Her stories are magic: The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer

Note: On 15 July 2026, this book is an e book bargain at $1.99

#TheBookWitch #NetGalley

298 pages

Women’s fiction-Sci fi & Fantasy

Pub date: 07 April 2026

Five stars *****

My thoughts:

Prepare to suspend (a lot) of disbelief and then read this very enjoyable novel. It is full of books, books, books with the main character becoming immersed in the worlds of Nancy Drew, Jay Gatsby, Elizabeth Bennet and Alice (of Wonderland) to name just a few.

Those who have read other books by Shaffer (and I recommend doing so) know that she creates a unique world in each one. This time readers meet Rainy March (yes, she knows that her name is a pun) and the suave and sophisticated Duke of Chicago, among others.

Rainy is a Book Witch. Her calling is to keep books safe from those who want to destroy them or limit their readership. For instance, she has thus faced down someone who wants to remove Fahrenheit 401 from existence. It is not an easy job. All this goes on as Rainy tries to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and to locate her missing grandfather.

There is quite a plot twist in this book. Readers will know when they get there.

Will Rainy find answers? Will she find love? Will readers love her? Pick this one up and find out.

I know that this book may not be for those who dislike magic in their books but for everyone else a treat is in store. This and all Meg Shaffer books are must reads for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

Post first published on 15 July 2026

Description:

from the publisher

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • She can hop into any novel, but she just can’t stay there.

Come along with the Book Witch in this magical and inspiring love letter to reading from the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game.

This hardcover edition includes gorgeously designed endpapers!

“Meg Shaffer continues to surprise and delight me with each book she writes.”—Laurie Gilmore, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Café

Rainy March is a proud, third-generation Book Witch, sworn to defend works of fiction from all foes real and imaginary. With her magical umbrella and feline familiar, she jumps in and out of novels to fix malicious alterations and rogue heroes like a modern-day magical Nancy Drew.

Book Witches live by a strict code: Real people belong in the real world; fictional characters belong in works of fiction. Do not eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world, lest you become part of the story. Falling in love with a fictional character? Don’t even think about it.

Which is why Rainy has been forbidden from seeing the Duke of Chicago, the dashing British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. If she’s ever caught with him again, she’ll be expelled from her book coven—and forced to give up the magical gifts that are as much a part of her as her own name.

But when her beloved grandfather disappears and a priceless book is stolen, there’s only one person she trusts to help her solve the case: the Duke. Their quest takes them through the worlds of Alice in Wonderland, King Arthur, and other classics that will reveal hidden enemies and long-buried family secrets.

Editorial reviews:

Catnip for anyone who ever wished they could walk around in their favorite book. Kirkus Reviews

Shaffer (The Lost Story) delightfully reminds readers of the power of stories and books. Jumping through familiar favorites such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Nancy Drew books, and King Arthur legends, Rainy and the duke might even inspire nostalgic rereads. Library Journal