Scan barcode
A review by confessions_of_a_bookaholic
The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
4.0
It's 1880 and Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St Claire have opened a tea shop, specialising in cures, palmistry and potions. When Beatrice Dunn arrives seeking employment the women take her in and begin training her. All is going well until it becomes evident that Beatrice is able to talk to spirits, and whilst the witches debate how best to hone her talents Beatrice disappears. Unsure whether this is by choice or by force, Eleanor and Adelaide must confront their pasts in order to find Beatrice before she comes to harm.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.