What do you think?
Rate this book
A Spell to Wake the Dead
Two teen girls must uncover the dark, occult secrets lurking in their Cape Cod town to solve a series of murders—and save themselves from the same fate—in this twisty, witchy thriller.
When Mazzy and her best friend Nora sneak down to the beach one moonlit night to cast a spell, they don’t expect to find a dead body. But as the tide rolls in, it carries the remains of a woman who is missing her hands and teeth.
The girls know they should leave the investigation to the police, but they can’t shake the weird, supernatural connection they feel with the dead woman. Using spellwork and divination, they set out to find answers of their own. But after they uncover a rash of local disappearances stretching back years—and both girls start having occult visions and hearing ghostly, whispering voices—Mazzy worries that she and Nora are in danger.
Then, Nora finds a second body. And a whispering voice is telling her where to find more. With everything spiraling, Mazzy needs to figure out who to trust and how to sever this supernatural connection—or she and Nora might be the next bodies to wash up on the beach.
When Mazzy and her best friend Nora sneak down to the beach one moonlit night to cast a spell, they don’t expect to find a dead body. But as the tide rolls in, it carries the remains of a woman who is missing her hands and teeth.
The girls know they should leave the investigation to the police, but they can’t shake the weird, supernatural connection they feel with the dead woman. Using spellwork and divination, they set out to find answers of their own. But after they uncover a rash of local disappearances stretching back years—and both girls start having occult visions and hearing ghostly, whispering voices—Mazzy worries that she and Nora are in danger.
Then, Nora finds a second body. And a whispering voice is telling her where to find more. With everything spiraling, Mazzy needs to figure out who to trust and how to sever this supernatural connection—or she and Nora might be the next bodies to wash up on the beach.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 26, 2025
69 people are currently reading
20739 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Lesperance
5 books271 followersNicole grew up on Cape Cod and graduated from Wesleyan University. She spent a few years in London and now lives near Boston with her family and two rambunctious black cats. She writes young adult and middle grade books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
August 28, 2025
Darkly magical, richly witchy, & eerily atmospheric!
🌙A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance is a dark and spooky supernatural tale with just the right mix of mystery and an eerie atmosphere. I’ll happily read witchy stories any time of the year, but this one is definitely begging to be added to an October TBR.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Mazzy and Nora, and the dynamics between them. Their friendship, along with Ethan, who was so well written, gave the story a heart that balanced all the suspense and supernatural tension.
The writing style, the twists, and the rich occult elements kept me completely engaged. The witchy parts in particular were fascinating and thoughtfully detailed. I am no expert in witchcraft, but it felt like the author put careful attention into making this element of the story feel authentic and immersive. The balance of creepy, thrilling, and lightly romantic moments made this a perfect YA magic and horror read.
✨ Key thoughts:
🔮 Perfect blend of mystery and spooky atmosphere.
🌊 Magical and eerie vibes throughout.
💀 Supernatural elements that keep you turning pages.
🤍 Friendship and loyalty anchoring the story.
📚 A wonderfully witchy read for October or any time of year.
Haunting, immersive, and full of richly witchy details, this is one I will definitely be recommending for spooky season.
Expected publication: August 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the digital ARC.
🕯️ Witchy, twisty, and eerily fun, this one cast a 3.5 star spell on me.
🌙A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance is a dark and spooky supernatural tale with just the right mix of mystery and an eerie atmosphere. I’ll happily read witchy stories any time of the year, but this one is definitely begging to be added to an October TBR.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Mazzy and Nora, and the dynamics between them. Their friendship, along with Ethan, who was so well written, gave the story a heart that balanced all the suspense and supernatural tension.
The writing style, the twists, and the rich occult elements kept me completely engaged. The witchy parts in particular were fascinating and thoughtfully detailed. I am no expert in witchcraft, but it felt like the author put careful attention into making this element of the story feel authentic and immersive. The balance of creepy, thrilling, and lightly romantic moments made this a perfect YA magic and horror read.
✨ Key thoughts:
🔮 Perfect blend of mystery and spooky atmosphere.
🌊 Magical and eerie vibes throughout.
💀 Supernatural elements that keep you turning pages.
🤍 Friendship and loyalty anchoring the story.
📚 A wonderfully witchy read for October or any time of year.
Haunting, immersive, and full of richly witchy details, this is one I will definitely be recommending for spooky season.
Expected publication: August 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the digital ARC.
🕯️ Witchy, twisty, and eerily fun, this one cast a 3.5 star spell on me.
