I absolutely loved this. Grady Hendrix is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.

He really highlighted the struggles that young, unmarried mothers faced, and the way the bits of witchcraft were woven in was great. I felt so attached to the characters that I didn't want the book to end. I loved the friendship between the 4 main girls. Rose, with her sassiness, was my favourite.

I wouldn't say it's an easy read as such, as it does deal with some difficult topics but overall I loved the book.

Thank you to Pan MacMillan and Book Break for my netgalley proof!

Grady Hendrix has become a spooky season favourite for me so I jumped at the chance to read his latest novel! I wasn’t really a horror reader until bookstagram and spooky season recommendations got me, and now I try and read a few horror novels during October.

In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls we meet 16 year old Fern - it’s 1970, and she’s been sent to Wellwood House to see out her pregnancy, have her baby, and come home like it never happened. While there, she meets other girls trapped in the sweltering Florida house and a book provided to them by the town’s mobile librarian looks like it might change their fortunes…

I raced through this; I felt totally sucked in to the characters and their world and couldn’t quite look away. Fern and the girls she meets consumed my brain until I was finished reading, and this has been one of those books I’ve thought about a lot since. I’ve also thought a lot about how deeply sinister it felt because of the real-world dangers and harms placed upon the characters; the supernatural elements did not disappoint and had me absolutely terrified but I got just as many chills from the non-supernatural here too.

I did struggle more in this one than with Hendrix’s other books that the feminism often felt surface level - although I think Hendrix writes women well, there were points where some of the teenage girl dialogue felt slightly off or forced. Hendrix also attempts to have a generational slant to the witchcraft; in some ways this worked and in others it felt a little inauthentic with ‘we are the daughters of the witches they couldn’t burn’ vibes. It’s prompted me to do some research on horror to pick up from more diverse authors, which I’ve already been enjoying.

This is out on the 14th January and while I read it during October to get maximum Halloween vibes, I think it would be an excellent horror to read in the dark start of the year too!

(This contains TWs for sexual assault and for pregnancy / child birth. That second one probably sounds obvious given the premise but I found it more graphic than expected!)

The perfect book for fans of dark speculative fiction with a magical spin.

A heavy discussion of the treatment of 'Wayward' girls at the time in history and the ways they fight to gain automany, including aligning with dark magic.

The characters were fully fleshed out and engaging. The setting vivid and the plot full of dark suspense.

This was my first Grady Hendrix, I struggled a bit to get into the writing style.

If you are expecting lots of witchcraft and a supernatural type horror then pick up a different book, there is a little bit of witchcraft but the real horror in this story comes from attitudes in the real world to young women, no make that girls, who are unmarried and pregnant. While this is strictly speaking historical fiction, it is set in the 1970s, the same attitudes are still prevalent today, young women/girls punished and abused but with never any blame attached to the fathers.
The story itself focuses on four young girls who are sent away by their families, to be hidden away until they have had their babies, babies they won’t be allowed to keep, they are given a book by the librarian, a book that claims to about witchcraft and that can help them sort all their problems, but they soon find that you should be careful what you wish for and that power comes with a price.

Reading a Grady Hendrix novel reminds of that New Girl meme with Schmidt exclaiming “a white man?? No!” Because there is just zero reason any man should be writing a women’s; or in this instance girl’s, experience and writing it so believably!

I loved ‘Witchcraft for Wayward Girls’ the storytelling was absolutely fantastic. The reader is so thoroughly immersed into Fern’s backstory and the reasonings of how and why she became pregnant. The way Fern explores the world and people around her was so organic and the way this changes as the plot progresses was riveting.

This type of writing is so compelling you can actually believe that these girls experienced real events and were in situations of life and death that forced them to relinquish themselves to “evil.”

I love that it explores the subtle paranormal intertwined with the belief that adolescent females are capable of mass hysteria. The social climate being examined through the comments of adults adds a depth to the story that has you rooting for the girls to come out on top against the patriarchy and confines of a twisted religion.

At times I struggled with the perspective shifts that were quite rapid and had to reorient myself within the story which is the only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my own opinion.

This was my second book by Grady Hendrix and I do want to read all of his books. I think saying I enjoyed this book wouldn't be right, this book was really good but not an enjoyable experience which is a compliment for a horror. This book was horrifying in so many ways like it's meant to be I really feel this book is relevant now when it comes to the way America treats women. However, some od the scenes are truly harrowing and hard to read but I cant argue that Hendrix is a fantastic writer and good at horror

This was amazing. A very dark and gothic tale told about the abuse of unmarried mothers in the 70s with the added touch of witches. Really well written and haunting. Highly recommend.

The book is dark, deep, haunting, and evocative. Southern gothic elements are mixed with terrifying reality where girls were not seen as human beings but as a witches. Set in 1970s, author has not only shared the pain of girls who were sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida but also portrayed their emotions and elaborated everything that was going on there. The truth was haunting. Girls are always expected to fulfil societal expectations and follow the rules made by them. No one tries to understand them or even think that they are allowed to do anything of their own. And ending was even more terrifying. You need to read this book.

Thanks to the Publisher

I loved this book. I highly recommend it. It was thrilling the whole way through. Thank you for selecting me to read it. I will be buying a copy of this for my shelf!

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book having been intrigued by the premise. It covers teen pregnancy in 1970 in America where young girls are sent to a home until they given birth. Hidden away from their families and society. Not the easiest of subjects considering how some of the girls got pregnant. It did take me a while to get into this novel and there are a fair few trigger warnings, graphic labour and childbirth scenes and I found some of the book to be quite slow paced. However it is a novel that draws you in and really makes you feel for the girls who were treated in this way. Thank you to NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and the author for the chance to review.

Recommended for: Those who crave feminist horror, Southern Gothic atmospheres, and stories that unflinchingly examine the cost of power.

I’ve read a lot of new books this year, but this is probably my favourite. Dark, haunting, and powerfully evocative, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a masterful blend of Southern Gothic horror and feminist storytelling that lingers long after the final page. With its vivid setting, morally complex characters, and a narrative steeped in dread and longing, this novel is nothing short of spellbinding.

The story follows fifteen-year-old Fern as she arrives at the oppressive Wellwood House in the sweltering summer of 1970. A home for “wayward girls”—a cruel euphemism for unwed mothers hidden away by their families—Wellwood is a place of secrecy and shame, where every moment is controlled by those who claim to know what’s best. Fern’s fear and isolation are palpable, and the other girls—from defiant Rose to enigmatic Holly—add layers of tension and camaraderie to the tale.

The setting is a character in its own right, with the stifling Florida heat and the claustrophobic atmosphere of Wellwood perfectly mirroring the girls’ desperation. It’s a place where hope is scarce, and the rules are unyielding… until Fern discovers an occult book that shifts the balance of power. The introduction of witchcraft is handled brilliantly, offering the girls a taste of agency but at a terrible cost. The escalating tension as they wield their newfound power is both thrilling and terrifying.

What sets this novel apart is its emotional depth. Fern’s journey is as much about reclaiming her identity and confronting the societal expectations placed upon her as it is about the supernatural. The friendships she forms and the choices she’s forced to make are deeply affecting. And the book’s exploration of power—who holds it, who seeks it, and the price of taking it—is as relevant as ever.

The prose is rich and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world that feels both otherworldly and all too real. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with each girl’s backstory adding texture to the narrative. And while the story doesn’t shy away from the darkness, it’s also infused with moments of defiance, resilience, and even hope.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a triumph of storytelling, blending horror, history, and heart into an unforgettable tale. This is a book that demands a sequel. Fern’s story is complete yet leaves the door tantalisingly ajar for further exploration of the dark forces she’s unleashed. Here’s hoping we return to this world—and its wayward girls—soon.

I’d say this was a solid 3 stars for me, I enjoyed it although it took a minute to get into. I like the balance of witchiness to real life and the author highlighted the plight of young unwed mothers so well. It really pulled at my hearts strings knowing that what happened in this book happened to young girls in real life and I must say I did have a cry at the end at the pure horror of what girls went through as late as the 70s!
The witchy side of the book was enjoyable and I liked the story.
Overall, a good witches story but with some serious themes!

This could have gone terribly wrong. A successful middle aged man writing about young girls punished for being pregnant could have gone off the rails in so many ways, but Hendrix pulls it off (disclaimer: I am also a middle aged man, and it’s quite possible that someone else may feel differently). This is full of tenderness and empathy, as well as some pretty full on body horror which does not flinch from the reality of pregnancy and childbirth. It’s a powerful read, one that should leave you with a deep and abiding sense of anger. Hendrix doesn’t labour the point, just a brief reference at the end, but in an era where the US establishment is closer than ever to rolling back safe and legal abortion, this is anything but a historical novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as I have lived all of this authors as I am a huge fan of the writing and the stories are always bonkers in the best way! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

This was a fascinating read. My first book by Hendrix but won't be my last! It was so special reading about the Wayward girls, and although really hard at times I didn't want it to finish.

