Synopsis

Newly-minted child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field where the first people called are experts, she’s been unable to get her feet wet. Instead she aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain, and anxiously contemplating her upcoming marriage to careful, precise researcher Oscar. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. And he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is a thirteen year old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. The town of Banathel has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world. They believe there are ways of…dealing with it. And they don’t expect outsiders to understand.

As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show. Mina is desperate to understand how deep their sinister traditions go–and how her own past may be the biggest threat of all.

Review

Trigger warnings: Implied SA, violence/gore

Edge of your seat, screaming at your kindle kind of fear!

This book was SO GOOD I’m still reeling. The main character, Mina, is relatable and you are immediately sympathetic to her cause. I loved Alice. Sam could’ve used a little more character development, but honestly, it wasn’t his story.

This is a story of women, girls, and the horrors they face…. sometimes what we suspect to be supernatural, might just be the worst of humankind…or is it?

You will be left with unanswered questions, and it’s so worth it!

Thank you to NetGalley , St. Martins Press and MinotaurBooks for this advance review copy.