The Witch Finder

The Accidental Medium #5

by Tracy Whitwell

'Spooky and hilarious . . . I love this book! - Mandasue Heller on The Accidental Medium

History is revealing itself, and the lines between past and present are becoming hauntingly blurred . . .

This is the fifth and final installment in the hilarious Accidental Medium series featuring Tanz, who with the help of the dead, has become an unwilling crime-solver.

When Tanz returns to her hometown in Newcastle, she comes face-to-face with dark, ancestral secrets lurking in its shadows. Haunted by chilling visions of the witch-trials, a voice from the past warns her, You’re the one. Burn it, chosen one. As a sinister figure threatens to ruin everything she’s built for herself, Tanz must embrace her connection to the dead to uncover her destiny.

With everything on the line, Tanz finds herself entangled in a web of folklore, mystery and imminent danger. Elements collide as the echoes of history demand intervention and new relationships entwine in her mystical journey. Tanz must wield courage against paranormal forces and listen to old and new allies in order to prevent ominous threats from consuming her world.

Will Tanz unravel the mysteries surrounding the witch pricker and her own lineage in time, or will she fall prey to the darkness that stalks her?

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal

448 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Michelle Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn’t just a read — it was an experience!!

The Accidental Medium series is a masterclass in cozy mystery with atmosphere. The descriptive writing sets the mood beautifully, and every chapter kept me completely hooked. This entire series has made me laugh, cry, and hit me right in the feels — every single time.

Tanz our FMC is back in her hometown straight after her adventure in Reykjavík, pulled into yet another mission filled with witchy shenanigans. Trying to find out what’s brought her home kept me turning pages nonstop. I thought the dialogue was cracking, the friendship banter felt real and warm, and the sense of found family shines through. I’ve grown attached to all the characters in this series I love them all.

👻Possession
👻Whispers in the dark
👻Past refusing to stay buried
👻Time hopping
👻Witches
👻Friendship
👻Spirit guides
👻Power

The Witch Finder is the perfect blend of mystery, heartwarming, spooky vibes, and powerful women uniting — which is exactly what makes this series so special. I’ve loved every book, and this one is no exception. Tracy Whitwell knows her spooky stuff.

This book demands Jasmine Green Tea & shortbread biccies!

Thank you to NetGalley & Pan MacMillan for this arc I’ve loved every minute of it.

[Pudsey Recommends · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t read any of Tracy Whitwell’s books before, but when this popped up on a blog tour with “witch” in the title, I didn’t even pretend to hesitate. Witchy chaos? Northern setting? Slightly unhinged heroine? Sign me up!!

This was an absolute romp. Tanz (our fab FMC) and her friends & family are an absolute hoot. I loved spending time with them. And then there’s Thor (yes, that Thor ) Tanz’s romantic interest, bringing the perfect amount of romance and chaos. Their dynamic was fun.

Tanz is a Geordie through and through, and Whitwell captures Newcastle and the North-East voice so brilliantly that it feels authentic and grounded, even when the story heads into the paranormal. The setting feels lived-in and authentic, from the Town Moor to the chatter about the Hoppings and it grounds all the supernatural madness beautifully. I love when a location feels like a character in its own right.

One of my favourite elements was the historical thread. I had never read about the Newcastle witch trials before, and this book sent me straight down a research rabbit hole. Whitwell handles it brilliantly, revealing how the witch hunts were essentially a money-making machine built on paranoia, fear and one deeply questionable “witch finder.” It’s horrifying, fascinating, and depressingly relevant. The parallels with how societies still treat minorities they’re uncomfortable with? Not subtle. Not wrong either.

What I love most about this series is how it balances laugh-out-loud humour with genuinely thoughtful commentary. One minute Tanz is spiralling about her love life, the next she’s communing across time and confronting ancestral trauma like it's just your average Tuesday.

Dream states, ancestral echoes, hidden frequencies, time-slipping encounters. It’s mystical, slightly bonkers, and completely absorbing. Tanz stepping more fully into who she is (even when she’d rather not) is such a satisfying arc to witness. I'll be reading the back catalogue next.

