Witches of Dubious Origin bookcover

Witches of Dubious Origin

This title will be released on

calendar iconOctober 28, 2025

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Description

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 magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.

Here, 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—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 if she’s ready to embrace her destiny.

Product Details

PublisherAce
Publish DateOctober 28, 2025
Pages368
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconPaperback / softback
EAN/UPC9780593819753
Dimensions8.0 X 5.2 X 0.8 inches | 0.6 pounds

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

"An utter charmfest of a book!"
Zoe Allison, author of The Ex-Mas Holidays, on Love at First Book

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

"A pure delight! Has all the elements of a perfect story: small island setting, a feisty yet vulnerable heroine, and a nerdy hero who stole my heart."
—Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of Our Italian Summer

“I devoured this clever novel in one sitting!"
Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

“A thoroughly satisfying read that tugged at my heart and made me happy-sigh when I reached the end!"
Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man

“McKinlay’s writing is sure to charm.”
—Shana Abe, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor

"McKinlay's fresh spin on a favorite trope is as frothy and pleasing as a piña colada, delivering both laughs and poignant tugs on the heartstrings. Perfect summer beach read."
—Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author of The Moonglow Sisters

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

"Everything felt real with the emotions relatable, and yet it was loads of fun, too… Summer Reading is a winner all the way around!”
—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author of The Honeymoon Cottage

"[A]n opposites-attract summertime fling that will quite literally have you flinging around with joyous glee."
The Everygirl

“With a picturesque setting and plenty of entertaining storylines and well-developed characters, this fast-paced, steamy rom-com from McKinlay will enchant book lovers and foodies looking for an upbeat beach read.”
Library Journal (Starred Review)

“McKinlay’s charming latest opens with a meet-cute no reader will forget and blooms into a multifaceted story replete with lovable characters, mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a vicarious vacation to Martha’s Vineyard…. The well-developed emotional growth between the protagonists makes their connection feel real. This is a keeper.”
Publishers Weekly

“[An] immensely enjoyable rom-com… Is it possible to identify, retrieve, and restore missing pieces in life? And if so, how do such discoveries change relationships? McKinlay's breezy, pleasure-filled escape probes these questions and more, while happily entertaining romance readers along the way.”
Shelf Awareness

Paris Is Always A Good Idea is the must-have summer read of the year.”
Fresh Fiction

“An entertaining romance along with a story with ever changing scenery makes this the perfect summer read.”
Parkersburg News

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