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The Woman and the Witch #3
Finding Frieda
‘I knew something was wrong the moment I woke up.’
Frieda Beaudry, the oldest and most powerful of witches, has disappeared from Pagan’s Reach. Without her, the house has become a stranger to Angie, Frieda’s apprentice and friend. Despite her powers, Frieda is vulnerable and elderly. Angie must do everything she can to find and rescue her. With the police thinking Angie has killed the old woman, and Pagan’s Reach dying without its mistress, time is running out.
Angie enlists the help of brilliant theoretical physicist, Dr Penny Howes. Together they face terrible dangers as they follow the clues to find out what happened to Frieda. On their journey the women must learn to trust the power they carry within themselves. Can a physicist and a witch put aside their differences to rescue Frieda and save Pagan’s Reach?
‘Finding Frieda’ is a thrilling adventure full of magic, science, and the power of friendship.
The third in 'The Woman and the Witch' trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
Frieda Beaudry, the oldest and most powerful of witches, has disappeared from Pagan’s Reach. Without her, the house has become a stranger to Angie, Frieda’s apprentice and friend. Despite her powers, Frieda is vulnerable and elderly. Angie must do everything she can to find and rescue her. With the police thinking Angie has killed the old woman, and Pagan’s Reach dying without its mistress, time is running out.
Angie enlists the help of brilliant theoretical physicist, Dr Penny Howes. Together they face terrible dangers as they follow the clues to find out what happened to Frieda. On their journey the women must learn to trust the power they carry within themselves. Can a physicist and a witch put aside their differences to rescue Frieda and save Pagan’s Reach?
‘Finding Frieda’ is a thrilling adventure full of magic, science, and the power of friendship.
The third in 'The Woman and the Witch' trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
335 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2023
32 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Larkman
5 books86 followersAmanda Larkman was born in a hospital as it was being bombed during a revolution. The rest of her upbringing, in the countryside of Kent, has been relatively peaceful.
She graduated with a degree in English Literature degree and an MA in Modern Literature and has taught English for many years. 'The Woman and the Witch' was her first novel.
Hobbies include trying to find the perfect way to make popcorn, watching her mad labradoodle run like a galloping horse, and reading brilliant novels that make her feel bitter and jealous.
She has a husband and two teenage children, all of whom are far nicer than the characters in her book.
Follow Amanda Larkman
On Twitter: @MiddleageWar
On Instagram: @Amanda_Larkman
Blog: www.middle-agedwarrior.com
She graduated with a degree in English Literature degree and an MA in Modern Literature and has taught English for many years. 'The Woman and the Witch' was her first novel.
Hobbies include trying to find the perfect way to make popcorn, watching her mad labradoodle run like a galloping horse, and reading brilliant novels that make her feel bitter and jealous.
She has a husband and two teenage children, all of whom are far nicer than the characters in her book.
Follow Amanda Larkman
On Twitter: @MiddleageWar
On Instagram: @Amanda_Larkman
Blog: www.middle-agedwarrior.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2023
With thanks to the author for an advance review copy in return for an honest opinion.
I read the first book in this trilogy thanks to a recommendation, then looked out for the second instalment, and enjoyed them both tremendously. I’m inclined to say that this third one is the strongest yet. The first book focussed on Angie, a 50-year-old rather frumpy good-hearted woman who is abandoned by her husband for a younger model. She helps out an old lady in the village, Frieda, who is a powerful witch, and in doing so starts to discover her own hidden powers. The second book give us some of the old lady’s back story, introducing the teenaged Penny with the extraordinary life force, and this third one pulls the various previous strands together.
In an opening that draws you straight in, Angie wakes up one morning to a strange empty feeling in the house, and discovers that Frieda has been taken by some malevolent presence in spite of all the protection spells around the house. This is the story of how Angie and Penny, now a 63-year-old physics professor whose job is under threat, go about finding Frieda and defeating her abductor.
The storylines in all three books work extremely well if you’re after a good witchy story. But as a 54-year-old reader, what also really resonates is the feminist sub-theme of older women being marginalised once their youth, beauty and child-bearing potential have waned, and how they can grow into their true powers in the post-menopausal years. And there is also an acknowledgement of the importance of the environment and the balance of nature as the source of life - for the witches, and the house, and by extension, for all of us. This isn’t high literature but it’s a fast-paced and well written bit of escapism with some bigger themes - enjoy!
I read the first book in this trilogy thanks to a recommendation, then looked out for the second instalment, and enjoyed them both tremendously. I’m inclined to say that this third one is the strongest yet. The first book focussed on Angie, a 50-year-old rather frumpy good-hearted woman who is abandoned by her husband for a younger model. She helps out an old lady in the village, Frieda, who is a powerful witch, and in doing so starts to discover her own hidden powers. The second book give us some of the old lady’s back story, introducing the teenaged Penny with the extraordinary life force, and this third one pulls the various previous strands together.
