The Hocus Pocus Handbook
by Ann Aguirre
I’ve enjoyed some of Ann Aguirre’s previous contemporary fantasy novels set in the modern world including Witch Please and The Only Purple House in Town. The Hocus Pocus Handbook, however, although it focus on Thea, a changeling who was snatched from a world similar to our own as a baby, is set in the realm of the world of fairies. It was amusing to see Thea talk about things in our modern world that she read about in fiction, the way in which we often see the reverse where people speak of the fantasy creatures and magic in fantasy tales. The story alternates perspectives between Thea and her love interest Kerboros who have been tasked with hunting down a fairy from another fairy court, who Thea was forced into an arranged marriage with. Each of Thea’s chapter starts with an excerpt from the spellbook aka The Hocus Pocus Handbook, that was given to her by a hobgoblin who had acted as an adoptive father, and object descriptions of the artwork that Kerboros created for his chapters, which is an interesting way to include their backstories. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses should check this one out.
Cards on the Table
by Lana Harper and Jilly Gagnon
Cards on the Table is a gothic novel by Lana Harper and Jilly Gagnon about two sisters who find themselves lured to the isolated estate of a wealthy occultist. The sister’s are descendants of one of the women who was executed during the Salem witch trials; Cassie believes they have inherited psychic powers, but her older sister Tori thinks they are just skilled at doing cold readings like their con-artist mom. I was a fan of Harper’s Witches of Thistle Grove series and enjoyed this novel as well, though it has a much darker and spookier tone. It kept me guessing whether the sister’s had real powers and when a death and a theft occur, who might be the responsible culprit. Gagnon is the author of several mysteries and romances including her debut #famous. I enjoyed this story a lot so hope we see more collaborations between the two authors in the future.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Public Library Blog 
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