April 16, 2025
this is literally a perfect fall book, i beg you all to read this when it comes out!!! a perfect mix of mystery and spooky with an eerie atmosphere, and writing that will keep you hooked and bingeing the entire 300+ pages. like seriously, when you start pulling out gilmore girls and pumpkin spice drinks this year, pick this book up too.
thank you to netgalley & penguin group for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
thank you to netgalley & penguin group for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
November 18, 2025
Buddy read with the amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, crazy, insane, lovely, love of my life and best friend Miray. I had the best time reading this book with her, and I love the way we were making theories and talking about the book in our DMs. I also love that we actually guessed some of them. And hopefully she doesn’t kill me for finishing the book before her!
This book was literally chef’s kiss! I was so entertained—it was very enjoyable, and it has a satisfying ending, which is everything I love in a book!
I really enjoyed the characters. I loved Mazzy and Nora’s dynamic—their friendship was everything, and it made this book so enjoyable. I also came to like Ethan by the end; there was nothing wrong with him—but I didn't like him for the beginning for some reason! Also, I kind of wished for a lesbian romance plot with Mazzy and Nora, but it's okay!
I loved how eerie and spooky the atmosphere was—it was so well written. Even though I say “spooky,” I really don’t think it was scary at all, but it was very fun, and I just love a good, witchy vibe. You know what I’m saying? These are my favorite kinds of books. The mystery element was done so well—it was amazing. The occult element of the book? Fantastic. I loved it!
I gotta say, though, the witchy element wasn’t exactly what I expected or wanted from the book. Don’t get me wrong—I liked it—but when I read witchy books, I expect a lot of magic: amazing spells, fire, lightning, shit starting to happen. This felt more watered down, if that makes any sense. But the ending kind of made up for the things I wanted and didn’t get throughout the story!
So in conclusion, the book was amazing, very well written, and if you’re looking for something to read during spooky season, this is a great pick! It has both mystery and paranormal elements.
This book was literally chef’s kiss! I was so entertained—it was very enjoyable, and it has a satisfying ending, which is everything I love in a book!
I really enjoyed the characters. I loved Mazzy and Nora’s dynamic—their friendship was everything, and it made this book so enjoyable. I also came to like Ethan by the end; there was nothing wrong with him—but I didn't like him for the beginning for some reason! Also, I kind of wished for a lesbian romance plot with Mazzy and Nora, but it's okay!
I loved how eerie and spooky the atmosphere was—it was so well written. Even though I say “spooky,” I really don’t think it was scary at all, but it was very fun, and I just love a good, witchy vibe. You know what I’m saying? These are my favorite kinds of books. The mystery element was done so well—it was amazing. The occult element of the book? Fantastic. I loved it!
I gotta say, though, the witchy element wasn’t exactly what I expected or wanted from the book. Don’t get me wrong—I liked it—but when I read witchy books, I expect a lot of magic: amazing spells, fire, lightning, shit starting to happen. This felt more watered down, if that makes any sense. But the ending kind of made up for the things I wanted and didn’t get throughout the story!
So in conclusion, the book was amazing, very well written, and if you’re looking for something to read during spooky season, this is a great pick! It has both mystery and paranormal elements.
August 26, 2025
Happy Publication Day!
Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
A solid read that will delight your autumnal reading selection. I thought I would just check out the first chapter at breakfast this morning. Instead, this title held me captive for several hours.
What It's About: When Mazzy and her best friend Nora sneak down to the beach one moonlit night to cast a spell, they don’t expect to find a dead body. But as the tide rolls in, it carries the remains of a woman who is missing her hands and teeth.
The girls know they should leave the investigation to the police, but they can’t shake the weird, supernatural connection they feel with the dead woman. Using spellwork and divination, they set out to find answers of their own. But after they uncover a rash of local disappearances stretching back years—and both girls start having occult visions and hearing ghostly, whispering voices—Mazzy worries that she and Nora are in danger.
Then, Nora finds a second body. And the whispering voice is telling her where to find more. With everything spiraling, Mazzy needs to figure out who to trust and how to sever this supernatural connection—or she and Nora might be the next bodies to wash up on the beach.
Nora, Mazzy and Eliot( not mentioned in the description, but he helps too) were all great teenage characters. I can see my students who like a good witchy/paranormal tale eating this one up. One area of curiosity was how these girls became so gifted with spells and all that. How long had they been at it for to be able to do what they did in the story? Then again, perhaps it was just my quibble. Whatever the case, it kept me hooked.
Expected Publication 26/08/25
Goodreads Review 13/08/25
ASpelltoWaketheDead #NetGalley.
Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
A solid read that will delight your autumnal reading selection. I thought I would just check out the first chapter at breakfast this morning. Instead, this title held me captive for several hours.
What It's About: When Mazzy and her best friend Nora sneak down to the beach one moonlit night to cast a spell, they don’t expect to find a dead body. But as the tide rolls in, it carries the remains of a woman who is missing her hands and teeth.
The girls know they should leave the investigation to the police, but they can’t shake the weird, supernatural connection they feel with the dead woman. Using spellwork and divination, they set out to find answers of their own. But after they uncover a rash of local disappearances stretching back years—and both girls start having occult visions and hearing ghostly, whispering voices—Mazzy worries that she and Nora are in danger.
Then, Nora finds a second body. And the whispering voice is telling her where to find more. With everything spiraling, Mazzy needs to figure out who to trust and how to sever this supernatural connection—or she and Nora might be the next bodies to wash up on the beach.
Nora, Mazzy and Eliot( not mentioned in the description, but he helps too) were all great teenage characters. I can see my students who like a good witchy/paranormal tale eating this one up. One area of curiosity was how these girls became so gifted with spells and all that. How long had they been at it for to be able to do what they did in the story? Then again, perhaps it was just my quibble. Whatever the case, it kept me hooked.
Expected Publication 26/08/25
Goodreads Review 13/08/25
ASpelltoWaketheDead #NetGalley.
September 14, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
3.5 stars
this was a perfectly creepy book to read during the last few days of summer that bleed into fall. full of murder and mystery, wiccan/pagan practices, and a dash of egyptian mythology/lore, a spell to wake the dead captivated me!
3.5 stars
this was a perfectly creepy book to read during the last few days of summer that bleed into fall. full of murder and mystery, wiccan/pagan practices, and a dash of egyptian mythology/lore, a spell to wake the dead captivated me!
October 19, 2025
The first-person narrative grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages of this young adult dark and spooky occult fantasy.
As I am reading, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to The Scooby-Doo Gang, particularly Fred, Daphne, and Velma. And I mean that in the best way.
Mazy and her two friends are thrust into dark magic – definitely above their abilities – quite by accident. However, their curiosity and circumstances make it so they can’t walk away from “helping” those in need (even if others are warning them to turn back).
You know how teens think they are more capable than truly are, don’t heed danger signs before it is too late, miss connections due to inexperience. Well, these guys have the same issues. Good thing they blunder forward or there wouldn’t be a story to tell.
I am not a typically young adult reader. Mainly I cannot endure the case of stupid decisions that abound in one. Somehow, I never felt annoyed reading this. Just interested.
The budding love story was a nice touch, upped the suspense, and stayed firmly PG.
Though this involves dark occult magic and murder, it felt mostly tame to me. I liked that even with the minute details about rituals, it skipped going into spells, words, lyrics. The focus is a murder mystery with an occult theme.
The ending brought plenty of suspense and concluded fittingly. I wouldn’t change a thing.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this ideal seasonal read.
As I am reading, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to The Scooby-Doo Gang, particularly Fred, Daphne, and Velma. And I mean that in the best way.
Mazy and her two friends are thrust into dark magic – definitely above their abilities – quite by accident. However, their curiosity and circumstances make it so they can’t walk away from “helping” those in need (even if others are warning them to turn back).
You know how teens think they are more capable than truly are, don’t heed danger signs before it is too late, miss connections due to inexperience. Well, these guys have the same issues. Good thing they blunder forward or there wouldn’t be a story to tell.
I am not a typically young adult reader. Mainly I cannot endure the case of stupid decisions that abound in one. Somehow, I never felt annoyed reading this. Just interested.
The budding love story was a nice touch, upped the suspense, and stayed firmly PG.
Though this involves dark occult magic and murder, it felt mostly tame to me. I liked that even with the minute details about rituals, it skipped going into spells, words, lyrics. The focus is a murder mystery with an occult theme.
The ending brought plenty of suspense and concluded fittingly. I wouldn’t change a thing.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this ideal seasonal read.
September 17, 2025
This book is definitely the perfect book for spooky season. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading and instantly had me HOOKED. It was so creepy yet so addicting between the murders, the setting of the story with the occult supernatural theme, it was just so addictive until the very end.
This book is definitely for people who love a good mystery and suspenseful story! Especially now that spooky season is right around the corner!
This book is definitely for people who love a good mystery and suspenseful story! Especially now that spooky season is right around the corner!
July 11, 2025
3.75 rounded up to a 4
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good witchy time with a murder mystery, spellcraft, friendships woven in magic, and suspense! Mazzy and Nora are two friends who find themselves in a conundrum when they find a body while on the beach and through their determination through spellcraft and divination help to solve the mystery.
It is a quick read that keeps you engaged from the beginning. I feel that it definitely shines more for its intended audience, which is YA, but anyone can read this and enjoy it, especially during the fall season. The twists were good, though slightly predictable. Definitely give it a try if it intrigues you!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good witchy time with a murder mystery, spellcraft, friendships woven in magic, and suspense! Mazzy and Nora are two friends who find themselves in a conundrum when they find a body while on the beach and through their determination through spellcraft and divination help to solve the mystery.
It is a quick read that keeps you engaged from the beginning. I feel that it definitely shines more for its intended audience, which is YA, but anyone can read this and enjoy it, especially during the fall season. The twists were good, though slightly predictable. Definitely give it a try if it intrigues you!
April 16, 2025
such an interesting and eerie book where a murder investigation meets witchy spooky vibes. i will say it was such a unique twist to a sometimes overdone trope and it was done so well! i was actually hooked reading this and finished the whole thing in pretty much one sitting. i could not put it down and there was nothing that could pry my eyes away from it.
thank you netgalley and penguin group for this arc in exchange for my honest review!!
thank you netgalley and penguin group for this arc in exchange for my honest review!!
November 2, 2025
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for a gifted copy of the ebook!
A Spell to Wake the Dead is a great spooky, witchy read for teens. Sometimes I find murder mysteries too cliche BUT I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns as Mazzy and Nora unraveled the truth. The fast pace had the anticipation building up chapter by chapter.
I had different expectations for A Spell to Wake the Dead because I have read Nicole Lesperance’s The Depths. The Depths has more evocative imagery and left me deeply unsettled (in a good way). I felt like A Spell to Wake the Dead was missing that feeling so that made it a three star read for me. But, I think other readers will still enjoy it.
A Spell to Wake the Dead is a great spooky, witchy read for teens. Sometimes I find murder mysteries too cliche BUT I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns as Mazzy and Nora unraveled the truth. The fast pace had the anticipation building up chapter by chapter.
I had different expectations for A Spell to Wake the Dead because I have read Nicole Lesperance’s The Depths. The Depths has more evocative imagery and left me deeply unsettled (in a good way). I felt like A Spell to Wake the Dead was missing that feeling so that made it a three star read for me. But, I think other readers will still enjoy it.
April 14, 2025
I really enjoyed the eerie atmosphere, this book had me hooked since the beginning.
I loved reading about Mazzy and Nora and the dangerous path they found themselves on after discovering a body on the beach and trying to solve her murder, using divination and spellwork and a whispering voice guiding them to more.
I loved their friendship and Ethan.
I enjoyed the writing and the twists as well as all the occult elements this story had.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me with an ARC.*
I loved reading about Mazzy and Nora and the dangerous path they found themselves on after discovering a body on the beach and trying to solve her murder, using divination and spellwork and a whispering voice guiding them to more.
I loved their friendship and Ethan.
I enjoyed the writing and the twists as well as all the occult elements this story had.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me with an ARC.*
February 21, 2025
Mazzy and Norah like to practice witchcraft, often performing simple spells that have a variety of success. When the girls sneak out to the beach to perform a spell, they find a woman's body that is missing their hands and teeth. There seems to be something supernatural about the woman's death and when the girls start to investigate, they find a pattern of local disappearances linked to a secret society. Both of the girls start to have visions and when a whispering voice leads Norah to a second body, the girls realize they might be next.
If you love a combination of murder mysteries and supernatural, I will highly recommend this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the occult and secret society. I would have enjoyed a little more focus on the background of the Hand of Nephthys and the secondary characters that were involved in the mystery, but still really enjoyed this book overall.
A Spell to Wake the Dead is out August 26th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review A Spell to Wake the Dead. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you love a combination of murder mysteries and supernatural, I will highly recommend this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the occult and secret society. I would have enjoyed a little more focus on the background of the Hand of Nephthys and the secondary characters that were involved in the mystery, but still really enjoyed this book overall.
A Spell to Wake the Dead is out August 26th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review A Spell to Wake the Dead. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2025
A dark tale, yet full of heart, A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD combines cult horror and teenage witches to create a truly fresh story. Initially introducing themes of friendship and a budding young romance in a contemporary setting, Lesperance lulls you into a false sense of security before driving an unshakeable chill down your back. Bodies will be unearthed, rituals will have horrifying consequences, and what quite literally haunts the narrative will haunt readers too.
