Fast-paced, captivating, enraging, it will surely keep you reading deep into the night.

🖤 witchcraft
📖 thriller
🖤 historical
📖 mystery

The story is split between the terrifying past in 1594 when Alison is unfairly accused of witchcraft and the mind-boggling present in 2024 when Erin is a victim of a burning accident while on a trip with friends.
The chapters about the past are incredibly rage-inducing and the present is as horrifying as it is confusing… you cannot put the book down at all because these women’s stories are so addictive. One thing that ties both stories is The Book of Witching, a book made of darkness and fears.

“Not long after the earth's violent and fiery birth, a book came into existence. With a binding made from the bark of the first tree, and with pages black as moonless night, this book held the secrets of dark magic practised by the earth's inhabitants. Whispered tales claimed the book was crafted not by human hands, but by spirits of darkness. It was called the Book of Witching.'”

When I started this book I did not know it was inspired by real people and I enjoyed it very much as a piece of fiction, but finding out its origin brought a deeper meaning to the whole story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes books about historical witchcraft, thrillers, and stories about women.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

C.J. Cooke’s The Book of Witching is a haunting, atmospheric blend of historical fiction, psychological suspense, and supernatural mystery. Set across two timelines—Glasgow in 2024 and Orkney in 1594—the novel explores the lives of two women connected by dark magic, the enigmatic Book of Witching, and the harrowing legacy of witch trials. Cooke weaves together historical tragedy and contemporary intrigue with a deft hand, delivering a story that is both chilling and deeply poignant.

The novel opens with a tense and sorrowful scene: Clem, a mother, waits anxiously by her daughter Erin’s hospital bed. Erin was found with life-threatening burns on an idyllic beach in Fynhallow Bay, Orkney, but remembers almost nothing of the incident—only that her name is Nyx, a mysterious identity that Clem cannot comprehend. As Clem digs deeper into the mystery of what happened to Erin and how her boyfriend perished in the same fire, she finds herself drawn into the eerie history of Orkney, where dark secrets linger just below the surface.

Cooke skillfully parallels this contemporary storyline with that of Alison Balfour, a woman accused of witchcraft in 1594, awaiting her trial and inevitable punishment: to be burned alive. Alison’s narrative is both tragic and terrifying, as it captures the brutal realities of the witch trials and the paranoia that plagued the era. Through Alison’s story, Cooke highlights the historical injustices faced by women accused of witchcraft, imbuing the novel with a sense of urgency and relevance.

What makes The Book of Witching particularly compelling is how seamlessly the two narratives are interwoven. Though separated by four hundred years, Clem and Alison are united by the Book of Witching, a mystical tome with the power to change fate, but at a terrible cost. Both women are forced to confront dark forces beyond their control, and as the novel progresses, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Cooke masterfully builds suspense, layering clues and revelations that lead to a powerful and shocking climax.

The setting of Orkney—wild, remote, and steeped in history—adds a layer of eerie beauty to the story. Cooke’s vivid descriptions of the island’s windswept beaches, ancient ruins, and stormy seas create a sense of isolation and foreboding that permeates the novel. The landscape becomes a character in itself, haunting the present as much as the past.

At the heart of the novel is a meditation on the themes of motherhood, memory, and survival. Clem’s desperation to save her daughter and uncover the truth resonates deeply, while Alison’s struggle against the forces that seek to destroy her reflects the endurance of women throughout history. Both protagonists are richly drawn and compelling, their bravery and determination anchoring the novel amidst its darker, supernatural elements.

While The Book of Witching is undeniably a gripping thriller, it also delves into complex emotional and psychological territory. It explores the trauma of loss, the weight of historical injustices, and the terrifying possibility that the past may never truly be buried. The novel’s pacing is taut, and though the slow-burn tension might frustrate some readers initially, the payoff is worth the wait. Cooke keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with twists and revelations that feel both surprising and inevitable.

