megtheereader 's review for:

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke

4.0

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

---

The Book of Witching is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a hauntingly atmospheric Scottish landscape, the novel follows three interconnected women who are linked by a mysterious and ancient book with witchcraft ties.

CJ Cooke's writing is beautifully descriptive, immersing you in a world of eerie charm and unsettling tension. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, slowly unfolding layers of mystery, while building the emotional depth of its characters. The women at the story’s core are complex, and Cooke masterfully weaves their personal struggles with the unfolding of the darker, supernatural events surrounding them.

One of the strengths of *The Book of Witching* is its strong sense of place. The Scottish setting is rich with folklore and history, which adds a sense of authenticity to the witchcraft themes and enhances the story’s atmospheric tension. The historical elements, particularly those surrounding witch trials, are explored with depth, making the novel both thought-provoking and chilling.

While the novel is gripping, there are moments where the plot feels a bit predictable, and some secondary characters could have been more developed. The resolution, though satisfying, could have benefited from a little more ambiguity to leave the reader with more lingering questions.

Overall, *The Book of Witching* is an engaging and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries with a supernatural twist. Cooke has created a compelling narrative that blends the past and present seamlessly, and it’s a book that’s difficult to put down once you’ve started. It’s a solid, enjoyable read!