Amy Tintera has a way with words that casted a spell upon me, weaving enchantments with every turn of the story. She has undoubtedly earned the title of a Word Witch in my grimoire of literary wonders.
Amy Tintera offers a captivating twist on the true crime genre, incorporating the popular podcast trope and casting a fascinating light on feminist themes. Departing from the typical narrative, Tintera casts women as the “villains” instead of men, disrupting traditional roles, expectations, and tropes with a magical flourish. Her entertaining prickly narrative crackles with energy, punctuated by sharp comebacks, and commentary with a hint of satire.
Years ago, whispers swirled through Lucy’s small town, accusing her of conjuring the demise of her best friend, Savvy. Yet Lucy’s memory remains as foggy as a misty cauldron. Now, drawn back to her hometown after years of exile, Lucy finds herself haunted by the shadows of her past as she unravels the threads of truth, as to what happened that fateful night. Tintera uniquely navigates the dual narrative of past and present, unraveling layers of secrets and lies with each twist and turn. Lucy’s quest for answers is further heightened by the investigation of a true crime podcast and its charismatic host, Ben Owens.
As the final pages come to a thrilling unique close and rewarding payoff, Amy Tintera sealed her fate as a word witch. With the flick of her pen, she deftly flips through those tired and predictable true crime podcast tropes, leaving behind a trail of magic and mystery long after the final page is turned.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Heather Gudenkauf has embraced the popular trend of the locked room mystery, but her latest novel takes a thrilling departure from the conventional trope. By intertwining the high-stakes drama of a reality show with a captivating mystery, she navigates the complex dynamics of a cast of characters competing for a jaw-dropping cash prize, each harboring their own secrets and motivations.
Much like Heather Gudenkauf’s other books, it’s the execution of suspense, that drives the pace, keeping me on the edge of my seat. What starts as a quest for the coveted cash prize soon morphs into a gripping battle for survival. With escalating tensions and long-held secrets, we are pulled further into a complex web of intrigue. The characters come to life, brimming with their own secrets, desires, and unwavering determination to triumph. As the plot unwinds, she unveils layers of deception, secrets, and concealed motives, delving deeper into a web of intrigue.
While the premise may verge on the extravagant and over the top, Heather Gudenkauf’s storytelling has undeniable entertainment value, making for a thrilling and satisfying read. The fusion of reality TV drama and compelling mystery elements creates a unique and exhilarating reading experience that had me eagerly turning pages until the final revelation.
I received a copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Murder Road is a road best avoided, especially when the moon hangs low and shadows dance with secrets. April and Eric unwittingly journey down this ominous path and stumble upon a young woman, isolated and injured. As they become stranded in a small town brimming with untold secrets, they realize that leaving may not be an option when they become suspects of foul play.
Simone St. James crafts a bewitching, tense, and eerie haunting ambiance that propelled me to eagerly turn the pages in anticipation of each ghostly encounter. Known for her captivating blending of mystery, atmosphere, and supernatural elements, she offers a fresh perspective on familiar plot devices, that adds an extra layer of allure to her storytelling, drawing me into a journey filled with suspense, and fascination.
BUT and I always have one: I felt slightly let down when the motivation was unveiled, and the unresolved conflict surrounding the ghost’s motives seemed unclear.
However, The character development is yet another spellbinding aspect of the story, with intricate personalities that are as flawed as resilient. The dynamics between the characters are well-crafted, unveiling their hidden secrets, which adds intricate layers to the narrative and enriches the dynamics of their relationships. My perception of one character underwent a fascinating transformation when their unexpected actions and motivations were revealed, adding an intriguing twist to the storyline.
Despite its flaws, Murder Road is a journey I enjoyed with its suspense, mystery, and supernatural allure that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish providing a thrilling ride.
A Witches Word Read
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Lisa Regan surprises and delights me yet again and continues to defy expectations, leaving me in awe once more. In a departure from her well-known “missing girl” trope, she delivers a thrilling locked-room mystery, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller, woven with themes of trauma, earning the title of a word witch.
Through the 18 books Detective Josie Quinn has experienced plenty of loss and Josie is taking some time to address the losses in her life as well as her childhood trauma. In the refreshing shift in focus takes Detective Josie Quinn to a hunting Lodge in the mountains used as a trauma retreat. However, once again, a dead body finds Josie, presenting her with another mystery to solve. This time, it’s not just about the dynamics between the characters that I love so much. Josie is on her own with a few suspects and must navigate the investigation without Noah and her team by her side.
Joined by a cast of characters, each harboring their own haunting scars, the retreat transforms into a gripping crime scene, where secrets are brought to light, intensifying the suspense. Lisa Regan intricately weaves together elements of suspense, psychological depth, and atmospheric tension, focusing on the intricate dynamics of the cast of characters, the unexpected twists and turns, and the enthralling journey of unraveling the truth and motives behind their presence at the retreat. The isolated and eerie setting of the retreat, added layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. Each startling revelation, had me captivated right up to the climactic and riveting conclusion. It’s one not to be missed!
Check out my post for all the books in the series here here
Alex Michaelides is a masterful wordsmith, skillfully wielding a pen dipped in mystery and intrigue. His writing, much like a well-crafted spell, intricately weaves plots that ensnare the reader’s mind while dancing around the realms of sanity, reality and mystery. Possessing a knack for spinning spellbinding narratives and conjuring characters that linger in the shadows, he makes each chapter feel like a potion of suspense, drawing readers into his bewitching tales.
The Fury
The Fury is a mesmerizing tale that masterfully interweaves mystery and psychology, skillfully blurring the boundaries between sanity and reality. Taking place on a secluded Greek island with a cast of seven, the narrative unravels in five acts, each chapter unfolding like a compelling scene in a dramatic production, with the characters taking on their roles with theatrical flair. The fury, a wild Greek wind, serves as a symbol of the intense emotions swirling through the story.
Amid a murder mystery on the island, Michaelides brings a fresh perspective to the locked room mystery trope. Our storyteller, Elliot Chase, adopts a conversational tone with a touch of messiness, delving into the web of jealousy, ambition, obsession, and infidelity surrounding the characters.
But
Elliot unfolds the characters’ backgrounds through flashbacks, easing tension and slowing the pace to a snail’s crawl. This approach, while momentarily agonizing, sets the stage for the upcoming juicy drama, which might have felt exaggerated if not for the backdrop of characters immersed in the entertainment industry.
However
Michaelides possesses a remarkable talent for catching readers off guard, skillfully orchestrating unexpected actions by his characters. These surprising twists, woven throughout the narrative, culminate in a satisfying payoff by the story’s conclusion.
The Silent Patient
In 2019, “The Silent Patient” garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussions. The publisher’s extensive promotional efforts played a pivotal role in propelling the book to soaring reviews and securing its place on numerous TBR (to be read) shelves. It was a popular one and a large Traveling Sister Group read, that captured our praise and inspiring lively discussions among us.
If you haven’t already delved into its pages, it’s a compelling read that should not be overlooked. For an unbiased experience, it’s advisable to avoid preconceived notions and refrain from perusing reviews on platforms like Goodreads. Embrace the unknown and immerse yourself in the author’s narrative without being influenced by external opinions.
The Maidens
While not as extensive as the promotional campaign for “The Silent Patient,” Alex Michaelides’s second novel, “The Maiden,” also generated significant hype. However, the book became the subject of scrutiny from reviewers who did not embrace the hype.
My review
I didn’t find The Maidens as exciting as The Silent Patient. Alex Michaelides left those twisty, shocking twists and turns I love to The Silent Patient and created a more emotional charge twist for our characters here. The Maidens is a stand-alone however, it has a clever tie-in to The Silent Patient. If you haven’t read it, you are in for a treat to read them back to back.
The Maidens is set at Cambridge University, where a secret society of female students called the “Maidens” are murdered. Group therapist Mariana returns to the campus to support her niece, and the story centers around Mariana’s obsession with proving professor Edward Fosca is the killer.
I was drawn in by the first few chapters of “The Maidens” that focus on Mariana’s grief and her work as a group therapist. I found the psychological side of the group dynamics and Greek mythology the most interesting part of the story. A lot of time was spent on Mariana trying to convince everyone who the killer is and them dismissing her. This slow down the story for me and I would like more time spent delving into the group dynamics. The suspense is light and the danger was not as tense as I usually like but Alex Michaelides manages to create a compelling and engaging story that had me turning the pages as fast as I could. There are plenty of red herrings to guess from and keep you distracted and maybe a bit too many as Alex Michaelides delves more into the psyche side of the characters with that a final twist that I almost missed. I enjoyed how we see into the emotional side to the characters with that final twist rather than a shocking plot twist. I look forward to seeing what is next because I have a feeling it will tie into the ending here.
In 2023, a mesmerizing “Witch-lit” trend bewitched the book world far and wide, captivating me and my fellow witches in our group. Within the cauldron of women’s fiction, darker narratives brewed, resonating with the echoes of misogyny throughout history. Women’s voices rang loud and clear, challenging societal norms and reclaiming their narratives. The label “witch” was embraced and transformed into a symbol of resilience, defiance, and unwavering determination. Reminding us of women’s strength, casting a spell of empowerment.
So witch books captivated and resonated with me in 2023
Weyward by Emilia Hart
I can’t talk about Witch Lit without discussing Weyward by Emilia Hart. It is one of the most talked about Witch-Lit in 2023.
Emilia Hart draws inspiration from the harrowing tapestry of the Pendle Witch Trials, an ominous chapter in Lancaster, England, dating back to 1612.
Emilia Hart skillfully weaves a tale that transcends time by using history as a reflective tool, holding a mirror up to the present to explore the persistence of misogyny in today’s society. Through her exploration, she illuminates the enduring magic in reclaiming the title of “witch” from the past’s shadows, showcasing women’s resilience and the power within the feminine spirit.
The beautiful storytelling and mystical bond between characters and nature not only captivated me but also illuminated the power of embracing our true selves, revealing the magic within each of us and reminding me that there is a little witch in all of us.
The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey ~ A Witches Words buddy read.
The Burnings delves into the historical events of early 1590s Scotland, skillfully weaving in factual details about King James VI of Scotland and I of England. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the monarch’s fears of witchcraft, elements that played a pivotal role in the North Berwick witch trials during his reign. Naomi Kelsey sheds light on the darker threads of history, exposing how accusations of witchcraft were often wielded out of fear and as tools to control women. The novel vividly dramatizes the trials, showcasing the execution of numerous individuals accused of practicing witchcraft and conspiring against the king. The story unfolds with the trials and executions, capturing the public events and diving into the characters’ personal lives. We see how accusations of witchcraft were used as a tool to control women’s lives, impacting their relationships and individual freedom.
It’s not as easy to read, and my emotions were flying high as Naomi Kelsey paints a chilling and horrifying picture of the terror the women must have felt while waiting for their fate. However, I couldn’t look away as Naomi Kelsey’s meticulous research brings authenticity to this chilling narrative, bridging the gap between historical facts and the emotional turmoil of those accused.
The Familiars by Stacey Halls ~ A Witches Words buddy read
Stacey Halls draws inspiration from the Pendle Witch Trials 1612, basing her characters on real-life individuals. She skillfully explores women’s roles and the consequences of defiance, turning the novel into more than just a historical tale but a powerful reflection on societal expectations and power dynamics of the time. Themes of marriage, the pressures of motherhood, and the societal roles imposed on women during that period resonate with contemporary issues, echoing the challenges women face today through the character of seventeen-year-old Fleetwood. The narrative also sheds light on the disproportionate targeting of women during the witch hunts, as seen through Alice’s ordeal as she is accused of witchcraft.
At the story’s core lies the relationship and trust between Fleetwood and Alice, delving into the themes of trust, hope, and faith in the power of female bonds.
Stacey Halls introduces an enchanting blend of drama and magic realism, pushing the boundaries of believability while vividly bringing to life the tension and superstitions of the era. As Fleetwood unravels the secrets entwining her fate with that of her midwife, Alice Gray, the plot unfolds with captivating twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Stacey Halls not only revisits a pivotal historical event but also offers a timeless commentary on the resilience and complexity of women’s lives.
Witch Words 