Book review of The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society

At first, C.M. Waggoner’s third novel appears to be quite the departure from the author’s previous fantasy narratives (Unnatural Magic and The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry). Waggoner quickly immerses readers in the humdrum, day-to-day life of librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle, who resides in a quiet hamlet in upstate New York. The only out of the ordinary detail about Ms. Pinkwhistle is that she loves to solve a good murder mystery—not only those in the books she protects and enjoys at work, but also the real-life, grisly deaths in the otherwise sleepy little town of Winesap. Typically, Sherry, a quiet older lady with an uncanny memory and knack for detailed observations, solves these murders and assists the local sheriff from behind the scenes, a la Hercule Poirot. But when a string of local murders hits a little too close to home, Sherry realizes that she can no longer remain an unattached bystander. A demon, or several, might be at the heart of these ever-increasing deaths, and Sherry will need the help of her skeptical friends and her possibly-possessed cat to root out the evil in Winesap. 

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society is a stunning blend of genres, a dark supernatural adventure masquerading as a cozy mystery—and by the time readers realize this, they, like Sherry, are too deeply entrenched in the case to let it go. Previously, Sherry loved piecing evidence and testimonies together, identifying the murderer and moving on with her life. However, Winesap’s resident demon doesn’t seem to want that tried-and-true plotline to play out this time: Sherry soon finds herself unable to recall key facts or cross the borders of town. Thus, she forms a demon-hunting society with her closest confidants, a motley crew composed of such lively characters as the young parish priest, Father Barry; cosmopolitan Manhattan-transplant Charlotte; and Sherry’s quirky counselor friend, Janine. The plan is to work on the case at hand, while clandestinely unearthing a way to exorcize the demon from Winesap forever. 

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society reminds readers that there is possibility for the mystical and supernatural even in the most mundane surroundings. Waggoner infuses the pages with darkly humorous scenes and snappy dialogue, as well as unexpected magical touches that hearken back to the author’s previous fantasy novels, a combination that’s perfect for fans of horror tropes as well as lovers of mystery. Sherry Pinkwhistle is a sleuth to be reckoned with, and beneath her frumpy and soft exterior lies a pleasant surprise: a clever, determined heroine who will stop at nothing to protect the place she calls home and the people who live there.