The Late-Night Witches

by Auralee Wallace

An enchantingly warm and funny novel about family, love lost and found, discovering who you are, and how difficult it is to slay a vampire from the beloved national bestselling author of the TikTok sensation In the Company of Witches.

Cassie Beckett’s life is anything but magical. With a wild younger sister, three unruly kids, and an absent husband, she’s really not looking forward to the witching month of October. At least the gorgeous, foggy Prince Edward Island is always quiet.

That is, until the vampires arrive.

As the creatures sink their teeth into Cassie’s tenuous grip on normalcy, she’s forced to come face-to-face with long–disregarded family secrets. The legacy gifts her with power, but also a lofty rid the island of vampires, or let them win. (Both options suck, in more ways than one.)

Armed with her family, newfound friends, and a baby in a spectacularly garlicky onesie, Cassie must learn what it is to be a witch and how to fight for what she loves before time runs out. Because on Halloween night, the stakes will be higher than ever before...and it’s up to Cassie to finish what the witches that came generations before her started.

Genres: Fantasy, Halloween, Witches, Cozy, Romance, Paranormal, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2025

About the author

After spending her formative years reading Grimms’ fairy tales and stirring up potions in the creek behind her house, Auralee Wallace knew she would grow up to be a witch. When that didn’t work out, she decided becoming a writer was the next best thing. Now, Auralee is the author of multiple novels, including the Otter Lake mystery series and The Evenfall Witches B&B mysteries. She lives in Ottawa with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
She can be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, and her website http://auraleewallace.com/.

Auralee is represented by Natalie Lakosil, Looking Glass Literary and Media.

Reviews

[Sydney Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* This was cute! Super light and fun and silly, totally gave me Halloweentown vibes 🎃

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, this was so much fun, kind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Practical Magic? The plot isn't exceptionally original – there are a lot of novels out there about witches who return to their ancestral home and (re)discover their latent powers – but there is one big twist with this one: vampires. Turns out that in the Beckett family, “in every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness inherit a familial obligation to attempt to kill The Maker of Shadows, the Begetter of Demons, the Deliverer of Fear, Sorrow, and Death (known as “Del” for expediency's sake).” Turns out that Cassie Beckett is the current “witch of her generation,” which she's none too thrilled about considering her very noticeable lack of magical powers. Will Cassie embrace her legacy and save her family and possibly even the world? I mean, I think we all know the answer to that – this book plays out exactly the way you'd expect it to – but it's a humorous and entertaining read nevertheless.

All the characters in this book are fantastic, but I especially adored Dorcas (Cassie's aunt and previous witch of her generation) because my primary life goal is to become a slightly eccentric witch who lives alone in a big house by the sea with an exceedingly large number of cats. (Okay, okay, fine, maybe my husband can come too but he absolutely does not get a say in how many cats are considered “too many” because I can guarantee that his number will be significantly lower than mine.) The woman is living the dream! Tommy the not-quite-a-vampire is also a lot of fun, even if he does get a little “sticky” by the end.

Again, there's no particularly novel storyline to be found here and you shouldn't expect anything super deep. This is a light and fluffy cozy read about family and belonging and finding Mr. Right and embracing your destiny and, yes, a baby in a garlicky onesie. It's absolutely delightful, and the perfect mix of humorous and heartwarming. I'm truly hoping that this is the start of a new series, because I would totally read a bazillion more books about the witchy Becketts and their zany cast of friends.

My overall rating: 4.55 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ace for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 19, 2025.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was full of humor, adventure and emotions! I absolutely loved reading it and could not put it down after the first chapter! This was the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books! It was not only a fun read, it came with paranormal elements that I loved! It made me feel lighthearted, heartwarming and magical. It had witty banter, a little bit of romance, witches and vampires! It came with lovable characters! I especially enjoyed the protagonist of the story, Cassie! I enjoyed some of the side characters as well. More than anything, this novel is about love. It has mystery and spooky vibes too. It’s perfect to read around Halloween season or even all year around! I was extremely satisfied with this book, the only downside to me was that there weren’t any spicy romance scenes. This may be a positive to many readers though! It is well written and I was fully immersed while reading it.

