Magpie

by Georgia Hill

Two women. Two centuries. One house full of secrets.
A spellbinding tale for fans of  Weyward, where the past never truly dies…

When Beth Loveday retreats to a shadowed corner of the Devon coast, she hopes to rebuild her life in peace. But the old timbered shop she buys—Tenpenny House—has other plans. Strange objects hidden in the walls. A book of forgotten remedies. And dreams that feel like memories.


In 1660, Susanna Loveday walks the same worn floors. Apprentice to a healer, she's swept into a deadly game of suspicion and power when whispers of witchcraft begin to spread. As danger closes in, a single choice will echo through time.


Linked by blood and bound by secrets, Beth and Susanna are caught in a web that spans centuries. The truth lies buried—but Tenpenny House remembers everything…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Audiobook, Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Witches

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Magpie deals with accusations of witchcraft, this book is historical fiction, not a witchy fantasy. The story is told in a dual timeline, 1660 and 2018, and connects the lives of two women through a cottage. The author has brilliantly made parallels between accusations of witchcraft against "troublesome" women and social media hateful trolling aimed at women. Both are random and anonymous, making it impossible to defend yourself. In both time periods, sexual accusations are impossible to fight and damage the women's businesses.

If you appreciate a novel that comes full circle by the end, Magpie does exactly that. The modern characters are linked through genetics to those from 1660 in a more than satisfying way. The author doesn't shy away from the grim details of what women accused of witchcraft suffered through, and it is stomach-churning, but necessary. Although filled with historical information, this is a character-driven story, my favorite kind of novel. I highly recommend Magpie.

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 This Life And The Next Stars

I enjoyed this book very much. It made me feel all sorts of emotions. Set in the 1660's and 2018, it tells the story of strong women , two of them seemingly living similar lives hundreds of years apart.
Susanna's story is the one set in the 17th Century. Living in Flete, Devon she resides with Prudie and John. Prudie is a wise woman who uses herbs to help the sick and those in pregnancy and childbirth. A nurse/ midwife of times gone by. Unfortunately this was also the time of women being persecuted if they were thought to be witches and the patriarchal, misogynistic society was all to keen to hang them but not before some truly terrible physical and sexual assaults. Fast forward to 2018 and Beth moves to Flete to start her soap business. Moving into Tenpenny House, there is a malevolent atmosphere at time. The writing is quite eerie at times and strikes a good balance of giving you chills but then bringing you back into the Devon sunshine. Beth and Susanna's lives are so similar, from the people around them to the twists and turns their lives take.

I think it's better to go in knowing not too much. The plots unravels cleverly and I was desperate to know more. There is romance , nothing intensely intimate on page. There is violence against women. It's like trying to unravel the threads of time whilst echoes of the past gently whisper in your ear.

Not my usual kind of read - I normally have my nose buried in a contemporary romance - but this atmospheric novel held my attention.

HEA? Yes - gorgeous and also very fitting.
Cheating? No

[Bookishgirl75 🍁📚❄️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow …. Wow .. absolutely epic !!

I love a historical story especially if it’s in the 1600’s around witchcraft and trials etc and this was gripping . Absolutely captivated by this whole story from start to finish . The dual timeline was very interesting together and easy to understand. This has been likened to Weyward BUT this is BETTER !
Highly recommend this and it’s a keeper for my Witchy bookshelf .

After reading I Looked up the website for the Author and read how she researched and collected her info for this book and found some interesting book recs and info based on the Bideford Witches!

Listened on audio and read physical book together .

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Loveday is moving into Tenpenny House.

Yes! What a cracking narrative. Magpie is what one might call a proper story and I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it.

I’m not usually a great lover of dial timeline narratives, but in the case of Magpie it is perfect. When reading the seventeenth century parts I thought they were my favourite, being so authentic in creating a sense of time and place. And then, the moment I began reading the modern sections I felt they were my favourite elements. This is because Georgia Hill creates a sense of both history and modernity with aplomb. The shift in language formality is especially effective, particularly through direct speech, so that it places the reader at the heart of the two timescales. There’s also a really fascinating irony that I found the slightly supernatural suggestion of why Beth experiences unease in Tenpenny House far more unsettling than the witchcraft of the earlier century. I loved too the way snippets of historical detail were gathered by Beth and Nathan in much the same way a magpie gathers up shiny objects.

What also works brilliantly is the manner in which echoes of the past in Susanna and Prudie’s story reverberate through the centuries to Beth and Nathan. There’s a hint of magical realism, a sense of history repeating itself and a glorious understanding of how the past in all its forms helps shape who we are in the present. I really loved the motifs threaded through; from the mock a pies, through the sense of history repeating itself, to the exploration of mental and physical health blended with science and superstition. Georgia Hill shows how today’s exploitation and online trolling really is a modern equivalent of the superstition, gossip and rumour that affected some women in the witch hunts of the sixteen hundreds. This makes for compelling reading.

