The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Thea Winter is a human changeling who was stolen from the mortal world at birth raised in the fae wildlands, shaped by both mortal origins and a lifetime among magical beings. She is independent, impulsive, and has a strong desire to protect the wild fae, which often places her at odds with the Winter Court. After Thea is forced into a political marriage meant to serve the interests of the Winter Court, only for the intended spouse and the Summer delegation to disappear. She is sent into the wilderness with Kerboros, the Winter Court’s hunter, to locate the missing party and avoid punishment from those in power.

Kerboros is Thea’s opposite, he thrives on restraint, duty, and is driven by the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion. Together, they fit a grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic, with Thea bringing warmth and chaos while Kerboros carries trauma, loyalty, and hidden vulnerability. Their journey moves through fae politics, magical dangers, folklore-inspired settings, and encounters with other creatures, while also building the foundation for a forbidden romance complicated by obligation, court expectations, and Thea’s unresolved marriage.

This was a cozy fantasy romance with an imaginative fae world, a clear magical atmosphere, and a central pairing that had the right ingredients for an appealing opposites-attract story. I appreciated the folklore elements and the way the book tried to balance whimsy with darker court politics, but the romance did not fully work for me. While there were charming pieces throughout, I wanted more depth from the romantic progression and a stronger connection to the characters that the first-person narrative failed to give me. So, while it wasn’t a hit for me, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: Barker & Llewelyn #17
Publication Date: 8/18/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 312

It was a pleasure to sit down and listen to Anthony Ferguson’s smooth, mellifluous delivery of Will Thomas’ latest Barker & Llewelyn novel. The pacing was just right, and the distinct voices he gives each character felt almost like old friends saying, “Welcome back!”

If you’ve followed the series, you’ll know that Cyrus Barker’s missionary parents moved the family to China when he was very young. Through a tragic set of circumstances, Barker finds himself orphaned, alone, and fending for himself in China. Because of his background, Chinese characters, history, and events have been woven into many of the books in this series. This story was particularly interesting to me because it features a very young Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and incorporates a fictionalized account of some of his real-life events. He isn’t the entire focus of the story, but he is a major part of it, and I loved that aspect of the book.

I would categorize this book as more of an action/adventure than a traditional mystery because we know who the bad guys are from the very beginning. What we don’t know is how Barker and Llewelyn will outsmart them and save Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, along with several of Barker’s good friends and associates who escaped from China with him. They all have something else in common: the Chinese government has placed a sizable bounty on their heads. And yes, I mean literally—their heads!

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It is fast-paced and features some of the deadliest villains Barker and Llewelyn have faced. They not only have to contend with the brutish and deadly Chinese Imperial guards, but also a cunning and dangerous villain—or two—from a previous book. And imagine their shock when a dead man shows up at one of their favorite restaurants…with Prince Albert!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with strong, compelling characters, plenty of action, and a mystery that keeps Barker and Llewelyn constantly on their toes. Anthony Ferguson’s narration makes this an especially enjoyable listen.

I voluntarily read/listened to an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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