Book Title: The Witch
Author: Freida McFadden
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 8256502711
Date Published: Oct. 6, 2026
Book Review
Freida McFadden’s psychological thriller “The Witch” alternates between two connected timelines set in Woodhaven, Massachusetts. In 1692, Caroline Eldridge finds herself targeted by a paranoia-stricken Puritan community after defending an old friend and refusing to yield to cruel town gossip. In the present day, Julia arrives at Pemberton, a vast ancestral estate where flickering lightbulbs, a grandfather clock that stops every night at 3:41, and strange noises hint at a lingering ghost. As Julia uncovers the house’s past, she realizes that historical legends and family secrets are closely tied together.
The book’s main appeal lies in its swift pacing and eerie atmosphere. McFadden blends colonial witch trial panic with modern spooky suspense, creating an easy-to-read mystery. By keeping the story clean of graphic violence or explicit scenes, the plot relies on psychological tension, spooky local folklore, and quick cliffhangers to maintain momentum. The dual narrative keeps readers curious about how the seventeenth-century trial aligns with modern events.
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However, the novel has some clear weaknesses. The plot leans heavily on soapy drama, over-the-top villains, and hard-to-believe twists. Highlights of absurdity include courtroom accusations involving bizarre monkey-rooster demons alongside extreme multi-generational identity thefts. Moreover, several main characters make unnatural decisions solely to keep the thriller mechanics moving forward, which weakens the emotional stakes and makes key twists feel artificial.
In short, “The Witch” is a breezy, fun mystery that offers an entertaining mix of Puritan paranoia and ghost stories. Even though its far-fetched revelations test the limits of logic, its fast chapters and lively story make it a light, enjoyable read for thrill-seekers.
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