0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image

    Witches of Questionable Intent

    Part of Books of Dubious Origin

    Author Jenn McKinlay
    Audiobook Download
    Audio | Penguin Audio
    On sale Nov 10, 2026 | 11 Hours and 0 Minutes | 9798217353897
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    A librarian witch must use her bookish knowledge to track down a dangerous, magical tome, in this enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

    Thanks to her training as a librarian and her newfound magical abilities, Zoe Ziakas thinks she has a handle on her job at the Museum of Literature safeguarding the secret collection of enchanted tomes known as the Books of Dubious Origin. But when Jasper Griffin—the colleague she’s been crushing on—reports that their most volatile acquisition, The Book of Shadows, has been stolen, Zoe’s carefully cataloged world unravels.

    This isn’t just any magical text. It carries unquestionable power, twisting truth into illusion and turning allies into enemies. Once its power is unleashed, no one can trust what they see or who they are.

    To track down the book, Zoe, Jasper, and the rest of the BODO team plunge into a perilous hunt that takes them from shadowy midnight markets to demon-infested streets, all while wrangling an unpredictable hellhound puppy. But when the thief begins to invoke the book’s darkest spells, Zoe faces an impossible challenge: How does she stop a curse that can rewrite reality itself?

    If she can’t separate fact from fiction, the story won’t just end—it will be erased.
    © Photo by Hailey Gilman
    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 books, pets, and her husband’s guitars. View titles by Jenn McKinlay
    "A delightful treasure! With a wonderful cast of characters, a fabulous spellbook, and a library you'll want to live in ... Such a fun and fantastic read!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop, on Witches of Dubious Origin

    Praise for Witches of Dubious Origin

    "This book is perfect for everyone who loves libraries and magic as well as comfort, adventure, and romance. I wish every library had a special collection of Books of Dubious Origin, along with a rooftop garden where a witch is cultivating poisons. These characters—including the books, they're characters too—are tremendously entertaining, and I'm looking forward to many more shenanigans with Zoe, Jasper, Miles, Tariq, and Olive!"—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles

    "With an irresistible found family, tons of magic and a dash of romance, this book is a rollicking, delightful adventure from start to finish."—Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Haunted Ever After

    “McKinlay has conjured a world so rich in bookish charm and magical oddities, readers will never want to leave. I loved it! Now, seriously, how do I get a job in the Books of Dubious Origin department?”—Auralee Wallace, national bestselling author of In the Company of Witches

    "    The perfect story for readers who’ve always dreamed of stepping into a world where books take on a life of their own and enchantment is waiting with every turn of the page. As a librarian with a passion for the written word, Zoe is the perfect witchy heroine, and following her as she comes into her power is nothing short of an absolute delight. Brimming over with magic, mystery, and just the right dash of romance, Witches of Dubious Origin is a must-read for fall!"—Stacy Sivinski, nationally bestselling author of The Crescent Moon Tearoom

    "[A] smart, fast paced novel... This is the kind of escapist reading that keeps a reader reading."—The Colorado Sun

    “Jenn McKinlay writes a spellbinding (no pun intended) novel that takes the reader on a highly imaginative adventure with fascinating characters and creative challenges for a group of folks with differing magical abilities. A thrilling read to be sure.”—Fresh Fiction

    “Deftly matching an ingeniously inventive plot with an engagingly quirky cast of characters, including an adorable bookish feline, and adding a hint of flirtatious romance as well as her signature snappy wit, McKinlay casts a spell readers will find impossible to resist.”—Booklist (starred review)

    "McKinlay’s magically delicious contemporary cozy fantasy... will appeal to fans of the TV show The Librarians, as well as anyone who loves stories that combine witchcraft, mystery, and romance with compelling quests and fascinating adventures."—Library Journal (starred review)

    About

    A librarian witch must use her bookish knowledge to track down a dangerous, magical tome, in this enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

    Thanks to her training as a librarian and her newfound magical abilities, Zoe Ziakas thinks she has a handle on her job at the Museum of Literature safeguarding the secret collection of enchanted tomes known as the Books of Dubious Origin. But when Jasper Griffin—the colleague she’s been crushing on—reports that their most volatile acquisition, The Book of Shadows, has been stolen, Zoe’s carefully cataloged world unravels.

    This isn’t just any magical text. It carries unquestionable power, twisting truth into illusion and turning allies into enemies. Once its power is unleashed, no one can trust what they see or who they are.

    To track down the book, Zoe, Jasper, and the rest of the BODO team plunge into a perilous hunt that takes them from shadowy midnight markets to demon-infested streets, all while wrangling an unpredictable hellhound puppy. But when the thief begins to invoke the book’s darkest spells, Zoe faces an impossible challenge: How does she stop a curse that can rewrite reality itself?

    If she can’t separate fact from fiction, the story won’t just end—it will be erased.

    Author

    © Photo by Hailey Gilman
    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 books, pets, and her husband’s guitars. View titles by Jenn McKinlay

    Praise

    "A delightful treasure! With a wonderful cast of characters, a fabulous spellbook, and a library you'll want to live in ... Such a fun and fantastic read!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop, on Witches of Dubious Origin

    Praise for Witches of Dubious Origin

    "This book is perfect for everyone who loves libraries and magic as well as comfort, adventure, and romance. I wish every library had a special collection of Books of Dubious Origin, along with a rooftop garden where a witch is cultivating poisons. These characters—including the books, they're characters too—are tremendously entertaining, and I'm looking forward to many more shenanigans with Zoe, Jasper, Miles, Tariq, and Olive!"—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles

    "With an irresistible found family, tons of magic and a dash of romance, this book is a rollicking, delightful adventure from start to finish."—Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Haunted Ever After

    “McKinlay has conjured a world so rich in bookish charm and magical oddities, readers will never want to leave. I loved it! Now, seriously, how do I get a job in the Books of Dubious Origin department?”—Auralee Wallace, national bestselling author of In the Company of Witches

    "    The perfect story for readers who’ve always dreamed of stepping into a world where books take on a life of their own and enchantment is waiting with every turn of the page. As a librarian with a passion for the written word, Zoe is the perfect witchy heroine, and following her as she comes into her power is nothing short of an absolute delight. Brimming over with magic, mystery, and just the right dash of romance, Witches of Dubious Origin is a must-read for fall!"—Stacy Sivinski, nationally bestselling author of The Crescent Moon Tearoom

    "[A] smart, fast paced novel... This is the kind of escapist reading that keeps a reader reading."—The Colorado Sun

    “Jenn McKinlay writes a spellbinding (no pun intended) novel that takes the reader on a highly imaginative adventure with fascinating characters and creative challenges for a group of folks with differing magical abilities. A thrilling read to be sure.”—Fresh Fiction

    “Deftly matching an ingeniously inventive plot with an engagingly quirky cast of characters, including an adorable bookish feline, and adding a hint of flirtatious romance as well as her signature snappy wit, McKinlay casts a spell readers will find impossible to resist.”—Booklist (starred review)

    "McKinlay’s magically delicious contemporary cozy fantasy... will appeal to fans of the TV show The Librarians, as well as anyone who loves stories that combine witchcraft, mystery, and romance with compelling quests and fascinating adventures."—Library Journal (starred review)

    Additional formats

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Subscribe

    Penguin Random House Higher Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)