And despite the control of men in Susanna and Prudie’s lives, and Hugh and Nathan’s importance in Beth’s life, this really is herstory at its best. Magpie is not only part historical drama, part modern romance and part mystery, but it is a celebration of women with all their many facets. Georgia Hill gives voice to the oppressed like Prudie, illustrating grit, determination and strength of character, but equally she doesn’t shy away from the indecision, spitefulness and manipulative ways some women can also behave. Beth in particular illustrates a strong feminist streak, but it is Susanna who truly embodies such strength. This gives a wonderful depth and texture to the book.

So too does the backdrop of Tenpenny House. The setting feels creepy, bordering malevolent at times, and yet comforting and supportive at others. The writing had a real feel of Daphne du Maurier in the setting so that I was drawn further and further into the narrative.

I thought Magpie was absolutely engaging and entertaining and so well plotted. It’s just right for the increasingly dark evenings! Anyone reading it might just find themselves wanting to research their own ancestry, but you’ll need to read the book to see why. I really recommend that you do.

[Sandy Benitez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Georgia Hill. There are dual time lines, one takes place in the 1600s and the other is modern day, around 2018/19. The two main characters are Susannah, from the past, and Beth, modern times. Their lives converge in an unexpected way when Beth purchases an old cottage then goes on to find an old, carved knife handle and a witch jar stowed in the chimney. If you enjoy stories about herbs, healing, and witches, then I think you'll like this one. There is also romance here as well.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read.
The timeline swaps were easy to follow.
The characters were so good, well some!
I absolutely loved this book. It hit all the spots.
From the witch history to the present day. It’s not your typical swap book though, I can promise you that.
Tenpenny house sounds amazing, hidden secrets that may be found too.
Just awesome, definitely got me so hooked

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. it captured me from start to finish into a well written, gripping, captivating storyline and plot.
There are revelations and many a twist, leading to that final conclusion. There are strong, interesting characters, some to love and others to hate, and others change your mind either way.
I loved the way the story from the past was weaved into the present day.
This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend to others.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.

[Carolyn Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Magpie” by Georgia Hill has all the elements of a compelling read: a quirky old house, clearly hiding secrets; a seaside town full of charming characters but hiding a troubled history; a plucky, independent woman who can sense tragedy from the past; and a kind, handsome doctor with a family treasure that hits at a history of resilience in the midst of oppression. The story toggles between 2018 and the seventeenth century with both narratives defined by women’s resolve in the face of doubts and challenges. I was delighted to have access to an early read and highly recommend. Compulsively readable.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgia Hill’s Magpie promises a gothic spell of time and memory, a dual-timeline story of two women bound by blood, belief, and a house that will not let its ghosts rest. The premise is irresistible: two centuries apart, Beth and her ancestor Susanna tread the same creaking floors of Tenpenny House, each seeking solace but finding secrets instead.
But the promise was not fulfilled for me, although Hill evokes setting beautifully. The Devon coast feels salt-stung and isolated, the timbered rooms of the house thick with atmosphere and whispers of the past.
The 1660 timeline, with its creeping dread of witchcraft and suspicion, is vivid yet not that blood-curling, not thrilling enough to make me care too much. Susanna’s world of herbs, superstition, and danger feels tangible but not tense enough. In contrast, Beth’s present-day story—her retreat from a fractured life, her curiosity about the strange relics and remedies she uncovers—acts as the mirror through which history ripples forward. Slowly. Although the interplay between the two eras is handled with deft timing; Hill weaves her threads carefully so that one century breathes into the next.

Yet for all its beauty and craft, Magpie never quite takes flight, at least for me.

The novel builds atmosphere rather than true suspense and its secrets, when revealed, lack the sting they promise. Both Beth and Susanna are sympathetic yet oddly passive. They seem to drift through their stories, acted upon rather than acting, their choices often shaped by the men or circumstances around them. For characters meant to carry the weight of generational legacy, they feel curiously unanchored.
The same goes for some of the supporting cast fall into simple moral shades, either too virtuous or too villainous. It dulled the moral tension that historical fiction of this kind thrives upon. And while the device connecting the two timelines is intriguing, certain moments strain belief. The sudden revelation of Beth’s unknown father, arriving conveniently to tighten the threads, feels contrived. Likewise, the suggestion that a general practitioner would so readily accept the notion of meeting a woman from a past life tests the novel’s otherwise grounded tone.

Still, there is much to admire in Hill’s prose. She writes with a lyrical touch and a keen sense for place and her affection for her setting shines through. The novel succeeds most as an atmospheric meditation on legacy: the way fear and longing seep through walls and time alike.