It’s difficult to describe whether or not I ‘enjoyed’ reading this book because some pages were extremely difficult to stomach, but I also couldn’t put it down.

Set in the 1970s during a time when pregnant teenage girls would be packed off to a ‘Home’ to be pregnant, give birth and have their babies taken away before returning to their own lives, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls packs a real punch. Fern is fifteen, pregnant and learning to adapt to her new life at Wellwood House. Surrounded by other teenage mothers, Fern and her friends Rose, Holly and Zinnia find themselves drawn to witchcraft, but do they really understand the consequences of such power?

My favourite thing about this book had to be the friendship between Fern, Rose, Zinnia and Holly. The dialogue and relationship between these four is what kept my reading on even when the plot was quite slow at times. I truly cared for how their storylines would develop.

A story all about feminine power and rage, I couldn’t help but feel full of anger and sadness at times. There are some extremely gruesome descriptions of pregnancy, child birth and body mutilation - some of which seriously made my stomach churn and I would advise avoiding this if you’re currently pregnant or dealing with any post-labour trauma.

The true horror of this novel comes from the fact society allowed these places to exist and for these young girls to be stripped of their identities.

Thank you to Pan MacMillan, Grady Hendrix and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.

I'm probably one of the very few people on this site that have never read a Grady Hendrix book even though I enjoy a little horror here and there, and after reading "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" I feel like I really missed out. This is one of my favourite horror reads in a long, long time, and it's not just because I just generally love witches and books about them. It's because the real horrors in this book are so very realistic.

Hendrix tells the story of Neva, a 15 years old girl that gets pregnant by a guy that promises her the world but only really wants one thing. It's 1970, Roe has not been passed yet and being pregnant and unmarried is one of the worst sins a person can commit, with the blame lying entirely on the girls and women of course. Girls like Neva get sent to secret homes where they live out their pregnancy and have to give their newborns away right after birth. Neva isn't even allowed to keep her name because in order to keep all their identities and shame secret Miss Wellwood, the owner of said home for wayward girls, orders them to only go by their newly given names while they are part of their little commune - and Neva becomes Fern. Left alone by her family and completely uneducated when it comes to her own body and pregnancy, Fern forms a bond with other girls in similar situations. It's a cesspool of desperation and injustice, and when a mysterious librarian offers Fern and her friends power they could only ever dream of in a world that prefers them powerless they take it. Even if it means they have to pay a steep prize for it.

Really, the paranormal horror elements in this book are immaculate. The witches and their craft are complex and intriguing. But this book's strength is what witchcraft actually symbolizes, and the true horror are the societal norms forcing young women into lives full of shame and pain. The most gruesome scene in this book is a birth, and the most horrifying entity is a man. It was gutwrenching and heartbreaking to read what these young girls had to go through and I was glued to the pages until the very end. I enjoyed the writing style, which is very accessible in general. The story is well-paced and takes its time with its characters, who are the heart of the whole book. I can absolutely recommend this for people who don't read horror as well, and while not spelled out explicitely, it feels like a comment on what's happening in the US right now in regards to reproductive and general women's rights. We really don't want to go back to the horrors described in this book.

Thank you to betgalley and the publisher for my copy of this arc!

Sadly this was not the book for me I didn’t love this like I wanted to and I didn’t loved the topic of the book and how it was written therefore I sadly DNF’d

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this, in exchange for a honest review.

This is the first novel I have read by Grady Hendrix and will definitely not be my last. The topics raised were at times gut wrenchingly sad and I was amazed that it could be written so well by a man. The characters Rose and Fern I warmed to straight away. It transported you into their world which was scary, so cruel to have to give up their babies and the deep feeling of being unloved by their families.
I am currently waiting for my next Grady Hendrix book to arrive - My Best Friends Exorcism.

Thank you so much for sending me this book, I loved it. I have read three other books by this author but this is definitely my favourite.
I loved how the horror aspect crept up on you, I was beginning to wonder where the witches came into it and then all hell broke loose.
I loved the isolated setting, you got a real sense of the girls being trapped in so many different ways.
The chapter that detailed Fern giving birth was so good. The horror came through in the gory descriptions but I felt like Grady Hendrix captured how overwhelming it is.
I would highly recommend this book.