Magic by the Book

Wayward Witch Chronicles, Book 1

By: Melinda Craig

Narrated by: Shannon Nicole Locke

Melissa Sneedle never thought she’d be the failure in her family, but that's exactly what happened when her professor told Melissa her magic was inept. The only thing left for this failed witch are normal people—or "normies", as they're called around here—and forgetting all about why magic was so important to begin with.

With her heart set on leaving the magic world behind, Melissa goes through an unexpected portal into an ordinary town and jumps at the chance to work at a local bookstore. There's just one problem with this arrangement. The portal in the bookstore brings a lot of questions, her new tiny house may be sentient, and why, oh why is there a dead body on her shift? Also, aren't familiars supposed to be cats?

If you enjoy magical surprises, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud moments, this cozy witch mystery is for you!

©2022 Melinda Craig (P)2025 Melinda Craig

Lighthearted Magical Fun

This is the first installment of the Wayward Witch Chronicles. In this series we meet Melissa Sneedle, last in a long line of powerful witches, who, unfortunately seems to have little magic. Disappointed and upset, Melissa stumbles on a magical portal which brings her to “normal” town where quickly gets a job at a local bookstore. With the help of her best friend, a guy, she tries to assimilate into the “normie” population. However, the death of her mentor, the bookshop owner, who turns out to be her aunt, sets things in motion to totally disrupt her life.

This was a sweet, funny, witty start to a new series. The characters are well done and very likeable. This is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery story and I look forward to listening to more books in the series in the future.

Shannon Nicole Locke is a new narrator to me, but she did an excellent job with these characters. Her voice was pleasant to listen to and her voices were clearly differentiated for each character. She really captured the humor and wittiness of the story and characters.

***I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my own, unbiased, review.***

A Magical Who Done It! Delightful Fun!

Being classified as “inept” in the witch world had Melissa longing to live among the “normies” in the non-magical world, but as she soon found out, nothing is ever really “normal”, especially when the nefarious get involved! Delightfully written, beautifully narrated and filled with brilliantly created, imaginative characters “Magic by the Book” is a fantastic series starter! This well written, original and entertaining story played out clearly and imaginatively, holding me spellbound from beginning to end! The story flowed beautifully! No spoilers! As you listen, I’m sure you will be every bit as entertained as I was! MY attention was instantly captured by the witty dialogue, so beautifully and emotionally spoken. Every character so distinctly voiced! Every emotion so clearly conveyed! Every scene so perfectly set, truly painting a picture of the author’s vision in my mind! I honestly thought I had this one solved, but no, turns out I was wrong! But honestly, I was so throughly entertained that I really didn’t mind! I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait to see what happens with these delightful characters as the series continues! Five fantastic stars! I loved it!

The people

This was a very cute and adorable book, it started off really good and ended pretty good, I can't wait till book 2 to see why the her grandma is still feeling sad

Magically Inept Witch

This is a new series that deals with a young witch from a predominant witch family,who's magic fizzles out a lot. She is so tired of trying to do spells correctly and being chastised for her badly working spells, that she want to move to a normal town and live life as a normal. Narrator does a good job with the characters and Storyline.

Magic by the book

this was a very cute story full of magic, mystery, hidden truth and one evil Villain. and it also has a plot twist I wasn't expecting. but this was a fun read/listen. The narrator did such a good job bring the characters to life. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

Delightful story!

Magic by the Book is the first in the Wayward Witch Chronicles by Melinda Craig. Melissa Sneedle is ready to accept that she is a failure as a witch and leave the magic world behind. She found a portal to a normal town and befriended the bookstore owner. On her 2nd day of work at the bookstore, Melissa finds the owner dead. Even more shocking is that Melinda inherits everything. What is going on in this town? Melinda and her friend Joe are determined to find out! Great story of self discovery and finding where you belong. The narration by Shannon Nicole Locke is wonderful. She brings the characters and story to life.

Where's the bitch I'll cut you for my friend

Even Harry Who has 2 friends this book is good it could be better it just needed that friend that you can't take into a bar because the moment someone starts bucking you you know that you're going to tear that place up and leave that person seriously broken and

Five stars!

This is such a fun story! It’s sweet and charming, and I look forward to reading more! The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life!

fun listen

I thought this was a fun listen? Fully of quirty things? Narrator good. Good story.

Witchy Fun by the Book

This was my first time reading/listening to a book by this author, and what a delight it was! I was thoroughly entertained by the story and I'm excited for more of Melissa's witchy adventures and her love life. Pretty Boy was definitely a favorite! Shannon Nicole Locke's narration was the icing on an already good cake. Five stars all around!