The Witches of Pendle

The Ghost Hunter Chronicles #3

by Yvette Fielding

When a new family moves into a house in Pendle, they discover a witch's bottle filled with curses. Soon the spirits of those accused of witchcraft in the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 are released, wreaking havoc in the area.

Eve, Clovis and Tom are enlisted to investigate in their latest and most challenging mission yet. Together with their mentor, Professor Rufus, they must go up against the ghosts of the Pendle witches. But the ghosts are hellbent on possessing the descendants of those who were responsible for their deadly trials. Can the ghost-hunting trio put a stop to the possessions before it's too late?

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Supernatural, Witches, Middle Grade, Childrens, Paranormal

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2023

About the author

Yvette Fielding is an English broadcaster, producer and actress. She is best known for being the presenter of the TV shows Blue Peter, Most Haunted, Most Haunted Live!, and Ghosthunting With...

Reviews

[Clair Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Ghost Hunter Chronicles; The Witches of Pendle #3

I honestly thought by book three in the series she would have sorted it out but to no avail...

I struggled to page 150 but I can't read anymore, the perspective again is all over the place, the language and behaviours she uses for the character seems to be oddly placed because in some places the whole dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, I found the dog farting all the time just simply annoying which is a surprise considering no one ever fed him! and again things happening in the story more of out convenience than being part of a good story, again to much of telling and not enough showing, so again deeply disappointed because I wanted it to be good, I wanted to see an improvement through the series but unfortunately not...

Its a sad thing but I'm beginning to think that it more a case of who she is more than she has any talent as an author, my advice to her, "Don't give up your day job!

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

More adventures with Eve, Clovis, and Tom! Whilst I'm not the target audience (being 45 yo!), I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Watching each of the characters discover their strengths and weaknesses is so enjoyable. Set in Pendle, the historical facts behind this fictional story made the read even more fun.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

SpookTober read 2024 - #2


This is the 3rd instalment in The Ghost Hunter Chronicles

Clovis, Eve, Tom, Uncle Rufus and his farting dog are off to Pendle to investigate odd occurrences.

Another splendid ghostly tale plus witches and witchcraft 🧙‍♀️

I can honestly say this one was a wee bit scary.



Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Barnaby Edwards
Duration: 7 hrs, 48 min. 1.25x Speed

[Tracy Larner-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant ghostly tale. This time, using experiences from the live Most Haunted investigation of Pendle Hill.

Yvette Fielding, please continue these Ghost Hunter Chronicles! I've devoured all 3!

[Rav.ingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghosts
Witches
What more can you ask for. And UK witches too
I've not seen much of Yvette Fieldings work but I am now a fan of her writing. I do think it needed more of the witches landmarks within Pendle but that's a personal preference

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book, I can only hope there is another book in this series.

[William Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in this series so can't say how this stacks up against them, but I found this a pretty fun spooky book that works pretty well as a standalone title. I felt like there could maybe have been a bit more time defining the characters a little, but that might well be down to this being the 3rd entry so there is some assumed familiarity there, but even despite that I never felt lost or disinterested. I'll be curious to read the other entries in this series in future.

[Markie Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start this by saying that I love Yvette Fielding; I grew up watching her on Blue Peter and then Most Haunted. That being said I did not enjoy this book. I have more notes for this 288 page book than I did for another which was more than double the length.

I honestly feel that Fielding's writing is getting worse at this point. She is writing as though for much younger children, but the subject matter is quite dark (Jack The Ripper and witches being hanged is not the usual topic for young children). When you consider other books in the middle grade category are things like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, both with some more intense themes, this doesn't really hold up. Fielding's sentences are too short and clipped with very little extensions and commas. Her speech is extremely juvenile, and most of the time completely pointless. For instance, I lost count of the amount of times Uncle Rufus said, "this is Eve, this is Clovis, this is Tom". As readers, even younger readers, we know this information. It needed to just be, "Uncle Rufus introduced everyone".

Another thing I struggled with was the constant going over the same information, but also the characters saying things that are completely obvious or redundant, like at one point Eve asks who the souls are that are inhabiting the victims. The souls themselves had already told them everything...conveniently.

I could probably go on and on with faults I found with the books as I certainly have enough notes for it (a constantly farting dog starts to get very tiresome by book 3...even for middle graders), but I won't. There are a lot of people who enjoyed this series, and I really enjoyed the concept. I'm not sure if I will continue the series now though, as a concept just isn't enough.