Overall, The Book of Witching is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, Gothic thrillers, and stories of witchcraft. With its haunting atmosphere, compelling characters, and richly woven plot, it is a story that lingers long after the final page is turned. C.J. Cooke has crafted a novel that bridges the gap between past and present, showing how the ghosts of history continue to shape the world we live in today.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HaperFiction for the ARC

Damn what a fantastic book! I've never read anything by C.J. Cooke before but now I defenitely want to. It was mysterious and captivating. The story was so fascinating and the characters interesting. I loved seeing how the two timelines were connected and throughly enjoyed my time reading it. I was on the edge all the time.

I liked the historical aspects of the novel and I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a historical novel. Still an enjoyable read, especially in the run up to Halloween

I could not put this book down!!! This is my third book I have read by C.J Cooke and I'm definitely now a fan. I'm usually not a big fan of books going to and from past to present throughout as sometimes I can get lost and confused, however this is done so well on this book, I felt when I was in the past I hurried to see the future and via versa. I felt so much for the character Alison and grew fond of her. All the characters I could visualise and understand them this book was so well written. Like I say I couldn't put it down to the point I went WAY past my bedtime till I finished! Would definitely recommend to read

This was the perfect spooky read to kick off the season of the witch . I've been a fan of C J Cooke since reading A Haunting in the Artic last year. Also I love books featuring witches, especially when they are based on real history as this book is. I quite enjoyed reading the authors note about the research that went into bringing this story to life.

The plot unfolds over two separate timelines, modern day Glasgow and Orkney in 1594. I enjoyed both story lines equally and trying to work out what links the witch trials to the events centuries later. How does the book of witching play a part?

I found the witch trial harrowing to read but also compelling at the same time. Alison Balfour was a real person who was executed on charges of witchcraft. It angers me at the way these trials were conducted and the tortures used to extract a confession.

This book was a haunting and atmospheric read that had me hooked from start to finish. It's the perfect tale to read during the dark nights ahead. Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.

Another compelling, gripping, and thought-provoking book by C.J. Cooke. Be sure to read the author's note as well. I found it to be informative and detailed the research that went into the writing of this book.

I enjoyed the two timelines which were both captivating and pulled on the emotions. I did find that the timeline in Scotland in the 1500’s which featured Alison Balfour, who had been accused of witchcraft. That timeline was the most gripping to me as I felt for Alison and the way she was treated. The timeline in the present featured Clem, a mother whose daughter, Erin, has been hospitalized. Erin’s best friend is missing, and Erin’s boyfriend is dead. What is more troubling is that when Erin wakes up, she claims to be someone else.

I enjoyed how well thought out this book was. Everything came together nicely and for several moments had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. This book had me thinking back to the past and how women (and men) were accused of being witches and what befell them.

I enjoyed the tension and feeling of dread which flowed throughout this book. I especially enjoy C.J. Cooke’s writing and how each book is completely different from her previous books. Each book feels fresh, original and riveting.

Knowing that this book was based on a real person made this book even better for me. I admire the amount of research that went into the writing of this book.

Wonderfully written, well thought out, terrifically paced, and hard to put down. I can't wait to read what C.J. Cooke writes next!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sending me the ebook ARC.

Thrilling, supernatural, witch-haunted history of the Orkneys

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Overall, I really enjoyed the thrilling and engaging story telling. It’s a dual-timeline novel set in both 2024 and 1594, based on a historical Scottish story with the names and locations fictionalised. The story switches timelines between the present time/year of 2024 in Glasgow and the parallel historical plot-line takes place in 1594 in Orkney, focusing on Alison Balfour, who is accused of witchcraft.

I really liked the historical descriptions of Orkney, attention to detail, characters and the author's writing style and also describing the brutality of the Scottish witch trials in the storytelling. I recommend The Book of Witching to anyone who loves engaging, thrilling historical stories and books about witches. Perfect for spooky season.

Easily a 5 star read for me. There’s not a single thing that i didn’t like about this book, from start to finish it’s captivating, beautifully written. Alison’s story broke my heart but i love when real life events are used in books to create a new story.
It’s the perfect book for spooky season, i’ll be definitely be checking out more books by C.L Cooke since this is the first book i’ve read by her. I loved the writing style, the attention to the details, the characters, how it has you on edge and flipping the pages as fast as possible to find out what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Extremely well done! I loved the historical references and the juxtaposition of the two timelines of past and present. I wouldn't call this a light read, but it's PERFECT for fall, anyone who loves that witchy spooky vibe, anyone looking for a soft horror pick, or just a reader who loves high-stakes fast paced atmospheric fantasy. Some of the material, given our current struggles with women's rights and equality, hits a little close to home and could be considered triggering. I mean... let's face it. We've not exactly been treated well throughout history and this book does not sugar coat that position during the 16th century. Regardless, it's a past that needs to be heard and remembered and this book does a great job of blending positive feminism, storytelling, and history, which I wholeheartedly appreciated. This book came for my stars and ate everyone up. 5+.

3.5 STARS.. I loved the mix of historic and modern storylines and how they interconnected. Another good Scottish tale by C.J. Cooke.

The Book of Witching by author C.J. Cooke is my favourite novel of 2024!

Never having read a novel by this author before, I have ordered her back log of novels and can not wait to start reading them.

The storytelling was amazing and the characters really well balanced. I literally could not put this novel down and read it within a few days.

Told over different characters POV, we meet Clem (modern day), her daughter who went away with friends for a break has been found with burn injuries, so Clem needs to be by her daughters side. When Erin awakes from an induced coma, she says she is called Nyx and so Clem sets out on a journey to see what has happened to get her daughter to this state.

We also meet Alison, from 400 years ago and she is accused of witchcraft and taken to the jail. I really felt for Alison, she is a mother and a wife and she really just wants a peaceful life but centuries ago, the people who ruled really thought that any type of magic/witching etc was the devils work and really made me think and want to to look into the witch trials of years ago.

We really get to see both of these women's perspectives and how they actually mean something to each other.

I adored The Book of Witching. An absolute smasher of a story and very thought provoking.

Thanks to Netgalley, CJ Cooke and the publishers for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I can't remember the last time I read a book that consumed my every thought when not in my hands. Much like the fictional book this story is based on, I was haunted.
Absolutely phenomenal writing telling the tale of historical fiction mixed with modern day witchcraft, intertwining the 2 perfectly. So many twists and turns along the way, C.J Cooke absolutely had me in her grip, I couldn't get through this book fast enough. I especially love the Authors Note at the end, delving into the history and research that brought this book to life, and the very real people it is based upon.
Allison's POV, although harrowing and heartbreaking, doesn't venture too far from what you would expect of a story based on Witch Trials, unfortunately the details we do know are so horrendous there's not much else to add, these chapters did feel like every other book I've read about witch trials.
It is in the POV of Clem, and her daughter Erin that this story really shines, and they way Cooke merges the lives of these 3 women together, across hundreds of years.
This is the first book I've read by C.J Cooke, although The Lighthouse Witches has been on my radar for a while, I will absolutely be diving headfirst into her collection.

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for this e-ARC.

This was such an exciting book all the way through, it was very beautifully written. The history behind the witchy story combined with past and present made it a very compelling read.

Two interwoven stories that are set in different time periods, take us on a heartbreaking journey to discover what really happened to 3 young people who went to a remote Orkney Island where something went horribly wrong, and the tale of a mother, tried as witch for a murder she did not commit at the height of the witch trial fever that tore through England, Scotland and Ireland and subsequently, the rest of the world. Equally heartbreaking, I felt for both families as they were put through unimaginable horrors such as fire, torture of the physical and psychological kind, heartbreak and death. The author ripped my heart to shreds with the witch trials storyline, as well as the mother watching her daughter suffer unimaginable pain from her burns, and the confusion that she seems to have become someone else. Someone who does not even ask about her own daughter, or her dead boyfriend and missing friend. Be prepared to suffer right alongside the characters! I really enjoyed it!

Wow.

I couldn't put this book down. It had me hooked from the first chapter and I had to keep turning pages, even as I became increasingly unsettled by what was unfolding.

The book is a mixture of historical fiction, based on real witch trials and accounts in Orkney, and modern day fiction. The parallels and connections that that unfold between the two are done so well, you don't see them coming but at the same time you expect them.

As with The Lighthouse Witches, C.J. Cooke has managed to create a subtle sense of magic into The Book of Witching. It's not big, flashy and obvious magic, it's based on folklore, traditional remedies and strong belief systems. This makes the reactions to it even more horrific, especially when you know they are based on true accounts.

C.J. Cooke is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I feel like this book is really going to stay with me.

FYI, some trigger warnings are needed for the book, including torture, burns, severe injuries, self-harm and death. While these elements are dealt with in a respectful way, some of the descriptions are very graphic.

The Book of Witching is another gem from C.J Cooke. Her "then and now" narratives are always excellent and this is one of her best, I think. The majority of the story is told by Alison a lady from the Orkney Isles put on trial for being a witch in the 1500's and Clem, the mother of Erin, a young woman who was badly injured in a fire. There are also a few chapters told from other characters perspectives.

It has a spooky, gothic feel and a really interesting story. It's nicely paced, the characters are well developed and the dual timelines blend perfectly. I loved that Alison Balfour was actually tried as a witch way back then and that her story has been woven into this one. It's a great way to honour her memory and the many women put on trial for witchcraft at that time.

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and I read it in 2 days - I could not put it down! Can't wait for her next..

This book ticks all the boxes for me. It is based on a real historical story although names and locations have been fictionalised. It is a little bit spooky, it involves cults and the supernatural. I loved this book, it alternates between Orkney in 1594 with the story of Alison Balfour being accused of witchcraft and the present, Glasgow in 2024 with the story of Clem who has a daughter in hospital with major burns after a fire on the Orkney isle of Gunn. These stories are interconnected through time via The Book of Witching. They both have visions of each other via the book and Nyx is the link.

I learned so much about the Scottish Witch Trials and history through this book. It had me hooked throughout. I loved the characters and the descriptions of historical Orkney. This is the first book that I have read by C.J. Cooke but I will definitely seek out others as I love historical fiction. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical stories, books about witches and the supernatural or even just general fiction. It is a gripping read and quite fast paced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for allowing me to read this ARC.

This was the perfect book to mark the start of spooky season reads! I love C.J. Cooke’s writing and not surprisingly The Book of Witching hit the mark. Absolutely wonderful combination of historical fiction, mystery and magic. The story brought Orkney Islands and its history to life and it’s now most certainly on my travel list!

Told in 2 timelines, The Book of Witching revolves around one of the most Scottish witch trials (fictionalized) and a modern day mystery surrounding 3 young people who went to visit Orkney! What is the connection between Alison Balfour in 1594 and a girl lying in the hospital more than 400 years later?!

Injustice makes my blood boil and once I realized that Alison’s story was based on a real person it evoked such rage in me! The modern day timeline in which Erin’s mother tries to figure out how her daughter ended up in the hospital was also emotional but balanced out nicely that rage I felt. While the book deals with some deep themes, it also successfully entertained and I absolutely loved the pacing and how it all unfolded!

A huge thank you to @harpercollins @harpercollinsUK for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

C.J. Cooke’s The Book of Witching is a spellbinding blend of historical and contemporary gothic fiction, steeped in witchcraft and family secrets. The story follows a woman unraveling the mysteries surrounding her ancestors, a witch coven, and a series of eerie events tied to a dark past. Cooke’s writing is atmospheric and richly detailed, immersing readers in an eerie, otherworldly setting. The dual timelines are expertly woven together, keeping the suspense high while delving into themes of female power, trauma, and heritage. Mysterious, chilling, and beautifully crafted, The Book of Witching is a must-read fC.J. Cooke’s The Book of Witching is a spellbinding blend of historical and contemporary gothic fiction, steeped in witchcraft and family secrets. The story follows a woman unraveling the mysteries surrounding her ancestors, a witch coven, and a series of eerie events tied to a dark past. Cooke’s writing is atmospheric and richly detailed, immersing readers in an eerie, otherworldly setting. The dual timelines are expertly woven together, keeping the suspense high while delving into themes of female power, trauma, and heritage. Mysterious, chilling, and beautifully crafted, The Book of Witching is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers.or fans of supernatural thrillers.