In an opening that draws you straight in, Angie wakes up one morning to a strange empty feeling in the house, and discovers that Frieda has been taken by some malevolent presence in spite of all the protection spells around the house. This is the story of how Angie and Penny, now a 63-year-old physics professor whose job is under threat, go about finding Frieda and defeating her abductor.
The storylines in all three books work extremely well if you’re after a good witchy story. But as a 54-year-old reader, what also really resonates is the feminist sub-theme of older women being marginalised once their youth, beauty and child-bearing potential have waned, and how they can grow into their true powers in the post-menopausal years. And there is also an acknowledgement of the importance of the environment and the balance of nature as the source of life - for the witches, and the house, and by extension, for all of us. This isn’t high literature but it’s a fast-paced and well written bit of escapism with some bigger themes - enjoy!
April 28, 2023
If like me, you have been waiting for another part of this fantastic trilogy, you won’t be disappointed!
Finding Frieda is definitely the darkest of all parts, but also the brightest, it shows power of friendship, and power of women. We are the strongest when we are together, we are the best when we support each other.
I couldn’t put this one down, Finding Frieda is full of magic and filled with great characters and lots of action. Really good ending to a great story. It’s not too late for you to fall in love with Frieda and the crew!
Finding Frieda is definitely the darkest of all parts, but also the brightest, it shows power of friendship, and power of women. We are the strongest when we are together, we are the best when we support each other.
I couldn’t put this one down, Finding Frieda is full of magic and filled with great characters and lots of action. Really good ending to a great story. It’s not too late for you to fall in love with Frieda and the crew!
May 1, 2023
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure full of magic, science, and friendship, you should absolutely read Finding Frieda by Amanda Larkman. This is the third and final book in The Woman and the Witch Trilogy, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
The story centers on Angie, a fledgling witch who is the apprentice and friend of Frieda Beaudry, the oldest and most powerful of witches. When Frieda vanishes from her home, Pagan's Reach, Angie is determined to find her and bring her back. She teams up with Dr Penny Howes, a brilliant theoretical physicist who has a connection to Frieda's past. Together, they face terrible dangers as they follow the clues to find out what happened to Frieda and who is behind her abduction.
The book is a page-turner that will keep you hooked until the end. The author creates a captivating world where magic and science coexist and complement each other. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own strengths and flaws. The book also explores themes such as trust, loyalty, courage, and friendship.
Finding Frieda is a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy that celebrates the power of women and witches. It is a book that will appeal to fans of fantasy, mystery, and adventure.
Highly recommended... 5⭐️
The story centers on Angie, a fledgling witch who is the apprentice and friend of Frieda Beaudry, the oldest and most powerful of witches. When Frieda vanishes from her home, Pagan's Reach, Angie is determined to find her and bring her back. She teams up with Dr Penny Howes, a brilliant theoretical physicist who has a connection to Frieda's past. Together, they face terrible dangers as they follow the clues to find out what happened to Frieda and who is behind her abduction.
The book is a page-turner that will keep you hooked until the end. The author creates a captivating world where magic and science coexist and complement each other. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own strengths and flaws. The book also explores themes such as trust, loyalty, courage, and friendship.
Finding Frieda is a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy that celebrates the power of women and witches. It is a book that will appeal to fans of fantasy, mystery, and adventure.
Highly recommended... 5⭐️
May 11, 2023
A Brilliant book! The third in the trilogy.
When I read The Woman and the Witch ( book 1) I was hooked from the very first page and the protagonist Freida made me laugh out loud. She is full of wit and wisdom and quickly became one of my favourite characters in any book that I’ve read.
It’s a book series that really appeals to the feminist in me and I want to give Amanda a high five for creating such strong, fabulous female characters.
The house, Pagans Reach deserves a mention as well. No spoilers but it’s a very special place and my absolute dream home!
If you like books about witches, friendship, magic and powerful women you will love this trilogy and also check out the fabulous prequel in Amanda’s collection of short stories, ‘Airy Cages and other stories’, it’s an absolute gem!
May 8, 2023
Always enjoy these books. I would definitely start with her first book in this trilogy as then you can become friends with the characters and learn to care about them alone the way.
If you’re looking for books that you can immerse yourself in and be lost in a story about magic, family & friendship then read them all 😊
If you’re looking for books that you can immerse yourself in and be lost in a story about magic, family & friendship then read them all 😊
October 15, 2023
A fantasy adventure with heart and soul
This trilogy is one of my favourites. Frieda is a superb character and Amanda paints her, the other wonderful characters in the stories, and the landscapes and magical events with a pallette that delights.
I wholeheartedly recommend all three books.
This trilogy is one of my favourites. Frieda is a superb character and Amanda paints her, the other wonderful characters in the stories, and the landscapes and magical events with a pallette that delights.
I wholeheartedly recommend all three books.
July 15, 2023
Inspirational and terribly exciting
An exciting and inspiring read. I found every character a reflection of one's strengths and weaknesses. We all have the magic in us but we must stop being afraid to fly!
