Book Review of The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner offers a cozy, quirky murder mystery centered around librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle. This book blends humor and mystery with a mature woman protagonist, her collection of offbeat friends, her possessed cat, and a dash of supernatural elements. While the demon-hunting is minimal, the story delivers charming characters and lighthearted intrigue. Though pacing and genre-blending could be tighter, fans of cozy mysteries and quirky adventures will enjoy curling up with this fun, whimsical read.
3.0 / 5 Stars
Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies—and solving murders. But she’s concerned by just how many killers she’s had to track down in her quaint village. None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count…but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural.
When someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she’s going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth. With the help of her town’s new priest, and an assortment of friends who dub themselves the “Demon-Hunting Society,” Sherry will have to solve the murder and get rid of a demon.
This riotous mix of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Murder, She Wrote is a lesson for demons and murderers alike: Never mess with a librarian.
Welcome to the Village of Winesap
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner is a light, fun, cozy read that is mostly murder mystery while lacking in the actual hunting of demons.
What could be better than a Golden Girls-esque librarian with a name like Pinkwhistle solving village murders? That same librarian having to appease and defeat a Sherlock/Agatha Christie/Poirot-loving demon to escape a cycle of death for the good of her small town. Oh, and she has an orange tabby who is possessed by Lord Thomas Cromwell and likes tea.
Should I bring anything tomorrow to the demon-hunting society meeting? Do we need… garlic? Stakes? Ingredients for mimosas? Are we doing brunch, or just coffee?
A Heaping Helping of Cozy with a Heavy Drizzle of Camp
This story gives off the coziest of cozy vibes – but with murder! The language Waggoner uses wraps you up in the fluffiest grandma sweater you have with a cup of tea and then slides in those intrusive thoughts about how awkward it would be if what you were thinking actually came out of your mouth during a murder investigation. The stakes are surprisingly high for how campy the plot feels. While the demon plot device feels shoe-horned, the murders that surround the main character Sherry are very real. It’s not as action-packed as a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode, but it definitely exhibits some of the more quirky storytelling.
Pacing Problems & Genre Soup
I laughed out loud at some of Waggoner’s characterizations, dialog, and scenes. However, I think that the story could have been a little bit tighter. There were many parts that felt repetitive. Some scenes overstayed their welcome for the sake of getting in a few more clever quips or to over explain a point of interest. I felt like I was getting bogged down in the story even when the plot kept moving.
I also think that the story suffered from trying to be too many things. Is it a murder mystery? Yes. Is it a supernatural thriller/horror? Kinda? Is it a cozy-core urban found-family adventure? Also, kinda yes? Is there romance? Yes-ish? Overall, there was a lot going on and for the most part it made for a fun ride. Some of the side characters suffered from lack of depth, and the bonds of the so-called “Demon Hunting Society” came off as artificial. If there’s a sequel, I’d be interested in how this group stays together, if they do at all.
The Final Verdict: Recommended
Was there enough demon-hunting to deserve a title reference? Not in my opinion. Was this a fun story with lovable quirky characters to curl up and read in your favorite comfy chair with a big fluffy blanket? Absolutely. If you are a fan of granny-fic, the librarian aesthetic, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, or – and this may seem like an odd fit – Harry Dresden or even Sam and Dean Winchester … if you’re in that kind of weird cross-section of fandoms (which I am), then give this story a try. I’m hoping there’s more to come for Sherry Pinkwhistle and her friends.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for a digital review copy of The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner in exchange for my honest opinion.
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