[Amanda Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

One for sorrow, two for joy… Prepare to have any pre-conceived ideas about magpies, witches, and folklore turned around. This intriguing twin-timeline book by Georgia Hill tells of the true hardships and horrors experienced by wise and knowledgeable women of the 1600s.
2018. Beth Loveday purchases the ancient Tenpenny House, tucked away on a cobbled street. Her aim is to set up a shop making and selling soaps and skincare. From the start, strange things happen, focussed around the original chimney. A magpie flaps out from the soot. An old broken knife handle.
Back in 1660, we learn of Susannah, apprentice to village healer Prudie. Prudie is the wise woman called upon to deliver babies and supply herbal remedies. But when things go wrong, she quickly becomes a victim of ignorance, suspicion, rumours, and a huge dose of misogyny. Shunned because of her close association, Susannah learns of the cruelty dealt out to those accused of witchcraft. Her anger at their collective lack of power surfaces.
Beth has nightmares, and struggles to rest. She gets to know doctor Nathan Smith, feeling a peculiar sense of familiarity with him. He’s inherited a mysterious book of remedies and introduces her to local historian and librarian, Bill. Together they investigate the history of the cottage, gradually unravelling the lost history of the previous occupants. Beth learns more about remedies from the old book, although not one for 21st century problems with toxic friendships and exes.
Excellent research is woven with modern-day life, blending the tales of Beth and Susannah, and mystical soul-mates lost through the centuries. I lost myself between the pages, always a sign of a splendid book.

[Brittany Ohnsman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the two stories and their crossover, I immediately called out the connection or possible reincarnation. Although I didn't like that Nathan was both a lacey and Smythe/Smith and Beth was a Loveday and Tenpenny... like just pick one character.

I really enjoyed Susanna's story and her bravery even in the end.

I wished Beth showed similar characteristics, she seemed whiny and self centered that she can't realize Nathan loves her and that Jade is going through some things. I could have done without the porn email, it didn't fit. I think the author should have stuck to online bullying I as a reader could make the comparison between the two main female characters and the attacks they felt.

I also didn't like that the spell jar and knife handle story was left with loose ends. Maybe Mercy went back and hid the "evidence" and maybe wrote Susanna a letter. that at least covered that part.

I enjoyed the story but Beth at times drove me nuts.

[Alison Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magpie by Georgia Hill is set in the town of Flete in Devon in two time lines. We meet Susannah Loveday in the 1600s. Brought up by the inimitable Prudence Tenpenny and always learning her healing ways, Susannah is surrounded by love and care, amidst great poverty and the background of the English Civil War. When Prudie is accused of being a witch, things change drastically. The wealthy Robert Lacey, Susannah’s childhood friend tries to help, but the villagers smell blood. Very scary times. In the present day, Beth Loveday moves into the old Tenpenny House and opens a shop selling her own handmade soaps and lotions. Strange dreams and objects found draw her to the past, and with local GP Nathan Smith their investigation takes them to Susannah and her life. Amazing links, and a real history lesson. I really enjoyed this.

[Georgia Wilbor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so intrigued by this book. Magpies have been symbolic for centuries, and I was curious to see what the symbolism was in this book. It was set between 1660 and 2018. In 1660 it followed women accused of witchcraft… in 2018 it followed a woman who found items left behind in the house by said “witches” and her journey to finding out the story behind them.

It was a wonderfully written book with some unexpected twists. There are questions from the 17th century i feel were unanswered (but a great book should always leave you wanting more!).

I rated 4.5 stars purely as I wish I could read more about the 17th century and the impact of Susannah, Abigail and Prudie’s deaths on the people who relied on them for healing.

[Sian Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I've read a few books by the author and I have to say they keep getting better and better.

Magpie is a fascinating historical novel fleeting between the 1600s and present day.

Beth moves to fleete to open her own shop and comes across some interesting artifacts in her chimney dating pre 1600 and visits the local museum where she bumps into the local Dr who also has a family artifact that links to Beth's treasure.

Beth goes through some turbulent times with the move, friends being weird and sleeping problems. the book takes you on a twist and turn following the clues and links that the author takes you on between the artifacts and the local Dr

[Millie63 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Wayward, so was eager to read Magpie. Unfortunately, I felt it was a very poor copy. The story of Prudie and Susanna, foreshadowed the story of Beth (amongst other members of the story), which could have been clever and interesting, but just seemed forced. The continuing friendship with Jade was ridiculous and so obvious it was her who was writing the bad reviews. Weirdly, I also found her use of the word 'f**k, just twice in the book, spoken by Beth, incongruous. It was almost as if the author thought that as it was modern day, a bit of swearing was in order. I've also just finished Only Here, Only Now about Glasgow in the 80s, lots of swearing, but was fitting. I could go on, but, when all is said, it's just my opinion, and I think I might be in the minority.

