Ain't No Witch: The Wanderings of Mamma Lucy

by John Linwood Grant

Mamma Lucy don’t suffer fools, she don’t take no sass, and she ain’t no witch. Call her hoodoo woman, conjure lady, root doctor, but call her right — you may have need of her.

From Georgia to Vermont, Mamma Lucy travels a long road, facing the darkness and injustices of haint-ridden nineteen twenties America, silver dimes at her ankle and hoodoo at her side.

Genres: Horror

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

About the author

John Linwood Grant lives in Yorkshire with a pack of lurchers and a beard. He may also have a family.

When he's not chronicling the adventures of Mr Bubbles, the slightly psychotic pony, he writes a range of supernatural, horror and speculative tales, some of which are actually published.

You can find him every week on his website which celebrates weird fiction and weird art, greydogtales.com, often with his dogs.

Reviews

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ain't no witch by John Linwood Grant is a collection of stories, about Mama Lucy and her hoodoo.

Set in America in the time of the Jim Crow laws, it felt well researched and smoothly fitting the time frame.

Mama Lucy is going where she needs to be, and helps people whose troubles she's drawn to. I really enjoyed her tone and matter of fact way of life, so I was easily drawn into this collection.

I also liked the mix of supernatural and very down to earth topics, which made for a fresh reading experience!

[Nod Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short novel composed of linked but individual short stories, “Ain’t No Witch” features one of the most distinctive voices I have encountered in contemporary fiction. Delving into hoodoo folklore of the 1920s North Carolina. Linwood Grant’s Mama Lucy works her deeds with help from lotions, potions and a quote from the Good Book. She convenes with The Dark Man, a mythical figure associated with the practice of hoodoo. A liberal sprinkling of whiskey onto the green felt mojo bag Mama wears around her neck helps the process.

Sometimes the protagonist’s magic might come too easily, making the reader wonder whether she rightfully “earns” her powers. But all is forgiven when Mama opens her mouth. What comes out is pure gold.

[Daniel Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of stories follows hoodoo-woman Mamma Lucy, unbowed and righteous as she makes her way through 1920s America and tackling evil both supernatural and human. Brilliant story-telling, with a fresh, clear voice. I'm in awe of Grant's skill with language and characterisation. And not a little jealous. Some writers move you with the emotional force of their work; others make you despair of ever doing anything as good. This did both.

[A.F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb book from John Linwood Grant that combines subtle social commentary with artful storytelling, and gives readers an unforgettable main character. This collection of short stories weaves a magical, grounded tale of Mamma Lucy and travels a delightful and entertaining path. Melding magic, hoodoo, and a no-nonsense, sassy protagonist, Ain’t No Witch delivers a silky smooth reading experience you can savour.
There wasn’t one story I didn’t enjoy and highly recommend the book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories

Mama Lucy is a wonderful larger than life character. Each story finds her in a variety of locations. Always led my her sixth sense, Mama Lucy goes where she’s needed to set wrongs right. The depiction of Jim Crow America is very grounded in history. Great insight into human nature makes each story a page turner.

[Paul McNamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular stories of haunting hoodoo!

Highly original storytelling propels these stories. The veracity of environment and characters is astounding--especially considering the author is from the UK.

Put on some of your favorite haunting blues and give this book a read!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of short stories.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting stories concerning a conjure woman and her travels...loved it.

[Kayleigh Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - it can be read as short stories, or just all in one go as one piece. Mamma Lucy really reminded me of Mother Abigail from The Stand, and I really liked her for that!

[Robert Runte · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Linwood Grant is currently one of my favourite writers and this is up to his usual high standards. Short stories about a black hoodoo woman (not a witch!) set in 1920s America, each one essentially a perfect balance of social commentary, weirdness, and satisfying narrative.

[Happy Goat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/08/2...

I enjoyed this - you can read it as shorts but also if you read it in order it works as an overall story, and Mamma Lucy is great.