March 31, 2025
I was extremely bored the whole time and never cared about the mystery because it was so dumb and reminded me of pretty little liars where nothing makes sense. I never cared about any of the main characters since they are very flat and have zero personality. I liked the setting with the spooky beaches but that's about it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2026
One day. One day I will write a review for this book.
Mazin come back, you arsehole.
October 19, 2025
"The chanting grows louder, stronger. The candles and the torches flicker silver, then blue. Magic zaps through the air, lifting my hair from my scalp like I’m about to get struck by lightning." (Ch 55)
Supernatural Paranormal Mystery/Thriller | Occult | Teen/YA Fiction
To stop the haunting, they need to solve the mysteries, but there may be in more danger than they imagined.
"The wind gusts again, knocking me sideways, and inside the frigid blast of air, I almost think I hear a woman’s voice singing." (Ch 2)
Goosebumps evoking paranormal murder mystery in the midst of teen occult practices. Haunting and ominous. Full of suspense and foreboding. You want them to stop, but they keep going deeper, pulled in by forces they barely understand. Led only by their intuition and plaguing compulsions until they are in way over their heads.
Oh, and a sweet teen romance built in.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Penguin Random House/ G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Supernatural Paranormal Mystery/Thriller | Occult | Teen/YA Fiction
To stop the haunting, they need to solve the mysteries, but there may be in more danger than they imagined.
"The wind gusts again, knocking me sideways, and inside the frigid blast of air, I almost think I hear a woman’s voice singing." (Ch 2)
Goosebumps evoking paranormal murder mystery in the midst of teen occult practices. Haunting and ominous. Full of suspense and foreboding. You want them to stop, but they keep going deeper, pulled in by forces they barely understand. Led only by their intuition and plaguing compulsions until they are in way over their heads.
Oh, and a sweet teen romance built in.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Penguin Random House/ G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
March 29, 2025
A deliciously spooky read perfect for the autumn season! If small town horror is your thing, you will love this creepy, atmospheric read about teenage witches.
As grateful as I am for this arc and getting to read this in March, the actual release date of this book is set perfectly because reading this book would hit different during the fall. This book is peak romanticism of the fall season. It even romanticizes the feeling of comfortable loneliness you get when the clocks roll back and life gets darker sooner. This feeling that you get from a book…this is what reading is all about. It was able to transport me to my favorite time of year.
This book still has the YA feel but with all the excitement you’d expect from a supernatural murder mystery. The girls stumble upon a dead body of a woman who is missing her hands and heart (yikes) and suspect that the culprit is a secret magical society called hand of nephthys, an evil cult who perform ritual murders. The book then dives into a magical murder mystery essentially, filled with teenagers communing with ghosts, researching evil magic societies, mixed with a murder mystery. It deals with everything from an evil cult obsessed with Egyptian mythology to a spirits of the dead communicating with the girls in their heads. It’s very much a murder mystery rather than a horror novel, but with plenty of magical and supernatural elements. There’s even a creepy song that’s a clue to part of the mystery. It’s spooky, atmospheric, and so autumnal.
Aside from that, this book is just plain well written. You know how some authors tell but don’t show? Literally from page 2 I clocked that Nicole Lesperance is not one of those authors because I instantly felt transported into this sleepy town. From the first page I could tell that she’s a gifted writer. She transports you into a place of lonely, empty roads surrounded by sleepy woods and Victorian homes, the evening soft and silvery from the moonlight. Everything is written so visually and easy to picture. This book isn’t anything groundbreaking of a massive standout necessarily, but it’s exactly what you’d expect going into it. And absolutely perfect for spooky season.
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
As grateful as I am for this arc and getting to read this in March, the actual release date of this book is set perfectly because reading this book would hit different during the fall. This book is peak romanticism of the fall season. It even romanticizes the feeling of comfortable loneliness you get when the clocks roll back and life gets darker sooner. This feeling that you get from a book…this is what reading is all about. It was able to transport me to my favorite time of year.
This book still has the YA feel but with all the excitement you’d expect from a supernatural murder mystery. The girls stumble upon a dead body of a woman who is missing her hands and heart (yikes) and suspect that the culprit is a secret magical society called hand of nephthys, an evil cult who perform ritual murders. The book then dives into a magical murder mystery essentially, filled with teenagers communing with ghosts, researching evil magic societies, mixed with a murder mystery. It deals with everything from an evil cult obsessed with Egyptian mythology to a spirits of the dead communicating with the girls in their heads. It’s very much a murder mystery rather than a horror novel, but with plenty of magical and supernatural elements. There’s even a creepy song that’s a clue to part of the mystery. It’s spooky, atmospheric, and so autumnal.
Aside from that, this book is just plain well written. You know how some authors tell but don’t show? Literally from page 2 I clocked that Nicole Lesperance is not one of those authors because I instantly felt transported into this sleepy town. From the first page I could tell that she’s a gifted writer. She transports you into a place of lonely, empty roads surrounded by sleepy woods and Victorian homes, the evening soft and silvery from the moonlight. Everything is written so visually and easy to picture. This book isn’t anything groundbreaking of a massive standout necessarily, but it’s exactly what you’d expect going into it. And absolutely perfect for spooky season.
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
August 31, 2025
Initially when picking this up I was pretty impressed with the writing. I didn't have to "get over" clunky writing in order to feel immersed in the story.
It really gave a moody vibe for a seaside New England setting, and definitely gave off creepiness.
I initially felt weird about this being a occult spell gone wrong story. Obviously if you mess with occult magic someone is going to wind up in a bad way - haunted, possessed, etc. - you infuriating teenagers! But I got over it because obviously...this is the point.
The parts that were a little annoying where the repeated name dropping of different locations on The Cape. As a New Englander I don't need you to tell me all the places I've been to. But then I remembered that hey, some people like maps and maybe they want to get an idea of a place they don't come from. Maybe not for me, but it could work for someone else.
My primary struggle was with the cute little teen romance that was trying to happen all the while very problematic things are happening to their friend! I just couldn't buy it in the stress of the events occuring all around them.
Overall it was good YA. Great spooky story. Good writing. Good pacing. Not super great romance.
Thank you to Penguin for the complimentary copy through Netgalley. All the opinions expressed are my own.
It really gave a moody vibe for a seaside New England setting, and definitely gave off creepiness.
I initially felt weird about this being a occult spell gone wrong story. Obviously if you mess with occult magic someone is going to wind up in a bad way - haunted, possessed, etc. - you infuriating teenagers! But I got over it because obviously...this is the point.
The parts that were a little annoying where the repeated name dropping of different locations on The Cape. As a New Englander I don't need you to tell me all the places I've been to. But then I remembered that hey, some people like maps and maybe they want to get an idea of a place they don't come from. Maybe not for me, but it could work for someone else.
My primary struggle was with the cute little teen romance that was trying to happen all the while very problematic things are happening to their friend! I just couldn't buy it in the stress of the events occuring all around them.
Overall it was good YA. Great spooky story. Good writing. Good pacing. Not super great romance.
Thank you to Penguin for the complimentary copy through Netgalley. All the opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2025
Mazzy and her best friend Nora have dabbled in witchcraft for years, but one night they get more than they bargained for. As they were attempting a moonlit spell on the beach, they stumbled upon the dead and mutilated body of a young woman. The pair knows they should leave the investigating to the police, but they can't shake the feeling that something supernatural is going on, especially when Nora begins hearing the voice of the deceased woman in her head. As they use spells to dig deeper, they uncover a rash of disappearances stretching back decades. With more bodies cropping up and Nora acting strangely, Mazzy's left desperately trying to piece together the puzzle before she and Nora are the next victims.
I haven't heard anyone talking about this book, but it seemed like the perfect read for this time of year. The atmosphere was top-notch and full of occult and mythology references that lent to the spooky vibe. I liked Mazzy as a main character, but Nora drove me bonkers. A lot of the trouble they found themselves in could've been avoided had she not been so impulsive. I thought the mystery was well done, but it felt a bit repetitive. There's also a little bit of a romance thrown in, which was cute, but didn't add much to the plot. I'd recommend checking it out if you're looking for a quick read reminiscent of a '90s teen witchy movie.
I haven't heard anyone talking about this book, but it seemed like the perfect read for this time of year. The atmosphere was top-notch and full of occult and mythology references that lent to the spooky vibe. I liked Mazzy as a main character, but Nora drove me bonkers. A lot of the trouble they found themselves in could've been avoided had she not been so impulsive. I thought the mystery was well done, but it felt a bit repetitive. There's also a little bit of a romance thrown in, which was cute, but didn't add much to the plot. I'd recommend checking it out if you're looking for a quick read reminiscent of a '90s teen witchy movie.
