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A review by helenhume
The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
5.0
Some witches hide in the shadows. Others read tarot on TikTok. The Book of Witching masterfully bridges the gap between centuries of persecution and modern-day mysticism in a haunting, unforgettable tale.
I was first drawn to this book by its beautiful, vivid red cover. Before even reading the synopsis, I looked it up on Goodreads; the first genre listed was horror, and that was all I needed to add it immediately to my TBR. Despite being a relatively new release (October 2024), I was lucky enough to find it on BorrowBox as an audiobook from my library.
The story gripped me from the very beginning, and only four hours in, I knew it had five-star energy.
A dual-timeline novel blending historical fiction and gothic horror, The Book of Witching follows Alison, a healer in 1500s Scotland accused of witchcraft, and Clem, a modern-day woman searching for answers after her daughter’s arrest. The contrast between these timelines is brilliantly executed—the shift from TikTok tarot readings and modern paganism to the brutal reality of medieval spells, potions, and persecution adds incredible depth to the story.
Cooke’s writing is vivid and immersive without ever feeling excessive. It’s easy to picture the world she creates: the rhythmic beeps of the ICU machines, the damp chill of Alison’s dungeon cell, the dramatic expanse of the Scottish Highlands. The atmosphere is gothic and foreboding, infused with folklore elements that heighten the tension throughout. The pacing felt spot on—never lingering too long, never rushing past key moments.
The themes in this book hit hard. The oppression of women in post-medieval society is writhe throughout the novel, and as Alison is tortured and imprisoned, you feel pure rage on her behalf. At its core, this is a story about a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to—both through Alison’s suffering and eventual execution, and Clem’s desperate search to prove her daughter’s innocence. There's also a powerful exploration of a child's search for acceptance and belonging, seen primarily through Erin and, later, through Alison’s son, Edward.
The horror elements are outstandingly written—disturbing without being overwhelming. Alison’s torture is brutal, from the shaving of her hair to the cruel, inescapable fate that awaits her. Erin’s story carries its own chilling moment: her eyes being sewn shut, an act of protection and restoration by medical staff that nonetheless feels deeply unsettling. While I initially added this to my TBR because of its horror label, I quickly realised it wasn’t just a horror novel—it’s a masterful blend of gothic fiction, historical drama, and supernatural mystery. Even if horror isn’t your go-to genre, this book is still absolutely worth reading.
Alison, Clem, Erin, and Nyx were my standout characters, but I also really enjoyed the redemption arc of Erin’s father, Quinn.
There are small details I could nitpick, but in the grand scheme of things, they pale in comparison to the sheer impact of this book. A solid five-star read that has stayed with me long after finishing
I was first drawn to this book by its beautiful, vivid red cover. Before even reading the synopsis, I looked it up on Goodreads; the first genre listed was horror, and that was all I needed to add it immediately to my TBR. Despite being a relatively new release (October 2024), I was lucky enough to find it on BorrowBox as an audiobook from my library.
The story gripped me from the very beginning, and only four hours in, I knew it had five-star energy.
A dual-timeline novel blending historical fiction and gothic horror, The Book of Witching follows Alison, a healer in 1500s Scotland accused of witchcraft, and Clem, a modern-day woman searching for answers after her daughter’s arrest. The contrast between these timelines is brilliantly executed—the shift from TikTok tarot readings and modern paganism to the brutal reality of medieval spells, potions, and persecution adds incredible depth to the story.
Cooke’s writing is vivid and immersive without ever feeling excessive. It’s easy to picture the world she creates: the rhythmic beeps of the ICU machines, the damp chill of Alison’s dungeon cell, the dramatic expanse of the Scottish Highlands. The atmosphere is gothic and foreboding, infused with folklore elements that heighten the tension throughout. The pacing felt spot on—never lingering too long, never rushing past key moments.
The themes in this book hit hard. The oppression of women in post-medieval society is writhe throughout the novel, and as Alison is tortured and imprisoned, you feel pure rage on her behalf. At its core, this is a story about a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to—both through Alison’s suffering and eventual execution, and Clem’s desperate search to prove her daughter’s innocence. There's also a powerful exploration of a child's search for acceptance and belonging, seen primarily through Erin and, later, through Alison’s son, Edward.
The horror elements are outstandingly written—disturbing without being overwhelming. Alison’s torture is brutal, from the shaving of her hair to the cruel, inescapable fate that awaits her. Erin’s story carries its own chilling moment: her eyes being sewn shut, an act of protection and restoration by medical staff that nonetheless feels deeply unsettling. While I initially added this to my TBR because of its horror label, I quickly realised it wasn’t just a horror novel—it’s a masterful blend of gothic fiction, historical drama, and supernatural mystery. Even if horror isn’t your go-to genre, this book is still absolutely worth reading.
Alison, Clem, Erin, and Nyx were my standout characters, but I also really enjoyed the redemption arc of Erin’s father, Quinn.
There are small details I could nitpick, but in the grand scheme of things, they pale in comparison to the sheer impact of this book. A solid five-star read that has stayed with me long after finishing