Diana Bishop is the last in a long line of witches. The daughter of a powerful witch and wizard who died when she was young, she has always resisted her power, preferring instead to live a human life. After becoming an historian, she is doing research when she calls up an old book, Ashmole 782. Immediately, she knows it is bewitched. After a cursory review, she sends it back to the stacks, wanting nothing more to do with it. Unfortunately, other witches are interested - as are Deamons and Vampires. One such Vampire is Matthew, who is very old, very charming and (not surprisingly) very good looking. Despite knowing that it is dangerous, Diana starts spending time with Matthew. As she does, her magic starts to assert itself. Together, they start to try and find out why and the secrets of Ashmole 782. At the same time, they need to protect Diana from the other creatures who all seem to want to get to her and her power. 
 A Discovery of Witches is an enjoyable story but - unfortunately - somewhat predicatable. I felt I knew what was coming next almost from page one. The weak female protagonist who discovers she isn't so helpless after all, the mean, moody, broody vampire who has a heart. The fact that they fall in love despite the danger. An assortment of other non-human characters that aren't completely formed. As a fan of this genre of fiction, I had hoped for something more and just didn't get it. However, for those who don't read quite as many books involving vampires - or have missed the Twilight Saga, it is an good read.