentoring, and supporting her the entire way. Even the Viking zombies, ghost pirates, and other ghoulies leap from the pages with incredibly vivid authenticity. Or, at least, as authentic as I would imagine them to be. 

When I'm so immersed in a book that when I finally turn the last page (at 2:27 AM), all I want to do it go back to page one and read it all over again, that book is one I want to tell ALL my bookish friends about. Witches of Dubious Origin is that book. I laughed, gasped, sighed, shed a few tears, and clutched the edge of my seat as I lost myself in this quirky, cozy, fantasy gem that's perfect for Halloween month - or any month - reading. Librarians for the win. Reluctant Librarian witches? Even better! Don't miss this one. I loved it. 

I don't know if McKinlay has plans to write more books featuring the adventures of  Zoe and the rest of the BODO crew but I sure hope she will consider it. I would be first in line to buy them!