[Vcallinan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the back and forth between the time periods; well done. The story line was well thought out, the ending understandable.
However, each character was a bit one-dimensional. Either all good or all bad.
I would like to have heard what Barnabas thought of Suzanna's decision and actions.
As an independent woman, I appreciate the focus on how badly the 1600s treated women, and why. And that current day misogyny can be seen in many places. However, I didn't need it lectured at me over and over.
I read it in a couple of days. Maybe it was a bit long. All in all, it was a good book.

[Becca Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read this book in a matter of days, I can say that it was a good read and I enjoyed the historical aspects.

The story being told in two different time periods with the past having links with the modern day characters gave this book Weyward vibes. It was well written and the story was intriguing.

Showing how women have been mistreated, persecuted and controlled, in 17th century Britain and that this still happens in the modern day with smear campaigns, highlighted that society hasn't learned from the past and we must do better.

If you enjoy learning about the witch hunts in a male dominated landscape, where they held all the cards and the power, you'll enjoy this book.

[Ruth Griggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this a 3.5 star rating, and I’m rather surprised at how high the collective Goodreads rating is for it.

This book was a light read in spite of the grim descriptions of how women accused of witchcraft were treated. I found the main character’s outrage over things that happened four hundred years earlier way over the top. It’s hard to believe most people take the wrongs of so long ago that personally. The plot was completely transparent. No surprises in this book. There was barely any mention at all of the magpie, which makes me wonder why the author even chose that title. And then it ended in the usual lovey-dovey way most women’s literature does. Sappy.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This popped up as a suggestion on my Kindle, so I decided to give it a try. I hadn’t heard of the author before, though I can now see she’s written many, many books! The story follows a young woman who, after a relationship disaster, moves to a small town on the South Devon coast to open a shop. There, she uncovers a link to the past and finds herself drawn to a local GP.

Told across two time-frames - 2018 and 1660 - the book explores witchcraft, with specific ties to the hysteria surrounding witches during the Commonwealth. It reminded me somewhat of Weyward by Emilia Hart, though this one feels a lighter read. Overall, I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was an engaging read. The history uncovered about “witches” was disturbing but educational. The dual timelines kept the pages turning because the author drew interesting parallels between the two periods and the characters. However, sometimes the similarities felt a bit forced and obvious, especially in regard to the protagonist's “best friend” from college. Worthwhile read for an escape.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, two different timelines from the 1600s to modern day.
I must of read for hours without noticing the time, a book you can get lost in, throughly enjoyed it.
The folklore around independent women and witchcraft has always held a fascination and this book really gave a feel of history of the time.
Plus what an amazing cover, it’s stunning

[dorothy cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an enjoyable read.

This book tells the story of Beth who buys a very old house in Devon.
This is juxtaposed with the seventeth century where a couple of ladies lived in the same house. One was accused of Witchcraft.
The boo, links both sets of people and keeps you guessing until its conclusion.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gorgeous cover pulled me in, and I was so glad I followed its call. This is a thrilling time-slip with just a hint of magic in the air. Beth and Nathan in 20th Century Flete uncover the history of their families in a much more turbulent time and shine a light on the injustices done to innocent women. Highly recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of two generations centuries apart. Beth buys an old shop to start afresh with her new business but doesn’t realise that what she finds hidden in the chimney will reveal another life led within those walls. A really great story which had me enthralled.

[Kairen Harries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this time slip/dual timeline book. It isn't the sort the thing I'd usually read so I was pleasantly surprised that I found it really easy to get into.
The characters are well written and interesting and I found myself wanting to know more. It's a very twisty tale that reads well.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love finds a way across time

A beautiful take on love across the ages, family ties and incredible women who NEVER surrender. The magpie theme weaves its legend into the reader’s heart beautifully.

[Kimberly Melius · Rating 5 out of 5]

induces all your emotions.

When you can’t put the book down. When you feel raw emotions. When you feel emotions of happiness, sadness and a little in awe of evilness in this story you know it’s a great book.

[Anna Holt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book, it had a lot of *could be great* aspects but a lot of the chapters were overly wordy. I found myself skipping whole paragraphs just to finish it, not memorable and just meh imo.

[Paula Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book between two different generations of ladies one from 1700s who experienced persecution for been a witch and the other in the 2000s find herself and her family and honours her views . But was a hard book to get your teeth into, was going to stop half way glad I didn't.

[Laura Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are magpies in my garden, surrounding my house and I have been drawn to them ever since I moved here. It felt like a sign to read this book and I enjoyed it a lot. I am fascinated by the history of women and witchcraft and I enjoyed the way it was weaved into this story.