An exciting and inspiring read. I found every character a reflection of one's strengths and weaknesses. We all have the magic in us but we must stop being afraid to fly!
April 24, 2025
throughly enjoyed reading the final book. all I have to ask is there anymore books to follow
September 29, 2023
It wasn't a 4 star it was 3.5 for me but rounded up due to me being invested in the characters
I was so excited to read this , I by passed everything else and read it as soon as I realised it was out!
I absolutely loved the first 3 books , watching Angie help Frieda thaw and seeing their friendship blossom. Then Frieda was wonderful learning about Frieda and her life.
I had high hopes for this next segment of their story. I'm not sure if it was how it converted to kindle format but there were huge spaces between paragraphs and it broke the flow of the story. Also the way it jumped from first person ( Angie / Pettigrew) then the next minute it was being narrated to you, was distracting.
I must say I absolutely did not enjoy the brutal character of Pettigrew and the graphic descriptions of violence and language he used. I know it was meant to be conveyed to hate him but it was such a stark contrast to the first 3 books. He was just a nasty piece of work and I wasn't expecting that level of violence from this i guess.
What I did love was of course Angies resolve, finding out more about Penny, Frieda and how incredible she is and all 3 women kick ass in their own right.
I would love to have someone like Angie fight for me how she fights for Frieda. The sense of love, friendship and breaking down strreotypes is so prevalent and i loved that.
Will there be a happy ever after this time round? You'll have to read and wait and see!
I was so excited to read this , I by passed everything else and read it as soon as I realised it was out!
I absolutely loved the first 3 books , watching Angie help Frieda thaw and seeing their friendship blossom. Then Frieda was wonderful learning about Frieda and her life.
I had high hopes for this next segment of their story. I'm not sure if it was how it converted to kindle format but there were huge spaces between paragraphs and it broke the flow of the story. Also the way it jumped from first person ( Angie / Pettigrew) then the next minute it was being narrated to you, was distracting.
I must say I absolutely did not enjoy the brutal character of Pettigrew and the graphic descriptions of violence and language he used. I know it was meant to be conveyed to hate him but it was such a stark contrast to the first 3 books. He was just a nasty piece of work and I wasn't expecting that level of violence from this i guess.
What I did love was of course Angies resolve, finding out more about Penny, Frieda and how incredible she is and all 3 women kick ass in their own right.
I would love to have someone like Angie fight for me how she fights for Frieda. The sense of love, friendship and breaking down strreotypes is so prevalent and i loved that.
Will there be a happy ever after this time round? You'll have to read and wait and see!
August 25, 2024
A cozy mystery like no other. The characters and what they’ve had to learn throughout the book was well thought out and the story was well written.
Angie is distraught when she finds Mrs. B’s room all disheveled. When the police won’t help Angie turns to the one person she can remember has a connection to the missing woman.
Penny isn’t happy to be dragged around and disrespected after what just happened with work. Will Angie alienate Penny and lose the only help she has while the clock keeps ticking after Frieda’s abduction?
August 19, 2024
This kept me on my toes and i missed some sleep as it had me engrossed. Loved the push and pull between characters and the twists the story gave. It was excellent. Narration was first class given the how the story was written. 5/5
did-not-finish
August 29, 2024Stopped reading towards the end of chapter 1.
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy and it wasn't to my taste. The narrator's accent sounds too forced and unnatural. The story starts off dark and mysterious but also very boring to me. It could not hold my attention.
Moving on. 🥱
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy and it wasn't to my taste. The narrator's accent sounds too forced and unnatural. The story starts off dark and mysterious but also very boring to me. It could not hold my attention.
Moving on. 🥱
May 14, 2024
The last in the trilogy, I enjoyed this less than the previous two but still a good yarn as they say. Much of the first two, this one draws a conclusion to the story of Penny, Freida and Angie.
April 28, 2023
Any fans of WatW will love Finding Frieda. It's another wonderful, exciting and magical adventure with Frieda and Angie. And Penny joins in too! This book can be read as a standalone, but is a fitting addition to the Woman and the Witch series.
It is the 3rd of a trilogy, which should mean it's the last of the series, but I'm really hoping for a Douglas Adams style "A trilogy in X parts", where X is significantly higher than 3...
It is the 3rd of a trilogy, which should mean it's the last of the series, but I'm really hoping for a Douglas Adams style "A trilogy in X parts", where X is significantly higher than 3...
April 22, 2023
Absolutely blinking marvellous.. An edge-of-the-seat rollercoaster ride of magic and science. Lots of witchcraft. I reckon it's my best. I may be biased.
June 22, 2023
Wonderful trilogy. This 3Rd book was exciting and we'll paced. It be
Rough all the threads together to make an excellent ending. Loved it!
Rough all the threads together to make an excellent ending. Loved it!
September 5, 2025
Again, interesting enough read but it didn't wow me, I set it down often as it didn't draw me in. Forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews