Under the Hat

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #2

by Sara Bourgeois

Blythe Fairfield chose to stay in Cauldron Hollow. She's not sure the town has chosen her back.

Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn't do.

Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man's unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can't leave it for the police. She can't destroy it. And she definitely can't stop thinking about what's inside.

Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2026

About the author

Sara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)

Reviews

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Blythe is getting used to her new magical normal, but it doesn’t pay the bills, which is why she ends up working at the local grocery store (and definitely one of the town’s gossip hubs- a useful thing).
It’s that new job which leads her to discover her second body since arriving in town, and causes her to cross paths with Paine, the sheriff whose bad books she accidentally put herself in.
There are magical connections in this murder case too, and it’s not long before Blythe finds herself making connections and cataloguing things again… and unintentionally investigating.

This is the second book in the series, and even as Blythe begins to unravel some knowledge about magic and the town she now lives in, she finds even more mysteries about her family history, and the people in town.
The book is written, as another reviewer said, in a kind of lyrical style that is almost poetic. It reflects those changes that Blythe finds herself undergoing, and the magical nature of what she is learning. It adds another layer to the story, one of mystique, which is a clever way of setting the tone of the tale.
This is an engaging read, with a snarky cat familiar, plenty of magic, and new friendships. There are hints of a potential relationship, and plenty of intriguing characters around town.
If you enjoy paranormal mysteries (slightly cosy), urban fantasy with a mystery attached, or small town fantasy stories, then this is a series you will enjoy.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just terrific. Great storytelling.

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed Under The Hat more than the first story. The author is really defining her characters and the unique universe of Calderon Hollow here so we get a real sense of the nature of the town, and the magical strength of the powers of the families who live there.

Blythe Fairfield has made her choice to live in the house, accepting the magic and learn her role, whatever it may be. But the unstable Veil and shifting perspectives of the townspeople make it hard for Blythe to get a better sense of them and her new community.

I really liked how the different relationships are evolving here, between Blythe and the magical family on the other side of the ancient power feud, and even more so, between her and the Sheriff who “knows” instinctively that there’s something about her and the town that he can’t see or be involved with but also realizing it’s no less true.

The details, the history behind the old feud, the darker aspects of the town, it’s slowly getting revealed.

And it all gives depth to her and the series.

Just terrific. Great storytelling.

Highly recommended. Love the author.

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)
If the Hat Fits #1
Under The Hat #2
Hat Out of Spell #3
Hat Trick #4

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a cadence in this story, one easily missed, that made the story better. It was almost like reading and speaking a spell out loud. This series and especially this book, is outstanding for me. I almost feel like a male witch learning spells for the first time and feeling the importance of it in my center. Or it could be an old man's imagination running wild, take your pick. I KNOW what you picked. The characters in this story are imminently vivid. The plot is easily followed, and the premise is, as it has been from the very beginning, a human realizing they are really a witch, and trying to learn and grow with the knowledge, she is the new caretaker after generations of her newly discovered family. She is challenged, she finds a dead person, and she is betrayed, but she also has a very powerful ally in her cat familiar, Pip and still makes it through and learns. I most definitely, highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodish

Spent a lot of time frustrated with the main character. I get that she came to this town with zero magic knowledge and inherited preexisting enemies, but at some point she needs to quit being intentionally stupid.

As for Paine he needs his own series. Perhaps a half shapeshifter/witch comes to town to consult with the plant lady. Recognizes Paine’s magical talent and hires him for his town. Once there Paine gets the training he needs, instead of lied to.

[Susan Chakerian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another homerun for Sara Bourgeois

I love this series and her other one too. If you start a Sara Bourgeois series you should be excited! We're talking excellent writing , adventure and interesting dialogue. Her unique style is capable of gathering you in like a warm hug. Read all her books!

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

Blythe is coming in to her witchy ways. This was a good story, and although you could tell she was heading in to a bad relationship, the reason at the end was a surprise. I like Paine. Quiet and dependable

[Katherine J. Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book of the series

This story was as good as the first one. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded. It's uncomplicated but intriguing. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.

[Janet Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really like this series. Good characters good mystery and of course who doesn’t love a taking cat like Pippen.

[AnnaMarie Endara · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series to read

The entire series so far is awesome to read. It keeps my interest and is so exciting and unexpected. Love this series