August 27, 2025
Thank you Penguin Teen for providing me with the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Spell to Wake the Dead makes for a really nice and compelling read for the spooky season. We follow best friends Mazzy and Nora - albeit the whole book is told from Mazzy's point of view - along with their friend Elliott. Both girls are into witch craft and like dabbling in magic, be it little spells or tarot cards. Elliott largely just seems to humour them but all three are shocked when a little finding spell of theirs actually uncovers a dead body at the beach. From that point on, strange things beginn to happen and Nora insists that the ghost of the dead body is talking to and instructing her.
The writing and plot were very atmospheric and well done. It wasn't downright horror but it most certainly was eerie and unsettling. Although I wish it had been made clear in the beginning that this is set in our world and Mazzy and Nora are strictly speaking considered a bit odd for their interest in witch craft - the way the story starts I was under the impression that witchcraft was common place. But as the story went on I realised it truly is just in our contemporary times and that the wider population, including Elliott and the girls' parents, believe in magic.
With this in mind, I think once the wider take on magic is clear, I thought it was pretty well done how the girls had to hide what they were up to or got confronted with people who don't believe. In addition, as we only get Mazzy's point of view, I think there's a certain sense of unreliable narration here. Neither Mazzy nor the reader knows for sure how trustworthy Nora and the ghost only she can hear are, we also can't know for sure how reliable Mazzy or truly most of the cast are or whether there's anything supernatural at work at all.
Besides ghosts and spells, there's a murder mystery which added another engrossing element. The book also touched on a few topics around friendship and jealousy as well as family dynamics. The romance was largely just fine - it's cute but not really what brings this book to life.
The mystery was altogether well done - it had me guessing who the main culprit is until the very final chapters. The reveals were good and it wrapped up well, although I almost wish it had just a wee bit more of a bang. Nonetheless, I think this is a super solid witchy standalone that I would definitely recommend people add to their spooky reading list.
September 21, 2025
*2.5 stars ✨
July 23, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4,5☆
This was sooo good. The book does a fantastic job of mixing mystery with magical elements. I loved the main characters so much and felt that they were very multidimensionally written.
The plot progressed in a way that felt fitting and exciting. This kept me hooked and I constantly wanted to know what happens next. The ending was perfect in every way.
I really recommend this to both mystery lovers and those who love books about witches!
4,5☆
This was sooo good. The book does a fantastic job of mixing mystery with magical elements. I loved the main characters so much and felt that they were very multidimensionally written.
The plot progressed in a way that felt fitting and exciting. This kept me hooked and I constantly wanted to know what happens next. The ending was perfect in every way.
I really recommend this to both mystery lovers and those who love books about witches!
January 22, 2025
From its first scene, this book totally had me. Two teens who dabble in witchy stuff make a gruesome discovery on the beach, and their curiosity about what happened puts them on a dangerous path. Occult supernatural tales aren't uncommon these days, but it's rare to find one as thoroughly creepy as this, with its atmospheric off-season Cape Cod setting. I guarantee it will get under your skin.
October 7, 2025
Was this written by ChatGPT or a child?
November 25, 2025
The romance was completely unnecessary and was totally awkward within the storyline. The mystery part was okay.
March 10, 2025
Me, a 30-something year-old woman: it's YA, it can't be that freaky.
Also me at 10pm: Oooookay maybe we put that down for now
(To clarify though, I am a pretty big scaredy cat).
4.75 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for me! This was just the right amount of creepy and thriling for YA magic/horror with the tiniest pinch of romance. I will definitely be recommending this for October reads!
A Spell to Wake the Dead follows Mazzy and Nora, two teenage girls who just lightly dabble in witchcraft. And they've had some success with minor spells, so why NOT do a spell on the beach that uncovers hidden things? You never know what you'll end up finding....even if it's a dead body :) With this one spell, the girls and their friend Elliot are thrust into the world of the occult, based on Egyptian mythology.
•Definite witchy magic happening - things that can't be explained
•Strong female friendships
•Family ties
Man, this freaked me out and had me jumping at every noise when I was home alone. I LOVED that it wasn't just like a Mythbusters type situation and there actually WERE creepy things happening. Mazzy and Nora's curiosity is so on point as teenagers - would I have been scared to death if I were in their situation? Yes, but I probably would have done the same thing too. Their unwavering belief in each other was perfect for the story. I am no expert in witchcraft, but it also seems like the author took care to research it as a focal point in the story, which I appreciated.
Nora was reaaaaaally frustrating to me as a character a lot of the time. In the end, I understood why she was acting that way, but I really didn't like her at points.
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also me at 10pm: Oooookay maybe we put that down for now
(To clarify though, I am a pretty big scaredy cat).
4.75 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for me! This was just the right amount of creepy and thriling for YA magic/horror with the tiniest pinch of romance. I will definitely be recommending this for October reads!