The Witch Finder is funny, heartfelt, witchy, and just self-aware enough to poke fun at itself when needed. It was enlightening as much as it was entertaining.

#pudseyrecommends this highly.

[Milly Chantrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, it took the first 40 pages for me to start feeling invested in this book, as the writing style isn’t what I usually gravitate towards. But soon I did find that the plot picked up, and it became a fun and entertaining read. The style of writing I found quickly made sense for the world and characters Whitwell has created.

We follow Tanz on an ancestral journey filled with secrets, unsettling visions, and an unexpected connection to the dead, alongside a quieter romantic thread that unfolds gently in the background.

With this book what I particularly enjoyed was how I did not feel the need to predict everything, because it was so unpredictable!
The characters were a real highlight for me, especially the relationship between Tanz and Shiela, which added warmth and humour throughout the story.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, energetic crime & mystery with supernatural elements, something fast-paced, and easy to read then this is a wonderful choice. It leans toward a lighter crime & thriller tone with almost YA accessibility, making it especially great for newer readers or anyone wanting an enjoyable palate-cleanser between heavier books.
While the level of cursing occasionally pulled me out of the story personally, it ultimately contributed to the character voice and atmosphere.

Overall, The Witch Finder is a fun, character-driven mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering intrigue and heart.

[Laura D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitwell has only gone and done it again, every book in The Accidental Medium series is better than the last. And though you could read it as a standalone novel, you would miss out on some very intense (and tear-inducing) self-growth from our favourite Geordie witch, Tanz.

Before Tanz even has a chance to recuperate from her time in Iceland and take a breath she’s thrown right into the next adventure. After a fear inducing and all-too-real dream Tanz goes back home to Newcastle to try to bring peace to restless witchy and not-so-witchy spirits who were burned at the stake. She calls upon her spirit guides (who occasionally answer) and her friends to help her unravel the mystery - learning more about who she is and what she wants out of life along the way.

If you love cozy mysteries, a sprinkle of magic, quite a bit of danger and a bunch of people who aren’t afraid to say exactly what’s on their mind (expect when it comes to love, because that’s always a tricky one), then you will love this one.

Thanks to NetGalley & Pan MacMillan for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. And a massive thank you to Tracy Whitwell for writing yet another masterpiece.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final chapter in the Accidental Medium series is a wild, witchy ride through Newcastle’s haunted past—and Tanz is the perfect guide. She’s back in her hometown, but the ghosts aren’t just metaphorical this time. With visions of witch trials and cryptic warnings from beyond (“You’re the one. Burn it, chosen one.”), Tanz is pulled into a mystery that’s as eerie as it is hilarious.

Whitwell blends folklore, danger, and deadpan humour with effortless charm. Tanz remains one of the most relatable heroines out there—awkward, brave, and just trying to make sense of the chaos (both supernatural and emotional). The story crackles with tension, but it’s the heart underneath that makes it sing: old wounds, new love, and the courage to face what’s been buried.

If you love your mysteries with a dash of the paranormal and a heroine who talks to ghosts like they’re old mates, this one’s for you. A satisfying, spooky send-off to a truly original series.

With thanks to Tracy Whitwell, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Being_bookish_becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“They can’t burn us now”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a story of female rage and revenge for those woman who suffered at the hands of “the witch pricker”. Tanz is our Geordie spirit guide as she returns to her hometown and a mysterious thunderstorm inducing spirit begins to follow her and show her visions of the past. Face to face with dark ancestral secrets and haunted by chilling visions of witch trials, she must connect with the spirits and uncover the mysteries behind her lineage.

I loved the strong friendship between Tanz and Sheila embracing all that is spooky with a glass of wine in hand! They truly were on a witchy investigation together and I loved their friendship! Cosy and spooky I would like to read more of “The Accidental Medium” series which can be read as standalone books. If like me you were a fan of the supernatural drama Ghost Whisperer this is definitely one for you as it had all of the small town cosy vibes but with all of the British humour.

Cosy, spooky and full of female empowerment I really enjoyed the Witch Finder!

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing instalment in the Accidental Medium series. This one takes place closely after The Hidden Dead and is just as full of action as all the others.

I absolutely loved the involvement of the character we already know of and some new characters, as well as the touch of new, more physical exposure to the world of the dead. As always, the history aspect of the magic was brilliantly explained to us, the readers, during the storyline.

The action was brilliantly presented to use throughout the storyline at good pace, with the end leaving you holding your breath and being on the edge of your seat.

I had to read the book in one go because there was no putting it down! I laugh, I was scared, and unexpectedly I also cried at the end (sobbed more like).

Amazing writing as always by the author, and I really hope that we will see Tanz’s future adventures soon too. This time with a bigger sprinkle of love.

Thank you to NetGalley for this amazing ARC.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this latest from Tracy Whitwell which is ridiculously fun, entertaining and hugely interesting with all the facts around witch finders in the north of England.
Although this is the fifth in a series, it’s easy to read as a one off as catch up details are in there too.
Tanz is an accidental medium who has become adept at helping spirits from the other side with making their peace with their lives on the earth plane.
After some weird dreams Tanz decides to go back home to her parents to find out more about the witch trials in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Wonderful characters, friends and spirits are always there to help and guide Tanz through dangers lurking who want to cause harm.
The story, history and crazy journey is gripping and totally engaging. I have much enjoyed this series and sad to have come to the end, although I think this one is the best!!
Atmospheric, spooky and cute.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan publishing for the early opportunity to read and review.

[Eloise Mohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cosy witchy mystery, this series is the one.
In this final installment of The Accidental Medium series, Tanz has returned from her adventures in Iceland with a "super charge" of sorts. She is working to a higher frequency than ever before, and this time it spells trouble (again).
Something in her witchy ancestry has been disturbed, and its up to Tanz to resolve it quickly.

As always, I enjoyed this adventure. Witnessing Tanz (who is by all means still just learning the ropes of her abilities) get thrown into something so huge, was fun. The characters in this book all have vibrant personalities and it makes the book feel engaging and fairly fast paced. This one has more chaos and is more deranged than the others, and it is almost nonsensical, but it works. I adore Tanz whole friendship group. A complete mismatch of people, who are all connected. Even little mam has me giggling.

I hope this isn't the last we hear from Tanz, but if it is, it was wrapped up nicely. Albeit with an emotional ending.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely buzzing after finishing this! I first fell in love with Tracy Whitwell’s writing years ago, reading The Accidental Medium on a Kindle so old it belongs in a museum 🤣, and it’s rare to find a series that just keeps getting better by the fifth book.

This latest installment really raises the bar. Seeing Tanz back in Newcastle facing off against dark, ancestral secrets felt so personal. The mix of chilling witch trial history and Tanz’s signature snark is perfection. It’s spooky, funny, and incredibly atmospheric. I was completely hooked throughout, but that last chapter? I couldn't put it down!

If you’re into paranormal stories that can make you laugh out loud one minute and give you genuine goosebumps the next, you need to get on this series. Tanz is such a one of a kind character, and I’m already impatient to see where her gift takes her next.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently returned from her adventures in Iceland, Tanz is feeling a little fragile. When she suddenly feels the urge to visit her family in Gateshead, she knows it is for a reason. When she gets there she realises that her Mum has been having the same strange dreams as her.
Specifically dreams about the Newcastle Witch hangings and Wyllam the witchfinder.
When she goes to the library to have a read of local history she meets a local woman Lydia who also seems to have an interest in this. Tanz is worried that she might be related to Wyllam and inadvertently reveals this to Lydia.
As she looks into the past, a ghost called Mags keeps appearing to her. She seems to hold the key to what is happening and mentions a witch pricker that must be found and destroyed.
What follows is a tale of witches, magic, friendship and utter chaos.
A good read that kept me up reading to the end.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant, final instalment to this series, our favourite witch, Tanz, faces her biggest challenge yet, as past and present collide and Tanz has to defend her own lineage back home in Newcastle.

Tracy Whitwell's writing is sharp and funny. The dialogue between characters was hilarious with tender moments throughout, that only the deep, unconditional friendship that Tanz has with her closest allies could muster. Tanz is absolutely one of my favourite literary characters ever; I absolutely adore her!

This is a wild ride through the spiritual and historical world of the North East and I highly recommend it. Huge thanks to Tracy Whitwell for bringing Tanz, Sheila, Frank and everyone else to us throughout this series, it's been an absolute dream.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Tracy Whitwell and Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this book.

[Terri Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the UK again after her adventures in The Hidden Dead, Tanz feels the pull back to her hometown of Newcastle, where it's not long before she is getting visits from spirits looking for her help. But this time, danger lurks even more in her path, with events in the past and her present day merging more and more, she must figure out what is going on before her life is on the line in more ways than one.

The fifth book in the series, Tracy Whitwell has once again created another wonderful tale of intrigue, of suspense and thrill in a few pages. As always, I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting because I could not put it down at all and just needed to know what was going to happen next in Tanz's life.

[Emy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanz finds herself drawn back to her roots in Newcastle where she comes face to face with the folklore surrounding the Witch trials. As the past and present collide, Tanz finds herself caught in the middle and in danger but at the same time begins to understand that she also has some amazing supportive friends.
I am sad that this is the final book in the series. I have loved the snarky Tanz and her eclectic friends. This book although not quite as much, was still written with some definite northern humour. The overall theme was darker and more serious that the previous books thought that conveyed well the growth of the character across the series. Overall an excellent read.

[Jen CE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, this is the final book for The Accidental Medium series. It was decent, but not as conclusive or as sorted as I would have liked. Also, the fact that Tanz is 1) still breaking down in tears every five minutes, 2) still going solo into spooky situations that would be far safer and better suited to having a companion, and 3) still riddled with enough self doubt to make her hesitate when it comes to true love... all of that is quite annoying. I was honestly hoping for *some* signs of growth and maturity and more acceptance of her connection to the magic behind the veil. I just wish the tale would have wrapped up with some... enthusiasm and pronounced optimism.

[Raye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in The Accidental Medium series. This time Tanz takes us home with her to Gateshead and we travelled back in time to the Newcastle witch hunts, while getting to know more about Tanz's new powers. There is something afoot in her home town and her life is yet again in danger, but she has more spirits on hand to guard her than ever.

And of course, there's still the whole Thor issue to figure out.

[Kirsty Rumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite one in what is my favourite series of books. Tanz goes on so many wild adventures and with the help of Frank and Alvin as well as Sheila she always makes it through. Her relationship with Thor
Is so special and I really hope that there is another book in the pipeline! I just can’t get enough of this series. If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend it. It’s going to be hard to top this book

[Virginia Parra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tanz, depleted and frazzled by her previous misadventures, has another task to resolve. This time she must locate a witch finder she colorfully calls a witch pricker. What she discovers too late is his possession of a human body in the present. Never fear, Tanz her motley crew of spirit guides and friends ride to the rescue to save the day. All’s well that ends well.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and being a North-Eastern lass myself I love the accents! And the vernacular. I had no idea about the witch trials in Newcastle so found it very interesting. This book didn’t hold me as much as other ones in this series but I’d definitely love to read more!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

love her books

[Bianca Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book in the series. So good to see the interactions between all the main characters. I want more from this series.

[Sarah Sturman · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️&✨

[Claire Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely addition to the series!

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audible, and if a book on Witch burning can be fun, this one was! Extremely entertaing.

[PR UNWIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this series, the characters and the relate ability. Easy read but wasn't my favourite in the series.

[Abz Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love these stories of Tanz, the ending made me teary!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe my fav Geordie Bridget Jones woo woo series is over 😭 ❤️‍🩹 Such a wholesome ending though

[Chrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
A wonderful finish to what has been a brilliant series. Tanz is such a fun character, she smart and strong and it’s been a pleasure to see her growth throughout the books. Having such a down to earth, and oft flawed character makes the series that much easier to relate to and to love.
This time Tanz is back home, visiting her parents and finding more ghostly goings on. The balance of horror and humour is perfect, so even when the tension is palpable, there’s a laugh not far off.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the author does next, I have high hopes.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the series.