The Witch of Flickerwood

by E.C. Watts

Addy Warner, a 20-year-old, type 1 diabetic, is returning for her spring semester at Wynhurst University, a small college nestled in the rural town of Flickerwood, Pennsylvania. Upon reaching her destination, she learns that a well-known professor has been found dead. Though it's believed to have been of natural causes, Addy can't shake the feeling that there was more to his death than the authorities care to admit.

The arrival of a mysterious new professor at Wynhurst only raises more questions, especially when it's discovered she's taken up residence in the very cabin that legend says once belonged to a witch.

Accompanied by her friends, Addy embarks on a quest to learn the truth of what happened to Dr. a quest that will lead her down a trail of murder, poison, kidnappings, corruption, possibly even aliens, and a plot running right through the heart of Flickerwood.

Part mystery and part theological wrestling, this book is for anyone who's ever questioned their faith or wondered if the God of the Bible can really be trusted, especially for those members of the "weaker sex."

514 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

I've loved to write and make up stories for as long as I can remember, but I'm new to the world of publishing. My debut novel, The Witch of Flickerwood, is a Christian murder mystery about the death of a college professor.

Outside of writing, I enjoy practicing Jiu-Jitsu, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in social work. I live in PA with my wonderful husband, Teague, with whom I share a website. You can find us at https://pumpkintea.com/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theoneminded/

Reviews

[Julia MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gripping mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at the same time a theological wrestling that will leave you thinking long after the final pages.

Addy Warner is a deeply relatable character, whose struggles as a college student, a type 1 diabetic, and a member of the “weaker sex” will be both familiar and unique. As a series of seemingly unexplainable incidents unfold on her college campus, Addy’s quick mind - together with a group of brave and unlikely friends - begin to put together the pieces. But the murders on Addy’s college campus aren’t the only mysteries she’s trying to unravel. What is her place in this world as a woman and as a Christian? And how do those two identities intersect in a way which grants her the dignity, equality, and worth she deserves as one made in the image of God?

Watts doesn’t present us with obvious suspects, and neither does she leave us with easy answers - and that is the brilliance of this book.

[Teague Rudacille]

Excellent mystery with surprising and delightful dialogues with mortality, loneliness, generational trauma and the Goodness of God. If you're looking for a story that's written with discipline yet feels like it's told by an authentic person, here's your next adventure.

[Ricky Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Witch of Flickerwood" is unlike anything I've ever read, and I mean that in the best possible way. From the moment Addy Warner arrives back in Flickerwood and the mystery of the professor's death unfolds, I was completely hooked. The suspense is masterfully crafted, with twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the very end. Just when you think you have it figured out, something new pops up – murder, poison, kidnappings, even aliens! It's a wild ride that never lets up.

But what truly elevates this story is Addy herself. As a main character, she's incredibly relatable and likable. Her internal struggles and introspective moments, particularly around her faith, felt so genuine and authentic. It's rare to find a protagonist who grapples with such deep questions while simultaneously navigating a thrilling mystery. And then there's Dr. Leighton, a truly inspirational figure whose wisdom and strength shine through. She's a fantastic role model and added another layer of depth to an already rich narrative.

The way "The Witch of Flickerwood" seamlessly blends a gripping murder mystery with theological debate and personal introspection is just brilliant. It's a unique and refreshing approach that had me thinking long after I'd turned the last page. This book is an incredible read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a suspenseful story with heart, intelligence, and characters you'll genuinely care about. You won't be disappointed!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating concept, I thought this worked as a suspenseful atmosphere and had a bit of a mystery going on in this. I was invested from start to finish and enjoyed how well the characters were written in this and thought the concept of a witch really worked overall in the storyline. The characters were everything that I was wanting and enjoyed in this type of book. E. C. Watts was able to weave a tale that I was hooked from and enjoyed getting to read this with the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing this, as a reader placing myself in YA feet, yes, it works well, the language is relatable, it flows well, with no overly complicated words and the story flows very well.
The characters remain constructed enough to make the entire book a good read with incredible dialogues, which flows off the characters very naturally.
It holds interest particularly for the younger YA readers particularly.

[Tim Horrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is good; the story arc is not. For the horror genre it is too slow. for a first novel it is too long. I believe there is a story here, it needs some editing to shorten it to an acceptable novel size. I read as a pre-release ARC, so there is time to change. As I said there is good writing and a story that has some editing issues.

[Constance M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.

I realize many people are offended by Christian themes, but it did make sense in this story.

the story is fast moving and interesting, and I enjoyed it.

while the actual witch mentioned in the title may not exist, the mysteries and strange happenings are real.

[sandra stiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't normally choose a book with a religious background but this was a good story, the characters were relatable and the theology debates really took it to another level. It didn't try and 'convert' but did raise some relevant arguments. Would definitely read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

E.C. Watts has penned a well structured flowing murder mystery. Characters are raw . Flows into so much more than a mystery of the death of College Professor Dr. Morrell.
I couldn’t put this one down.

[Beverley Ammeter · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest I really had a hard time with this book. Although the story line was great it just moved too slowly with many chapters about the Bible which I’m not sure what had to do with murders and conspiracy.