[Adel Fountain · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off well like the others but by the time the farting dog was back… I just lost interest.

It has some serious parts and then it’s swiftly followed by childish things. I still don’t know who these books were supposed to be aimed at given their location in The Works with adult’s books.

At one point Rufus embraces a character called Gerry and then 10 pages or so after it, the kids ask if they are solid. Are they being dim or was this overlooked?

Eve should be getting used to things by now but other wise screams often. Poor old Tom is constantly put through the ringer. Clovis is only as bright as Google allows him to be.
Rufus started one ghost hunt in which a mirror was smashed to bits and then just oh well never mind and left?! Good friend there haha.

Oh well the the 3 new books I bought are now finished.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 and was totally brilliant check the series out it doesn’t disappoint

[Louise Wilkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this as it was an easy read but it did take me half way through to get to a point where I couldn't put it down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. If there is going to be any💙 Did find some parts repetitive, if I am being honest.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I would have wanted to read when I was a child and enjoyed as an adult.
The right level of cosyness and spook, well rounded characters, fast paced and entertaining.
The author delivers and it's highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Witches of Pendle" by Yvette Fielding is a spellbinding and atmospheric novel that brings to life the dark and fascinating history of the Pendle witch trials. This compelling read weaves historical fact with gripping fiction, resulting in a captivating story that will enthrall readers from beginning to end.

Set in the early 17th century, the novel transports us to the eerie landscape of Pendle Hill in Lancashire, where accusations of witchcraft lead to one of the most infamous witch trials in English history. Fielding does a fantastic job of creating a vivid and immersive setting. The descriptions of the moody, mist-covered hills and the superstitions of the rural community help to create a palpable sense of time and place. Readers can almost feel the chill in the air and the sense of unease that pervades the village.

The characters are another highlight of the novel. The protagonist, Jennet Device, is a young girl caught up in the fear and hysteria of the time. Her perspective is both innocent and insightful, providing a unique viewpoint on the events unfolding around her. Fielding’s portrayal of Jennet’s internal conflict—torn between her loyalty to her family and the pressure to conform to societal expectations—is poignant and compelling. The other characters, both real historical figures and fictional creations, are well-drawn and add depth to the narrative. The accused witches, in particular, are portrayed with a sympathy and humanity that makes their plight deeply affecting.

What makes The Witches of Pendle so engaging is how Fielding blends the supernatural elements with the harsh realities of the time. The story explores themes of fear, power, and the scapegoating of the marginalized, offering a thought-provoking commentary on how fear can be manipulated to control and harm others. The supernatural aspects are handled with a light touch, adding an eerie, mystical quality to the narrative without overshadowing the very real historical events at its core.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with the tension building steadily as the story progresses. Fielding's writing is clear and evocative, making it easy to become absorbed in the narrative. The climax, involving the trial and its aftermath, is both heartbreaking and haunting, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, The Witches of Pendle is a masterfully crafted tale that combines history, mystery, and the supernatural in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Yvette Fielding has brought the story of the Pendle witches to life with sensitivity and skill, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the darker aspects of history. This novel is a powerful reminder of the dangers of fear and prejudice and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

[Tana · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF'd around 60%. I really tried as I'm hoping to avoid DNF'ing books but this was traumatic.

Occasionally children's books can be as sophisticated, mature and intelligent as adult books. Diane Wynne Jones comes to mind (and may be JK Rowling - haven't read her books so can't say). This isn't it.

Story/Plot 1.5*: decent premise poorly executed. Based off of the witches who were condemned in the Lancaster Witch Trial, the Device family & Co, it follows their souls which have been released from a bottle in order to seek revenge for their deaths by hanging.
Having read the fictional account of the history of the Lancaster Witches which featured the Device family & Co, this was disappointing.

Horror level: 1* appropriate for young children. Adults left unimpressed. Started off strong though.

Atmosphere: 0* as poorly contrived as the characters.

Characters: 0* one dimensional dull things.
Professor Rufus Pepper: a kinder version of Sherlock Holmes combined with Uncle Iroh. His deference to the children's "talents" and concern when they're particularly pressed, comes across as fake as the ghosts they fear.
Eve: a tween who is part of the ghost catching gang.
Clovis: the clever one from the gang who enjoys spitting out facts as they don't always have access to the internet.
Anwar: a Syrian descent ghost catcher who accompanies the gang to Lancaster and helps them during the beginning of their investigation (I think he's brought in as a introduction for the next segment of ghostly escapades).
Tom: the ESP one who can see and talk to the supernatural entities that plague them.
Dog: brought in for comedic value. An irrelevance

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witches of Pendle is the third book in the Ghost Hunter Chronicles series by Yvette Fielding, with The House in the Woods and The Ripper of Whitechapel being books one and two.

In this third instalment, friends Clovis, Eve, and Tom, plus Eve’s scientist uncle Rufus and his dog Boris are off to Pendle in Lancaster after an ancient artifact was unearthed in a storm, a child was possessed, a ghost is seen leaping to her death, and numerous people have been injured in mysterious circumstances.

The team needs to work fast to discover and stop what is happening. They know that witches are involved and that they are hunting the descendants of those who took part in the witch trials.

I love this series of books. The friends work well together and bounce off one another. The cases they help on are creepy yet intriguing and gripping. As I’ve previously stated in my reviews of this series the books may be too scary for some children and give them nightmares, but for those who love scary books, they are perfect.

I adore plots involving witches so this was perfect for me. The reader gets a great story as well as an education into the Pendle Witch Trials.

Overall, a fabulous and engaging read that I flew through in a couple of days. I can’t wait for more books in the series to be written.

[Agapanthus.books.100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I"m not great with books that are too spooky...but I LOVED The Witches of Pendle by TV ghost hunter Yvette Fielding!! What a fab read!! Tom, Eve and Clovis are ghost hunting apprentices in the Society of Paranormal Investigations ...or SPI... under the instruction of Eve's uncle Professor Rufus Pepper...and his dog Boris.
When a young boy discovers and opens a witch's bottle, spirits connected to the Pendle Witch Trials are unleashed. The SPI are called in to help, but the problem is bigger than they imagined! Along with a whole host of characters, this mystery/adventure has just the right amount of history mixed with modern gizmos and fun tech. The pages are full of atmospheric scenes along with just enough sinister spookiness, teamed with a touch of Men in Black quirkiness! This is the third book in the series and can easily be read as a standalone without reading the first two in order! I would definitely recommend diving right in...for readers 11+ onwards...its a very entertaining story! Thank you Toppsta for this giveaway and for introducing me to a series I might not have chosen myself.

[Mads Matthews-Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to break this review down into two sections.

PREMISE: 5⭐
I've been fascinated by the Pendle witches since watching the Most Haunted Live investigation there when I was ten (it was nice to see the investigation referenced in the author's note at the end!). The premise of the novel was brilliant.

EXECUTION: 2⭐
This is not a well-written book. It's not the worst I've read, but it was a strange reading experience. Some scenes are dragged out and some fly by. Sometimes it felt like a teen book, sometimes like YA, sometimes very adult in its themes... Then we're given constant references to the dog farting all the time and I question everything I've read so far.

The characters were... okay. There were moments where tension was building and then something would happen that just killed the tension immediately. There were parts I really liked, but these were more the ideas and concepts than the actual execution of them.

I'm not sad that I read it, and I'll seek out more books about the Pendle witches and fine, I'll dive into a British witch trials special interest hole for the next six months... But I'm not sure any of Yvette Fielding's other books will join me.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve, Tom and Clovis are called upon for more ghost hunting when evil spirits are released by a young boy...
The Witches of Pendle is a children’s book within the supernatural genre. It is the third book in the series and there are mentions of events in previous books but no spoilers.
There are malevolent supernatural forces at work, based on real life witchcraft trials from 1612. I really liked the historical elements but doubt the evil perspective that has been cast upon them in this book.
As an adult reader, I felt that the toilet humour, farting dog and rude parrot were a little unnecessary, but understand that they are used to lighten the tone and engage children. The tone and style are quite dark and the evil of the witches is strongly depicted.
As with the previous book, the ending leaves potential for a sequel but as yet this has not been written and the hook from the final chapter of the last book has not been covered.
The Witches of Pendle is an entertaining children's book, perhaps a little dark for younger children.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House in the Woods, was my favourite book that I have read by Yvette Fielding. I have also read Yvette’s other book The Riper of Whitechapel.

I’m sure that middle grade readers from 8 -12 will enjoy this spooky tale, that takes place in the Lancashire countryside in a Farm house, named Malkins Cottage. During the night, Jamie, in his pyjamas and boots he creeps out into the garden in his garden. With a stick Jamie starts to sing a song.

‘Witches in the garden,

Witches in the tree,

Turn around, turn around, one, two, three. Look inside the bottle,

You will see,

Five witches in the garden,

Will come to you and me.’ Once Jamie finds an old glass bottle, he believes he has found some treasure, but since finding the old bottle, strange things start happening.
Thank you Walker books for sending me this book for a honest review.

[Cat.thebookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, i did like how it was written and all the details it went into with the ghost hunting kit etc. It did touch upon the history of the Pendle Witches but i dont know enough about them to know how much was true. I think i enjoyed it more because it was about the Pendle Witches and Lancaster which isn't that far from me and it always feels nice reading about something thats quite local to you. The characters were likeable, but i didn't get love any of them. After finishing the book it hasn't made me want to read anymore in the series.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. On paper I should have really not liked this book, a celebrity author with no proper history of writing books, an opening so descriptive that I thought it was written by a child, but around a third of the way through it really got into its stride. The middle third was where it was strongest actually. The ending went on forever and most narrative strands were tied up by 85%. A bit rough round the edges but overall it was ok. Netgalley arc.

[Sophie Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Yvette was so hard to put down, every page had you gripped wanting to know more about the witches and the history. You can tell Yvette has so much knowledge and experience with this event that happened which has made yet another gripping book. I hope the next book is picked up where it has ended. But if not I’m still looking forward to the next adventure/chapter of the ghost hunters.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was available on my library app and I was intrigued. I did like the idea of the plot, granted I haven't read the previous two books but I was given enough information to read this book as a standalone. I did find the writing of the book odd. As the themes in the book were quite mature but the writing reflected a far younger audience. I understand that with middle grade books you have to respect the age group and ensure that nothing is too scary, but it did feel off due to the plot. I also feel like the dog farting was very repetitive? I understand it was supposed to be comic relief but also felt unnecessary. I do not think I will read more by this author.

[Joanne Emma Protheroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting, like the previous book a sedate read appropriate for YA. I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually pretty gripping and had moments of terror and spine tingling horror.
I found myself wanting to find out what’s happened to Katie and am hoping that there is a sequel to this one.
Well done Yvette this one was a real page turner.
I love all the characters and how they are maturing as the books progress. Keep them coming please 😁

[Robert Sidwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed, so many mistakes, for example Gallows Hill is not a play ground, it in the middle of a grammar school, car park, has the author actually been to Lancaster, her description appears to be a sweet cute little town, far from it. The farting annoying dog was not necessary. Also combined with the fact that the ‘investigators were allowed free accompanied access to one of the oldest courts and prisons in the country was laughable, sorry.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great little read to start off my Spooky Season reading. I didn't initially realise it was YA, however that didn't really take away anything from the story or atmosphere. A good read, a nice mix of history, creepiness and intrigue. I enjoyed the relationships between the three teenage characters but my favourite had to be Uncle Rufus !

[Alexandra]

DNF @ pg 137

I was admittedly not really enjoying this book, but I'm dnf'ing it as there is a misprint in the book - it jumps from pg 138 to pg 187 and then when it gets to pg 234 it jumps back to pg 187 lol. Honestly, I'm glad I have a reason to stop reading about a constantly farting dog, but it's also a shame as I was genuinely creeped out at moments in this book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are definitely improvements that could be made on this series, the premise of each one is great but the writing feels a little strained. However, out of the three books, this has been my favourite. This is a young adult read, and I found it an easy and quick read. I think this would probably be enjoyed more by the younger end of YA range. It was really nice to read a book associated to the witch trials in the UK. I enjoyed the mix of history (albeit brief), ghost hunting and found the inventions entertaining. For me this is closer to a 3.5 stars, but I would be tempted to pick up a fourth book should one be written.

[Samantha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

scream queen does it again she is such an amazing storyteller I think it's because some off the serials are actually true and based on her own ghost hunting experiences and these locations and turned them into a brilliant YA series

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m in love with these easy reads. Nothing hard about this but I am starting to really get invested in the characters, now we are a few books in maybe a little longer next time with some character development - but all in all, nice easy read.