“Practical Magic meets Gone Girl in Ava Morgyn’s next dark, spellbinding novel about a woman who is more than a witch – she’s a hunter. A very little poison can do a world of good.”
The Bane Witch, Ava Morgyn
Looking for a book with a family of witches, an escape from an abusive husband, and a sweet dog? The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn has all of the above (and more)!
This book had a phenomenal start, an addictive middle, and a slightly disappointing ending. We follow Piers as she fakes her own death to escape an abusive husband, and travels from Charleston to upstate New York to live with a great-aunt she met once as a child. There’s action, suspense, and careful plotting, providing the book’s Gone Girl similarities. Once Piers meets her great-aunt, Myrtle, the storyline shifts to a more Practical Magic (but make it even more sinister) vibe.
I really enjoyed the plot twists, pacing, and character development of the book. I also loved the Adirondacks setting (if you’re new here, I grew up in upstate New York and love a surprisingly familiar location). Piers and Myrtle were great main characters, and I was fully invested in their hunt for the serial killer tormenting the locals. Unfortunately, the final climax didn’t have as much oomph as I was expecting, and I ended the book feeling a little disappointed in the last 10%.
If any of this book’s weirdly specific traits caught your eye, you should definitely give it a shot! I’d also recommend it if you’re into female-led stories of witchy revenge!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Read with Fern 
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