“The Late Night Witches” is a novel that centers around the character named Cassie Beckett. She is a mother of three children, living on foggy Prince Edward Island. The father of the children is away and doing humanitarian work. Cassie has a lot going on and isn’t looking forward to spooky season. As Halloween approaches, she discovers that she is a part of a generational witch legacy. Vampires start arriving and everything starts changing! Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

Content warnings include death, death of a parent and violence. I think fans of the movie “Practical Magic” would really enjoy reading this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Auralee Wallace and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on August 19, 2025!

[Olivia | Liv's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[summer⁎ ˚ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 oh i loved this!!!

thank you berkley for the free arc and gifted copy!

this totally took me by surprise, which i know is a backhanded compliment, but please, i read so many books so I am genuinely pleased when a book captures my full, undivided attention to the fullest. I read the first quarter of this within my first sitting, and devoured the rest within the day. This is the perfect adventure for Halloween (I would recommend it for October best!)

The book is brimming with warmth and comfort, full of long lost family secrets, hidden history, and a beautiful Sea House inhabited by a magical witch. Each of the characters are witty, funny, and sweet. I was worried upon reading the synopsis, stating she has 3 kids, that I would be dragged through the woes of parenting but it was, thankfully, not the case. There are moments where Cassie reflects on motherhood, but it was not nearly as drawn out as I was expecting. In the end, the kids even weave into the witchy and magicky stuff, and Sadie was a true gem. I loved her!

The setting of a foggy Prince Edward Island rips the summer nostalgia for a sea-front setting right out from your hands. You're transported instantly to something spooky and eerie, as vampires begin to roam in the night. This had the perfect level of mystique in the beginning before we understood what was happening, but it is not at all a level of scary that you can't read at night. Moments of vampire killing are belied by the character's hysterical remarks. This had the kind of humor that just takes you by surprise. I was genuinely laughing out loud at several different points of the book. Yet the book is still full of cheesy Halloween gore moments, like Eliza's boyfriends' ears ripping off, or potions that melt off vampire's faces.

I loved how effortlessly Wallace infused Cassie's character arc and growth within the plot, while also showing us the difficulty of motherhood. She is essentially a single mom of three, and never puts herself first. She was strong and resilient and only had to believe in herself (the way her kids did!) I also adored Ben. I need their own romance book asap. Also fuck Matt. I loved Eliza and Dorcas, and think their characters in the story were driving forces for Cassie as well. It was sad to see that she couldn't access her magic as easily as Eliza, and as the responsible, older sister, she had to clean up Eliza's messes constantly. There was a reasonable emphasis on that small sister dynamic, but it in no way was hostile.

I recommend this for anyone looking for an indulging, quick read, full of adventure and Halloween goodness.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the author’s previous witchy books, but this didn’t hit the mark. Everything from the characters to the magic system felt half-baked.

[hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75***

this was adorable, cozy, & so, so charming

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, cozy and funny Halloween paranormal read. I really enjoyed it. The Vampires vs. the witches was a fun theme. The main character Cassie is a witch, but not a trained one so she doesn't know all the magic. She has a husband who's MIA most of the time. She's frazzled as she's caring for her three young unruly children and her wild younger sister. When the vampire that has killed twelve witches in her family line, it's now her turn to take him out. Her aunt needs to train her for the battle. This is just a quirky read that was a nice escape. I loved the side characters too. The mystery, suspense, humor, and family all made this such an enjoyable read.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[amy :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cat named Janet is the real winner here. Say Polliwog one more time, Dorcas. 🤛 ha!
It’s a very cozy, light, Halloween read. 🎃

[Alice Feist · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF: i hate to do this but why am i 90% of the way through the book and the main character is still in denial/refusing she’s a witch and has to fight a vampire, it was getting very frustrating

[Brend · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Chris Bulow · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t mind a generic story with bland characters. I love a lot of books and films with generic stories. But if you’re going to do a generic story, then you better bring atmosphere or a cozy setting that can fill the story out. This got nothing of it. I’m honestly surprised how good reviews it has in here. But without sounding like a cynic, most of them are people who got it in advance.

[Stacee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pitched to me as "Practical Magic meets What We Do in the Shadows" and I didn't need more than that.

I really liked this cast of characters. Cassie is the typical older sister and it was delightful reading her relax and find something for herself. The rest of the family is quirky and crazy in the best way possible.

Plot wise, it's a bit of slow and cozy meandering with a hint of danger. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the town and the house and could definitely picture everything described. The last chapter acts as an epilogue of sorts and I could have done with more, but I might just be greedy.

Overall, this was a fun read and I can't wait to read more from the author.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Late‑Night Witches by Auralee Wallace is a cozy, heartfelt paranormal fantasy about Cassie Beckett, an overworked mom on foggy Prince Edward Island whose ordinary life with three kids, a wild younger sister, and an often‑absent husband unravels when vampires suddenly arrive and threaten her community and heritage. As Cassie learns she is part of an ancient witch lineage destined to confront a centuries‑old vampire known as the Deliverer, she must awaken powers she never believed she had, embrace her family’s magical legacy, and fight for everything she loves before Halloween night seals their fate.

What captivated me most was how warm, funny, and emotionally honest the story feels beneath all its supernatural chaos: Cassie’s journey from exhausted caretaker to a woman rediscovering her own strength resonated deeply, and her devotion to her kids, sister, and newfound friends grounded what could have been purely fantastical in everyday love and resilience. The blend of laugh‑out‑loud moments (like a baby in an over‑garlicked onesie) with genuine family drama gave the narrative both heart and bite, and I loved how the relationships, especially between Cassie and her younger sister Eliza evolved from tension to fierce partnership as the stakes climbed. Wallace’s blend of magic, humor, and tender introspection made me laugh, gasp, and root for Cassie in equal measure, even as the pacing occasionally dipped under worldbuilding weight. Overall, it’s a glowing autumnal adventure full of love, legacy, and quirky charm that feels especially perfect for readers who like their fantasy with heart and a cozy twist.

Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving The Late‑Night Witches this score because its emotional core and cozy, chaotic family dynamics made me feel genuinely invested, and its mix of humor, horror, and witchy empowerment left me both smiling and thoughtful long after I finished. It’s a magical ride that celebrates courage in everyday life, even when the monsters are real.

[Jess - The Hexed Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly solid story overall. It really reads more like women's fiction with magic. It really is about our MC finding the strength within herself to overcome life's obstacles, both magical and otherwise.

My biggest issue with this book was the "romance" aspect. Right off the cuff we learn that she's got a hunky neighbor that she's kinda crushing on but she also has a dr. husband who has been away for a long time with Dr's without borders (I think). And overall I can see why this whole arc was put into the plot, I don't like it. It felt like it was shoehorned in and I think everything that happened in this arc could have been done another way without it feeling icky.

I liked the worldbuilding and the history aspects and how the town itself was sort of involved in the magic. I LOVED the sea house and the magic it brought to the page. I do think our characters could have used a bit of work especially our MC & her sister. Especially when they were in a scene with the teenage daughter it was a bit difficult to tell the three of them apart. And while family members do often pick up each others mannerisms and feel similar, that doesn't really work in a novel. People need to be more distinct from one another.

The overall vibe and "lesson" in the story I think is solid. I feel like there's a lot of moms in their 3o's who, if they decided to read this with an open mind, could see themselves in Cassie and may learn some of the same things she did.

[Scarlett Kouyou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

🖤Contemporary Cozy Fall Fantasy
🖤A Silly Practical Magic with not just witches but also vampires
🖤Long lost family secrets
🖤Foggy Sea-front atmosphere
🖤Mystery, suspense, and humor

I thought this book was very cute and had such a cool, quirky, little sea/front town vibes- it reminded me of Practical Magic.
I loved the sister dynamic in this story- I think this would have been rated higher for me if it had been slightly LESS contemporary- the fantasy part of it felt very slapstick/goofy to me when reading which definitely kept the mood light.
Regardless, very cute story. I loved the storyline and the characters and enjoyed this read.

Thank you to @booksparks, @auraleewallaceauthor and @penguinramdomhouse for the gifted copy!

[Ashton Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great balance of cozy, action, and a dash of romance. I will admit that I didn’t love it as much as the author’s previous cozy series, and found the vampire villain to more cheesy than creepy. But if you’re looking for a witchy read with a slightly older MC I’d recommend giving this a try!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Erica Wirick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witches hunting vampires seemed right up my alley for spooky season. Unfortunately, there was very little witch vs vampire until the end. Main character Cassie was kind of a bore and her constant internal monologue about how hard it is to be a wife (to absent husband) and mother started to annoy me. Her aunt and sister were much more interesting and funny. This one was too slow and just fell flat for me.

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She can't run. She can't hide. The Thirteenth Witch will die."

Thanks to BookSparks for the early copy of THE LATE-NIGHT WITCHES by Auralee Wallace for FRC2025!

This was my first read by Wallace and won't be my last (I've already got IN THE COMPANY OF WITCHES queued up for fall 👀)

This book oozed Practical Magic vibes and the Beckett family was everything to me - if you're looking for a group of powerful, and still very dysfunctional 😅 women, look no further!

The story was cozy, but still had some spooky moments, and really catered to the vibes that come with the magic of a small town! 🍂🎃🪄

Add this one to your fall tbr stat! 📚

[Kiana Astaraki · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun cute easy spooky read

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's perfect!

There are witches, there are vampires, it's cozy, there's complex family dynamics, there's a bit of romance, there's even some gore! I couldn't have asked for a better fall read.

[Noelani · Rating 4 out of 5]

▪️Read this if you like:
▫️light fantasy & witchy stories
▫️found family & a fun cast of characters
▫️cozy vibes
———
This book had the magic to pull me out of my reading slump, and it was everything I was hoping it’d be.

I am a sucker for a cozy, witchy, fall-vibes story, and this book really hit the mark there. The characters were fun and full of life, and I loved how they each brought whimsy to the story in their own ways. The dynamics between everyone were great, and brought a balance of funny, sweet, and serious moments.

Cassie felt real and relatable as the main character, and even though her self-doubt was frustrating at times, I loved seeing her growth over the course of the book. I also enjoyed seeing her relationships with those around her change and evolve, especially her relationships with Eliza and Dorkas. There was just a smidge of romance here, and I liked the bit of levity and hope it added to the story. I love where the ending leaves off, and maybe even hints at a sequel?👀

This book needs to be on everyone’s spooky season reading list!

Thank you Berkley for the free copy!

[Laura Līva · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because I loved Auralee Wallace’s Evenfall Witches B&B series, but The Late-Night Witches was a complete letdown. The blurb promises something “enchanting and cozy,” yet what I found was more like a campy Halloween movie - surface-level and cheesy.

The writing and humor didn’t work for me, and the characters lacked the charm and depth that made Wallace’s earlier books shine.

If you're looking for similar vibes to Evenfall Witches, skip this one.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so sad that I actively disliked this book, because I LOVED In the Company of Witches! Cassie as our main character was so self-deprecating that it became immensely frustrating to read. I didn’t think the plot was strong, the supporting characters fell flat, and the funny moments were too cheesy. This was honestly a big Halloween mess.

[KellyJ1028 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!

Just finished The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace and WOW-cozy magic, sisterhood, and spooky October vibes! I don't think I could have loved this book anymore than I did.
At the heart of the story is Cassie Beckett the exhausted mom-turned-witch we didn't know we needed. Think vampires, a wild sister, a vanishing husband.

The foggy, magical setting of Prince Edward Island captured all the atmospheric vibes. This isnt your typical witchy read, the author is able to blend domestic drama and some supernatural suspense that is thrilling.

I loved Cassie's transformation from overwhelmed parent to reluctant herione. I loved the humor, and banter between the sisters. It was a perfect blend.

This is the second book by Auralee Wallace and I cant put into words how much I have enjoyed her books.

Perfect fall read!

[Jessie (Saffity) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially went into this book thinking that it was going to be a stereotypical supernatural romance. Boy was I wrong. This is a book that has a little bit of romance to it, but the relationship that it is most focused on is that of the main character and her sister. The family dynamics are dynamicking, and the supernatural kicks things up to 11 as the month of October moves forward. Some of the drama seemed a bit much, but it involved the teenage daughter, so I'm going to say it was just the right amount.

In some ways I wanted to smack the main character over the head to get her to wake up and see reality. The thing is, I think that was the point. The main character is flawed, as we all are, and while you as the reader can see things from miles away, the power of denial is strong with this one.

There was one twist I was expecting that actually didn't come, and for that I was grateful (I've been watching too many trashy Asian dramas I think.) I cringed as we came up to the climax expecting the evil dastardly turn of the ally, and the plot didn't pan out how I thought it would which was nice.

Sometimes nice, helpful characters can just be nice, helpful characters.

All told this was an interesting supernatural drama with enough horror/thriller aspects to put you in suspense, but without taking away from the familial relationships we're clearly supposed to be focusing on. I read this e-book through Netgalley.

[Natalie ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Thank you Berkley for the free copy!!

[Melsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffy the vampire slayer with witches. So funny, spooky, all the perfect vibes for the season. Chef’s kiss 😘

[Erin Talamantes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5