by Hester Fox
Genres: Historical Fiction, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
“It was the Bishop boy who started it all…”
Boston, 1811: The Salem Witch Trials are over one hundred years in the past, and America is a changed place. Lydia Montrose is a young girl, enraged by the cruel boy who torments her. When she confronts him in the street, she draws a disbelieving crowd, and she cannot quite remember what she’s done.
Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.
New Oldbury, 1821
In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.
The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.
All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…
I was drawn to The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox with its mention of Salem Witches and offer of an atmospheric tale. There are strange happens within Willow Hall and methinks magic is afoot.
“Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.”
Caffeinated Reasons to Grab The Witch of Willow Hall
- The tale Hester Fox weaves is dark and atmospheric with unrestful spirits, jealous spiteful sisters and denial that may be their undoing. The Montrose family is not new to scandal and Mr. Montrose has become a successful businessman until a scandal involving Catherine forces the family to flee the city.
- When they leave Boston and move to Willow Hall the country air brings more troubles. The slamming of doors, floating entities and voices that only Lydia and sometimes Emeline can hear.
- Told in first-person, present-tense by Lydia herself. While I know not everyone likes this POV, I felt it worked brilliantly as the story unfolded. Fox slowly reveals what really happened in Boston and the consequences that are still unfolding. It hooked me, disturbed me and before I knew it, the story held me spellbound.
- There is a subtle romance weaved into the story and it added suspense and uncertainty. It was a nice blend of supernatural and historical romance with walkabouts, and subtle glances.
- Lydia is a witch, only her mother has kept it from her, denying her access to a family journal that is passed down to those with the gift. Despite this and because of this strange things occur with unexpected consequences. That is until someone crosses the veil to warn her.
- I liked Lydia, but wanted her to stand up to Catherine who is an unholy terror wrapped in a pretty package. Emeline was adorable until she wasn’t. Their father was present, yet absent and their mother suffers from melancholy and perhaps denial over the scandal and wrongness of it all.
- While you might not like the characters, you will become caught up in their story and form strong opinions of them all.
- If you love Gothic, atmospheric tales that cause you to look over your shoulder, The Witch of Willow Hall will delight you. Fox does a delightful job of building the suspense, adding twists and shocking us with unimaginable reveals.
A stunning debut novel, The Witch of Willow Hall and its characters will stay with you long after you have closed the book. This would make a fantastic book club selection.
I was drawn to The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox with its mention of Salem Witches and promises of an atmospheric tale. There are strange happens within Willow Hall and methinks magic is afoot. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Melliane
Oh yes I saw this one on another blog too! It looks perfect for this month.
Kimberly
Agreed October has all the atmosphere for this one!
Kimberly @ Book Swoon
This had such great atmosphere!! Perfect October read! I’m glad you enjoyed it too. 🙂
Kimberly
Agreed this is a good fall read 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I think I just saw this on Ali’s blog. I really like the cover. Thanks for the even and detailed review, Kimba!
Kimberly
You did. She reviewed it on Monday 🙂
Dani Eide
Great review Kimberly! Love books about witches. Grrr hate it when things are kept from the MC because it’s for their own good. Beautiful cover, can’t wait to rea$ it. ❤️❤️
Kimberly
Happy reading!
Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
This is a book I’ve wondered about, Kimberly. It sounds pretty good–especially for October! Great review!
Kimberly
Yes, this is perfect for this time of year Jan.
Anne
This is not my usual kind of thing but it sounds perfect for October and Halloween. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
You know me, I love to mix it up and yes perfect for October.
Laura Thomas
Everything about this book calls out to me. And that cover!!! Wow! I have this on my reading list so I just skimmed through your review. Can’t wait to get started with it now.
Kimberly
Happy reading Laura!
Debbie Haupt
I just saw this advertised yesterday and after reading your review its going on my short list, which is still pretty long LOL 🙂 Thanks Kim
Kimberly
Enjoy!
Katheirne @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I love a Gothic-y read this time of year and that cover is gorgeous! Even if I don’t like the characters it sounds like the plot will pull me in enough to keep me going.
Kimberly
Some are really unlikable and others you just want to have more backbone, but this was a good one!
Lorna
Sounds pretty interesting Kimberly. This might be a maybe for my wish list. Thanks!
Kimberly
Happy to hear it. Thanks Lorna.
Stormi Johnson
Sounds like an interesting one! 🙂
Kimberly
It was. Sometimes different is just what I need 🙂
Sophia Rose
‘Gothic’, ‘atmospheric’. Say no more. 🙂
Kimberly
LOL, yes I rather imagine this is right up your alley.
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Ooh, this one sounds a little chilling. I do love atmospheric tales and I don’t always have to like all the characters in a story. I even think my younger daughter would enjoy this one since she’s fascinated with the Salem witch trials. Thanks for adding another book to my already bulging tbr, Kimberly. 😉
Kimberly
I agree with this type of book it isn’t necessary to love the characters.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I have been curious about this one. I do love a good witch story so I will keep this one in mind.
Kimberly
It was different Carole and brought along some unexpected surprises.
Stefanie
OOH! This sounds so good. I’ve always been fascinated by the Salem Witch trials and I love witches.
Kimberly
Same. Have a lovely evening Stefanie.
Melliane
that’s some points that would have attracted me as well there!
Kimberly
Glad to hear that Melliane!
ShootingStarsMag
I do find books about the Salem Witch trials to be fascinating. Sorry to hear not all of the characters are terribly likeable, but sometimes that works!
-Lauren
Kimberly
Yes, it helped with the gothic and atmospheric vibe
Daniela Ark
oh I’m working on organizing my TBR for the last quarter of the year and this is one book I was agonizing over! I was imagining JUST as you describe it. That just make my agony worse though LOL I’m so craving Gothic and atmospheric! OMG I need a timeless parallel universe to read all the books!
Kimberly
Yes or a time-watch like Hermione!
Nick
I’ve been curious about this one ever since I saw the cover. Now, I know what to expect from it. It sounds like a strong debut and though the characters do sound like they take some time to get used to, I like the sound of everything else!
Kimberly
They were an odd family and at least the heroine’s actions were explained.
Nadene
Sslem witches, now I am intrigued.
Kimberly
Right. I am always curious about that time period.
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts
OMG I saw this one around (for the blog tour at least, but I didn’t sign up since I’m knee deep in other books right now rip me) and was completely drawn by the mention of Salem witches. I’m really glad you enjoyed this one, Kimberly! Maybe I should have signed up for the blog tour after all because The Witch of Willow Hall doesn’t sound like it would disappoint.
Kimberly
It was atmospheric and surprised me.