A Spell to Wake the Dead follows Mazzy and Nora, two teenage girls who just lightly dabble in witchcraft. And they've had some success with minor spells, so why NOT do a spell on the beach that uncovers hidden things? You never know what you'll end up finding....even if it's a dead body :) With this one spell, the girls and their friend Elliot are thrust into the world of the occult, based on Egyptian mythology.
•Definite witchy magic happening - things that can't be explained
•Strong female friendships
•Family ties
Man, this freaked me out and had me jumping at every noise when I was home alone. I LOVED that it wasn't just like a Mythbusters type situation and there actually WERE creepy things happening. Mazzy and Nora's curiosity is so on point as teenagers - would I have been scared to death if I were in their situation? Yes, but I probably would have done the same thing too. Their unwavering belief in each other was perfect for the story. I am no expert in witchcraft, but it also seems like the author took care to research it as a focal point in the story, which I appreciated.
Nora was reaaaaaally frustrating to me as a character a lot of the time. In the end, I understood why she was acting that way, but I really didn't like her at points.
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2025
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This books starts out creepy, witchy and downright spooky and I love it! Look, this is firmly in the YA category. (Not the borderline adult-level explicit fantasy/romance that sometimes hides in YA either. I would feel 100% comfortable if my 13 year old kiddo wanted to read this.) The two main characters are 17-year old girls and they act like it. They take risks, dabble in things with not enough knowledge of the consequences, and think moving away from each other is the worst thing ever. It’s authentic behavior for that age group. This was a refreshing escapist read. I loved the mystery, the use of the witchcraft and occult elements, and the overall friendship between Mazzy and Nora. Even the romance with Elliot was very PG adorable and sweet.
I really loved this! Is it outlandish? Absolutely. But I don’t think anyone is going to confuse reality here when there’s people using spells to light candles and paralyze enemies. That’s why it’s fantasy. I will definitely be buying a copy of this book! I highly recommend picking this up when it comes out at the end of August 2025. It would make the perfect start to spooky season!
This books starts out creepy, witchy and downright spooky and I love it! Look, this is firmly in the YA category. (Not the borderline adult-level explicit fantasy/romance that sometimes hides in YA either. I would feel 100% comfortable if my 13 year old kiddo wanted to read this.) The two main characters are 17-year old girls and they act like it. They take risks, dabble in things with not enough knowledge of the consequences, and think moving away from each other is the worst thing ever. It’s authentic behavior for that age group. This was a refreshing escapist read. I loved the mystery, the use of the witchcraft and occult elements, and the overall friendship between Mazzy and Nora. Even the romance with Elliot was very PG adorable and sweet.
I really loved this! Is it outlandish? Absolutely. But I don’t think anyone is going to confuse reality here when there’s people using spells to light candles and paralyze enemies. That’s why it’s fantasy. I will definitely be buying a copy of this book! I highly recommend picking this up when it comes out at the end of August 2025. It would make the perfect start to spooky season!
dnf
February 11, 2025I got this arc through netgalley, and the book seemed interesting, but due to some lgbt content, I am not going to finish it.
The writing style was great, and the story seemed interesting, but I had to dnf it.
The writing style was great, and the story seemed interesting, but I had to dnf it.
August 17, 2025
A witchy thriller, A Spell to Wake the Dead definitely had spooky fall vibes and was VERY atmospheric. I really enjoyed the ominous vibes and the growing tension as Mazzy, Nora and Elliot realize something truly dark is happening around them. I was very intrigued by the mystery and excited to see where it would go. I also really loved the subplot of Mazzy’s feelings for Elliot. I thought that added a nice little happy break from all the spookiness. I had a very hard time with Nora however. For most of the book, she was whiny, selfish and incredibly petulant. She did get much better at the end, but whew, I wanted to shake her most of the story. I also felt like the final confrontation when all is revealed was a little confusing to me. I think there was a lot happening in those scenes that it all felt a bit jumbled. However, I still liked the way the ending went and the overall vibes of the book!
CW: death, violence, alcoholism
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the digital reader’s copy!
CW: death, violence, alcoholism
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the digital reader’s copy!
August 18, 2025
4.5 rounded up. This was overall an enjoyable, witchy, YA read. The mystery was intriguing and kept me turning each page! I liked Mazzy as the main POV, and her and her friendship with Nora and Elliot made each of the three main characters well fleshed out. The blend with the occult and witchcraft added to the enjoyable vibes. A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my thoughts as well as Colleen for buddy reading this with me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews