What do you think?
Rate this book
The Candy Witch: Sweet Dreams
When children mysteriously start disappearing in a sleepy rural town, Detective Craig Allen is hired to investigate.
His methods are unorthodox. His fee, more costly than his clients realize.
However, waiting deep within the dark forest that surrounds the town is something so evil that it will take all of Craig's skills to survive it...
...something the locals call "The Candy Witch."
From the diabolical mind that brought you "Tales From The Parkland" and took you on a trip to insanity in "Cutter's Deep," comes this new terrifying novel with a protagonist you soon won't forget.
His methods are unorthodox. His fee, more costly than his clients realize.
However, waiting deep within the dark forest that surrounds the town is something so evil that it will take all of Craig's skills to survive it...
...something the locals call "The Candy Witch."
From the diabolical mind that brought you "Tales From The Parkland" and took you on a trip to insanity in "Cutter's Deep," comes this new terrifying novel with a protagonist you soon won't forget.
- GenresHorror
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Ronald McGillvray
8 books106 followersRonald McGillvray is a writer from Ottawa, Canada. He’s published short stories, scripts, novellas and his most recent novel “The Candy Witch,” available now as a print or ebook. He is currently working on a new novel. His novel, “Cutter’s Deep,” his short horror story collection, “Tales From The Parkland,” and his fantasy novella, “James’ Journey To Dreamland,” are all available as a print or ebook. "Tales From The Parkland" is also available as an audiobook.
His writing credits include the short story, “The Garbage Collectors,” which was published in Horror Library Volume 2 as well as in their best of anthology. His short story “Ukrainian Chimes” was published in the anthology Screaming For Peace. An audio version of his story, “Big Boy,” was produced by Pseudopod and his story, “A Night Out,” was published by Dark Fire Fiction.
Two of his film scripts, “The Storm” and “Chimes,” were produced by Cellardweller Projects. “The Storm” was chosen as one of the films to be screened at the World Horror Convention. It also screened at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City. His story, “Head Case,” was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. His film script, “Magic Man,” was optioned by Hyde Park Media.
His stage play, “The Line,” was chosen as part of the reading series by the Saint John Theatre Company.
Find out more about Ronald McGillvray at:
www.ronaldmcgillvray.com
His writing credits include the short story, “The Garbage Collectors,” which was published in Horror Library Volume 2 as well as in their best of anthology. His short story “Ukrainian Chimes” was published in the anthology Screaming For Peace. An audio version of his story, “Big Boy,” was produced by Pseudopod and his story, “A Night Out,” was published by Dark Fire Fiction.
Two of his film scripts, “The Storm” and “Chimes,” were produced by Cellardweller Projects. “The Storm” was chosen as one of the films to be screened at the World Horror Convention. It also screened at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City. His story, “Head Case,” was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. His film script, “Magic Man,” was optioned by Hyde Park Media.
His stage play, “The Line,” was chosen as part of the reading series by the Saint John Theatre Company.
Find out more about Ronald McGillvray at:
www.ronaldmcgillvray.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 10, 2025
My Bad
THE CANDY WITCH: Sweet Dreams
by Ronald McGillvray
This story didn't make much sense to me because I hadn't read the first novel in the series, CUTTERS DEEP, and there were many cross-over characters and events.
Without reading part 1, this story was repetitive and confusing. I think I can safely say that this isn't a stand-alone novel. I may reread it another time after reading CUTTERS DEEP.
If you have already read part 1, you may enjoy this sequel, but I would strongly advise not reading this story first.
I hope this review makes sense to y'all out there. My bad for not seeing that it was a sequel to something I haven't yet read.
THE CANDY WITCH: Sweet Dreams
by Ronald McGillvray
This story didn't make much sense to me because I hadn't read the first novel in the series, CUTTERS DEEP, and there were many cross-over characters and events.
Without reading part 1, this story was repetitive and confusing. I think I can safely say that this isn't a stand-alone novel. I may reread it another time after reading CUTTERS DEEP.
If you have already read part 1, you may enjoy this sequel, but I would strongly advise not reading this story first.
I hope this review makes sense to y'all out there. My bad for not seeing that it was a sequel to something I haven't yet read.
October 8, 2024
Very CREEPY, parts very scary and wow just so exciting!! So this was one great read and an easy one too. Just as a declaration I have no problem believing in witches. Like holy crap how many documented versions of it have been transcribed through court hearings all over the world and mostly Britain and the US. Like do you think all of it was fabricated or a malicious misunderstanding?
So McGillvray is Canadian (as am I, so nice to see) and his tale takes place in the Ottawa Valley in a small town where kids are going missing and the folklore speaks of a Candy Witch in the forest who is very evil. The parents of one of the missing (the Stewarts) hire Detective Craig Allen to find their missing twins. Odd thing being that Allen is really a PI and will not be charging for his services.
We quickly learn that Allen has some magic working for him and it is clear in this universe that there are many witches in the area and his main go to witch is a white witch known as Martha who is on board with Allen's investigation. She specifically brings up her fee of 10% but 10% of what should be nothing is nothing right? So what is up with that? How are they going to make money off that? Oh it all gets revealed..............
So I read 110 pages in my first sitting and was really enjoying it. Now watch for the twist in this review. We all know books can get inside your head but I had no expectation at all that this book would. I will say that I feel that 99% of you will never feel what I did. Yet at two in the morning I woke up which is not unusual. What was unusual was the fact that I saw myself in my sons room (now vacated) and looking out the front window. Behind me was a figure I could not make out but I sensed it and knew it was evil. It was human like and more of a shadow. I could not shake this feeling. Then my imagination let fly and I started thinking what if this evil is right here in my room? My old work partner was a born again and often talked about bringing in possessions into your house that conveyed evil like a ouija board or books themselves. To illustrate that I once ordered the novel The Exorcist but when my wife saw it she freaked and wanted it returned and that would cost me $8 so I tried to unload it to horror readers at the gym. Like I approached 6ish people and they all thought like my wife and wanted no part of it in their homes so I got my refund but lost out on the $8 for the return. I just wanted to illustrate the point of how many of us think regarding all this. My born again friend was not alone. So then as I thought about all this I thought of my collection of horror books both read and unread and thought like holy crap I could have an army of evil in my house, lol. So two hours later as I lie awake thinking of all this crap I notice the bathroom door ajar (likely my cat Luna coming into our room) but the issue is that my neighbour has lost his wife and ever since sleeps with all his lights on. The door being ajar lets enough light into the adjoining bathroom causing shadows to appear if your imagination is like mine. Guess what I saw? I saw a witches hat like the cover of McGilvray's book. So you ever watch horror movies and wonder why people simply don't run? Well I am not a runner. I got up checked out the bathroom, checked out my sons room and went through the whole house. I found nothing out of the ordinary but still was uneasy but eventually fell asleep. The rest of my nights while reading this book were way better than the first night but it still has a very creepy effect and remember I read a lot of this stuff and even extreme horror. I just want to clarify though that I did not feel while reading this that it was overly scary at all but I think the sum total of it all definitely played with my mind but I am not saying it will do the same for others............this isn't an Exorcist type read at all and yet maybe it was, lol.
My apologies for rambling but I think the above paragraph will enlighten you as to what may happen when reading this book and just that fact - that it was able to do what so few books do to me makes it an easy five stars. I am not guaranteeing all of you will be affected in the same way. I think it is the witch thing for me as I can so easily buy into all of it and that's me.
Specific to the novel there is a lot of mystery and intrigue and some straight out crazy stuff. Some pretty gruesome stuff too. It is a real page turner and though it borders on fantasy here and there that is minimal which I am glad for and only serves to move the story along. The story is well thought out with many twists and turns. The characters are awesome too and we learn that there is a lot more sinister plan to be hatched and that the witch has some very powerful allies on her side. We learn that Craig Allen and Martha have her son and husband at their disposal as well and are eager to enter this battle with the witch which becomes basically a battle of good versus evil with our team being the good guys.
The excitement continues throughout and the do you don't you trust/believe this person all adds up to continuing intrigue. The ending, well the ending is awesome but leaves you partially hanging in a way I really can't explain but feel you will agree once you read this book. I really like this one and highly recommend it. Just based on a few restless nights I have to give it and it well deserves an easy five stars!!!!!
So McGillvray is Canadian (as am I, so nice to see) and his tale takes place in the Ottawa Valley in a small town where kids are going missing and the folklore speaks of a Candy Witch in the forest who is very evil. The parents of one of the missing (the Stewarts) hire Detective Craig Allen to find their missing twins. Odd thing being that Allen is really a PI and will not be charging for his services.
We quickly learn that Allen has some magic working for him and it is clear in this universe that there are many witches in the area and his main go to witch is a white witch known as Martha who is on board with Allen's investigation. She specifically brings up her fee of 10% but 10% of what should be nothing is nothing right? So what is up with that? How are they going to make money off that? Oh it all gets revealed..............
So I read 110 pages in my first sitting and was really enjoying it. Now watch for the twist in this review. We all know books can get inside your head but I had no expectation at all that this book would. I will say that I feel that 99% of you will never feel what I did. Yet at two in the morning I woke up which is not unusual. What was unusual was the fact that I saw myself in my sons room (now vacated) and looking out the front window. Behind me was a figure I could not make out but I sensed it and knew it was evil. It was human like and more of a shadow. I could not shake this feeling. Then my imagination let fly and I started thinking what if this evil is right here in my room? My old work partner was a born again and often talked about bringing in possessions into your house that conveyed evil like a ouija board or books themselves. To illustrate that I once ordered the novel The Exorcist but when my wife saw it she freaked and wanted it returned and that would cost me $8 so I tried to unload it to horror readers at the gym. Like I approached 6ish people and they all thought like my wife and wanted no part of it in their homes so I got my refund but lost out on the $8 for the return. I just wanted to illustrate the point of how many of us think regarding all this. My born again friend was not alone. So then as I thought about all this I thought of my collection of horror books both read and unread and thought like holy crap I could have an army of evil in my house, lol. So two hours later as I lie awake thinking of all this crap I notice the bathroom door ajar (likely my cat Luna coming into our room) but the issue is that my neighbour has lost his wife and ever since sleeps with all his lights on. The door being ajar lets enough light into the adjoining bathroom causing shadows to appear if your imagination is like mine. Guess what I saw? I saw a witches hat like the cover of McGilvray's book. So you ever watch horror movies and wonder why people simply don't run? Well I am not a runner. I got up checked out the bathroom, checked out my sons room and went through the whole house. I found nothing out of the ordinary but still was uneasy but eventually fell asleep. The rest of my nights while reading this book were way better than the first night but it still has a very creepy effect and remember I read a lot of this stuff and even extreme horror. I just want to clarify though that I did not feel while reading this that it was overly scary at all but I think the sum total of it all definitely played with my mind but I am not saying it will do the same for others............this isn't an Exorcist type read at all and yet maybe it was, lol.
My apologies for rambling but I think the above paragraph will enlighten you as to what may happen when reading this book and just that fact - that it was able to do what so few books do to me makes it an easy five stars. I am not guaranteeing all of you will be affected in the same way. I think it is the witch thing for me as I can so easily buy into all of it and that's me.
Specific to the novel there is a lot of mystery and intrigue and some straight out crazy stuff. Some pretty gruesome stuff too. It is a real page turner and though it borders on fantasy here and there that is minimal which I am glad for and only serves to move the story along. The story is well thought out with many twists and turns. The characters are awesome too and we learn that there is a lot more sinister plan to be hatched and that the witch has some very powerful allies on her side. We learn that Craig Allen and Martha have her son and husband at their disposal as well and are eager to enter this battle with the witch which becomes basically a battle of good versus evil with our team being the good guys.
The excitement continues throughout and the do you don't you trust/believe this person all adds up to continuing intrigue. The ending, well the ending is awesome but leaves you partially hanging in a way I really can't explain but feel you will agree once you read this book. I really like this one and highly recommend it. Just based on a few restless nights I have to give it and it well deserves an easy five stars!!!!!
September 23, 2024
"Wicked Witch Chiller"
Small backstory:
Detective Craig Allen takes on cases that are strange and spooky so when a husband and wife come to him wanting him to find their missing child he wants to help them especially when he finds out that the town where the child went missing has lost a few more children.
Craig decides to team up with his friend Martha to help him find the children and when they find out that there is a local legend of a witch that lives in the woods is when Craig's spook meter goes into the red as he wonders if the stories of the legendary witch has come to life!
That is about all I can hand out on a small backstory so if this book sounds intriguing then go read it!
Thoughts:
This book was a grabber right from the beginning and it is more like a twisted Hansel and Gretel tale but it has more blood and gore wrapped within its pages. It is really in one way connected to the author's book, Cutter's Deep as there are characters from that book in this book.
The pacing of the story was great as it moved along and the story was super creepy at times where I had to stay up late reading the story as I wasn't sure what twisted path the author was going to take me on next!
Another great book by this author and looking forward to whatever else he has coming out in the future! Giving this book five "Sweet Treat Spookiness" stars!
June 6, 2025
This was a truly captivating tale. In part, it feels reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel, but gradually unfolds into a story that will easily satisfy a broad range of horror appetites.
Creepy, atmospheric, mysterious and a fantastic achievement!
You don't want to miss this one!
Creepy, atmospheric, mysterious and a fantastic achievement!
You don't want to miss this one!
November 2, 2025
This was a fun spooky novel! I have been meaning to check out Ronald McGillvray’s work for a while now and glad I finally did. This is the perfect blend of horror, crime, thriller and suspense. The story was very well written and executed perfectly.
The Candy Witch follows Detective Craig Allen as he’s investigating a string of child disappearances around a small town. There’s been rumors of a supposed Candy Witch but many locals don’t believe. Craig is determined to prove she’s real and gathers a team to help him stop this witch from taking more kids before it’s too late.
The Candy Witch follows Detective Craig Allen as he’s investigating a string of child disappearances around a small town. There’s been rumors of a supposed Candy Witch but many locals don’t believe. Craig is determined to prove she’s real and gathers a team to help him stop this witch from taking more kids before it’s too late.
May 5, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Candy Witch'. The story is quite enthralling and energetic but has some more somber and thoughtful moments as well. The main character 'Craig' is intriguing and gives vibes that are reminiscent of both Jack Reacher and Harry D'Amour. His interplay with the other characters was also entertaining and rather amusing at times.
There are a few minor issues with the story, one being that the pacing feels off occasionally, but overall, it's a fantastic read. If you are into supernatural mysteries involving witches, druids, and demons, I highly recommend giving this book a go. 4.5⭐️
There are a few minor issues with the story, one being that the pacing feels off occasionally, but overall, it's a fantastic read. If you are into supernatural mysteries involving witches, druids, and demons, I highly recommend giving this book a go. 4.5⭐️
October 7, 2024
I finished The Candy Witch by Ronald McGillvray last night and it was a fantastic read!! If you haven't read Cutter's Deep by him yet, you should because this story is built upon the well-crafted storyline of that book by Ron. And don't be fooled by the innocence the name or picture depicts, this book is chalked full of very graphic scenes that I thought he wrote extremely well! Highly recommend this story, you will never see the end coming, it is so good!
October 23, 2024
McGillvray Rocks!
I had a blast with this one. THE CANDY WITCH has it all—and doesn’t let up for an instant. Highly recommended to fans of horror, crime, thrillers, mysteries, and suspense!
I had a blast with this one. THE CANDY WITCH has it all—and doesn’t let up for an instant. Highly recommended to fans of horror, crime, thrillers, mysteries, and suspense!
September 26, 2025
A great dark fantasy
Just a great read that really pulls you in. When kids are being kidnapped in a small town, PI Craig Allen is called on by parents of twins to see what he can do. Come to find out he can do quite a bit being a man with vast power plus having a friend who is a white witch doesn't hurt. He finds out that a witch, called the candy witch by the locals, is kidnapping kids and has been for generations. She is very powerful but shouldn't be too much of a problem, this is what Craig does. Though something is different, the witch is very powerful and has strong backup that is quite familiar to his white witch pal from Cutters Deep.
Highly recommended, I would read Cutter's Deep first though not sure it's necessary since it does a fairly good job in filling a reader in. Its a fast paced read for its size and really has great world building just like Cutter's Deep.
Just a great read that really pulls you in. When kids are being kidnapped in a small town, PI Craig Allen is called on by parents of twins to see what he can do. Come to find out he can do quite a bit being a man with vast power plus having a friend who is a white witch doesn't hurt. He finds out that a witch, called the candy witch by the locals, is kidnapping kids and has been for generations. She is very powerful but shouldn't be too much of a problem, this is what Craig does. Though something is different, the witch is very powerful and has strong backup that is quite familiar to his white witch pal from Cutters Deep.
Highly recommended, I would read Cutter's Deep first though not sure it's necessary since it does a fairly good job in filling a reader in. Its a fast paced read for its size and really has great world building just like Cutter's Deep.
November 11, 2024
A spooky modern-day twist on Hansel and Gretel. This book is a really fun read, blending suspense and horror into a detective-style mystery that moves right along.
November 27, 2024
Amazing story with plenty of action and a great real-life setting based in an occult world were
anything supernatural is not off the table. Awesome lead character (a hunter of underworld occult beings for profit) the novel is very entertaining, and thrill packed!
anything supernatural is not off the table. Awesome lead character (a hunter of underworld occult beings for profit) the novel is very entertaining, and thrill packed!
April 23, 2025
At first I'll admit this book started off kind of slow. Just some simple investigation scenes. Your typical mystery novel. However, around the 40% mark, this book explodes into chaos. Magic and horror are introduced in full force. The book ended up being more and more crazy until an ending that left my jaw on the floor.
I am obsessed with the last half of the book. I just wish the beginning had that same kind of energy. I loved the characters, the banter, the friendship. A really great book I'd definitely recommend.
Although one thing the author does is bring in some characters from what I'm assuming is his first book "Cutter's Deep." I feel like it took away from the original story and characters. And it was also sort of confusing.
I am obsessed with the last half of the book. I just wish the beginning had that same kind of energy. I loved the characters, the banter, the friendship. A really great book I'd definitely recommend.
Although one thing the author does is bring in some characters from what I'm assuming is his first book "Cutter's Deep." I feel like it took away from the original story and characters. And it was also sort of confusing.
November 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a great fun read with some seriously dark moments. Having read Cutter’s Deep (which I also loved) I really enjoyed the references and the overall connection to that story. Don’t worry, though, if you haven’t read Cutter’s Deep, you can still enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the bits of humor peppered throughout the story. I don’t want to throw out any spoilers, but damn, I was “wishing” for a different ending, and Mr. McGillvray definitely got my hopes up at one point. Still, the ending did make sense. And it will definitely stick with me for awhile.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for an easy, entertaining read for Spooky Season!
I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the bits of humor peppered throughout the story. I don’t want to throw out any spoilers, but damn, I was “wishing” for a different ending, and Mr. McGillvray definitely got my hopes up at one point. Still, the ending did make sense. And it will definitely stick with me for awhile.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for an easy, entertaining read for Spooky Season!
September 18, 2024
The Candy Witch is outside my normal reading genre, but Ron McGillvray is a talented author and a supportive member of the writing community, so I was happy to read his latest horror novel.
The protagonist, Craig, is a special kind of private eye who will take on weird cases, like when children start to go missing in a small town and the locals say the Candy Witch from the forest is taking the kids. The Candy Witch leaves bags of candy to lure kids, and she can enter dreams and manipulate people.
Other cool characters, specifically local teens, a law enforcement officer, and a woman named Martha who has special talents, come to Craig’s aid, but not everyone has a happy ending. One scene in particular, the demise of two of the characters at once, terrified me.
There are additional scenes I won’t forget, like when something (can’t say what, no spoilers) floats over the town … scary! Scenes full of creepy images and other scenes chock full of atmosphere made me worry for the characters and what they were going to face.
I totally didn’t expect the ending. If you read carefully, you’ll see that McGillvray warns the readers, but I didn’t think he’d take the story THERE! Great fun!
Overall, a tense, small-town horror story with great characters and a fresh take on the Hansel and Gretel witch.
The protagonist, Craig, is a special kind of private eye who will take on weird cases, like when children start to go missing in a small town and the locals say the Candy Witch from the forest is taking the kids. The Candy Witch leaves bags of candy to lure kids, and she can enter dreams and manipulate people.
Other cool characters, specifically local teens, a law enforcement officer, and a woman named Martha who has special talents, come to Craig’s aid, but not everyone has a happy ending. One scene in particular, the demise of two of the characters at once, terrified me.
There are additional scenes I won’t forget, like when something (can’t say what, no spoilers) floats over the town … scary! Scenes full of creepy images and other scenes chock full of atmosphere made me worry for the characters and what they were going to face.
I totally didn’t expect the ending. If you read carefully, you’ll see that McGillvray warns the readers, but I didn’t think he’d take the story THERE! Great fun!
Overall, a tense, small-town horror story with great characters and a fresh take on the Hansel and Gretel witch.
December 17, 2024
A tale of horror like no other can write. Ron McGillvray takes you on a tour of a small, isolated town in Canada, where children are disappearing amidst stories of the Candy Witch. A fast-paced tale of twisted magic that'll leave you guessing until the end. And if you've read his previous novel, Cutter's Deep, you're in for a treat. A great read, highly recommended!
June 4, 2025
Thoroughly Enjoyed this Hansel and Gretel style creepy take. loved all the Characters and enjoyed the story
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews