The Witch of Willow Hall

by Hester Fox

Overview

Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.

Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.

New Oldbury, 1821

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.

The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.

All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525833014
Publisher:	Graydon House Books
Publication date:	10/02/2018
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	105,476
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 5.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Hester Fox is a full-time writer and mother, with a background in museum work and historical archaeology. A New England transplant, she now lives in rural Virginia with her husband and their two children.

Editorial Reviews

07/23/2018
Fox’s spins a satisfying debut yarn that includes witchcraft, tragedy, and love, set in 1821 New England. Ten years ago, Lydia Montrose unwittingly summoned a dark power from within herself to torment a neighborhood bully. Now 18, her family is forced to move from Boston to Willow Hall estate in New Oldbury, Mass., to escape scandalous rumors concerning her older sister, Caroline. While Caroline detests the countryside, Lydia and her younger sister, Emeline, relish the fresh air and the less constricting society; they also enjoy the acquaintance of their father’s new business partner, John Barrett. But as Lydia starts to fall for John, disturbing things begin to happen at Willow Hall. Lydia sees ghosts and hears voices who try to convince her to do bad things. Following a monumental tragedy, she will have to discover who she is in order to set things right. Despite the lack of character development for side characters, Fox effectively portrays Lydia as sympathetic, stuck between a sister with no regard for propriety and parents who can’t or won’t discipline her. The inclusion of gothic elements adds a visceral feel that fans of historical fiction with a dash of the supernatural will enjoy. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"The Witch of Willow Hall offers a fascinating location, a great plot with history and twists, and characters that live and breathe. I love the novel, and will be looking forward to all new works by this talented author!"—Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

"Beautifully written, skillfully plotted, and filled with quiet terror...perfect for fans of Simone St. James and Kate Morton." -Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby mysteries

"The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader." —Lisa Hall, author of Tell Me No Lies and Between You and Me

"I was entranced by this intriguing and spellbinding novel...I hope Hester Fox goes on to write many more such novels—I for one will be buying them."—Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Ballymore

"This compelling story had me gripped from the first page. The vividly drawn characters cast their spell so convincingly, I couldn't stop reading until I discovered what happened to them. A wonderful debut novel."—Linda Finlay, author of The Flower Seller

"Steeped in Gothic eeriness, it's spine-tingling and very atmospheric. I love the character of Lydia and the way she learns and grows into her powers."—Nicola Cornick, USA TODAY bestselling author of House of Shadows

"The Witch of Willow Hall is so spookily good I felt haunted by it. Totally obsessed with Lydia's story...I absolutely loved it from start to finish."—Sarah Bennett, author of the Lavender Bay series

"A creepy estate, juicy scandal, family secrets, ghosts and a handsome yet mysterious suitor make this a satisfying and quietly foreboding tale."—BookPage

"Fox spins a satisfying debut yarn that includes witchcraft, tragedy, and love...the inclusion of gothic elements adds a visceral feel that fans of historical fiction with a dash of the supernatural will enjoy."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

Narrator Lauren Ezzo brings depth and tension to this historical paranormal tale. When pernicious rumors destroy the Montrose family’s social standing in early-nineteenth-century Boston, Lydia, along with her parents and sisters, is forced to relocate to their country home, Willow Hall. Lydia is only beginning to understand the powers she has inherited, but as lies, mysteries, and fears continue to threaten her family, she realizes it will take all of those powers to save them. Ezzo captures Lydia’s resentment at her family’s ostracism, which turns into fear as she discovers the strange influence of Willow Hall itself. The story is compelling despite some historical anachronisms and pacing issues. Each character is fully realized, making this audiobook a suspenseful and immersive listening experience. B.E.K. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2019 - AudioFile

Narrator Lauren Ezzo brings depth and tension to this historical paranormal tale. When pernicious rumors destroy the Montrose family’s social standing in early-nineteenth-century Boston, Lydia, along with her parents and sisters, is forced to relocate to their country home, Willow Hall. Lydia is only beginning to understand the powers she has inherited, but as lies, mysteries, and fears continue to threaten her family, she realizes it will take all of those powers to save them. Ezzo captures Lydia’s resentment at her family’s ostracism, which turns into fear as she discovers the strange influence of Willow Hall itself. The story is compelling despite some historical anachronisms and pacing issues. Each character is fully realized, making this audiobook a suspenseful and immersive listening experience. B.E.K. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2019 - AudioFile