Wilde Women

by Kiersten Modglin, Lauren Ezzo (Narrator)

For centuries the Wilde women have lived at Foxglove—a cabin hidden deep in the woods, promising to shield them from the horrors and expectations of the outside world.

But in every generation, danger lurks.

For every Wilde woman who chooses to call Foxglove home, they do so with a warning passed from mother to daughter like a sacred Foxglove’s secrets must never be spoken about—especially to men.

Still reeling from a bitter divorce, Corinne Wilde returns to Foxglove with her teenage daughter in search of refuge. She hopes to find comfort in the heartbeat of the old place—the meadow where she played as a child, the orchard where she climbed to the tops of trees, and the shadowy forest where she danced with imaginary friends.

Upon her arrival, there’s an odd energy—like a whisper of warning she can’t quite make out—and Corinne knows something isn’t right.

Someone has been inside the old home.

Someone wants them to leave.

Far away from her best friend, with zero answers from her estranged mother, and surprised by her ex-husband’s unexpected arrival with unknown intentions, Corinne is more alone than ever. If her family is to remain safe within Foxglove’s walls, she must unearth the secrets buried beneath generations of silence and fear.

If she doesn’t heed the warnings of the past, Foxglove’s roots might just pull her under, too.

Told through the interwoven lives of the Wildes—mothers, daughters, healers, outcasts—Wilde Women is a spellbinding literary thriller that pulses with ancestral power, fierce love, and the whispered truths of sisterhood throughout the generations. To what degree are we shaped by the ones who came before us? How much can our lives be changed by someone we will never know? And can our loved ones ever truly be lost if we carry their stories with us?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

First published September 7, 2025

About the author

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

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Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

➜ kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiersten Modglin is firmly on my auto-read list, so I didn’t even bother with the book description—I dove in completely blind and loved every minute of the ride!

This was such a layered, atmospheric read with a cozy, slightly eerie fall vibe that made it impossible to put down. With multiple timelines, a cast of complex women, and a haunting sense of place, this story pulled me in from page one. I especially loved Corinne’s chapters—she was easily my favorite narrator—but I found myself drawn into the historical storylines and the secrets surrounding the other Wilde women as well.

The blend of historical fiction, mystery/suspense, and just the tiniest whisper of magical realism made this book feel like something entirely its own. And the ending? Perfection. Totally satisfying without being overly predictable.

Overall, Modglin nailed the balance between twisty and meaningful, tying everything together in a way that felt earned. If you’re in the mood for something immersive and moody that reads like a secret waiting to be unraveled, this one’s not to be missed!

[Donna Mallery · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just fell short for me, and apparently I’m the outlier. It was too sappy. And this book is listed under historical fiction which just doesn’t fit. She made up stories about women from the past. This is hardly historical fiction. At least in the historical fiction I’ve read. I found myself skipping the chapters set in the past. I just didn’t care.

We never do find out what happened with one major character. And, even in the present story, I started skimming. I have read almost , if not all, of this author’s books, and clearly this was my least favorite. I hate leaving low reviews, but I just couldn’t care for this book. Sorry.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foxglove Never Forgets

“The earth needs both, you know? The laughter and the bones.”

Let’s hear it for the women. This was deep—deep generational lineage—deep secrets that served as the foundation for the future, and that is what makes this book special.

The bonds displayed on these pages were beautiful. Mothers and daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters, the connections were strong and deep, like the bonds that held Foxglove together.

I enjoyed how this was told and the history we learned about Foxglove and the Wilde women. It was a powerful story that held such tragedy yet offered hope, which we could really use right now.

This was emotional but spiritual in a way that will only make sense once you've read the book. You must explore who the Wilde women are and what makes Foxglove special.

Only then will the story spark something inside of you that you may not have had before. This is the perfect book to spend a Sunday curled up reading. The perfect start to spooky season. This book has such a mystical element, but again, you won’t truly understand until you read the story.

Get comfy, you’re in for a heartbreakingly beautiful history lesson. Wilde women live here. And they aren’t going anywhere.

[Jolovesbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad writing this as Kiersten is one of my favourite authors, but this wasn’t the book for me. I found it so boring and repetitive. I had to skim all the flashbacks to the Wilde women. If it was any other author I would have DNF. The twist was a surprise but couldn’t save this book for me. I will still always read her work though.

[kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m slowly making my way through kiersten modglin’s books, and they have yet to disappoint. this was different from what i was expecting, but it ended up being a lot of fun. i did like the historical pov’s and getting to see the progression of the wilde women to the present. i do wish there was more of a reason for them, but i think it added a nice history and backstory to foxglove. also, i was not expecting the twist at all, so props to kiersten for actually surprising me – that doesn’t happen often. all in all, this was addicting and super fun, and i might just read another one of her books next.

4.5 stars

[Sarah Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Library of Sarah Ashley: Book #74
✨Foxglove, Curses & Too Many Wildes to Count✨

Okay, so this book was pitched for fans who love Practical Magic, The Lost Apothecary, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. And let me tell you—I do, I really do. But I’m adding The Unmaking of June Farrow to that list because the vibes were spot on.
We follow the Wilde women from the 1600s all the way to present day, hopping through a nonlinear timeline that’s equal parts enchanting and slightly confusing. Don’t get me wrong—the writing was smooth, the transitions clear—but with that many Wilde women, I started to feel like I needed a family tree taped to my forehead. (“Wait… which Wilde am I in right now?” was my internal monologue every third chapter).
That said, the current-day Wilde women absolutely stole my heart. Their grit, their messiness, their loyalty—it was like being adopted into their kitchen, where secrets brew as strong as the tea.
As for witchcraft? Foxglove seemed to be hiding something, but Kiersten Modglin left it deliciously vague. Was it magic? A curse? Or just really, really bad luck with men? Honestly, the ambiguity made it even more fun.
At its core, this book isn’t just about curses or timelines—it’s about generational strength, resilience, and the unshakable love between mothers and daughters. And that? That’s the real magic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
Highly recommend if you like your family sagas with a pinch of mystery, a dash of witchy vibes, and enough Wildes to fill a reunion.

#WildeWomen #KierstenModglin #PracticalMagicVibes #GenerationalStrength #BookReview #Bookstagram #WitchyReads #MotherDaughterLove #FamilySaga #FoxgloveFeels #LibraryofSarahAshley

[Nicole*bookaholic* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought i was going to love this, but it was just ok.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kierstenmodglinauthor Your heart and soul went into this book. A unique story told by generations of women who guard Foxglove’s secrets. I loved that this story gave women the independence to call something their own. The hard part was keeping their story guarded. The years have delivered many secrets and stories passed down. Well done! 5🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Krystal Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion: I hated this book. Wtf is this? Is there magic? Are there witches? It depends on what you believe? No, just some very stubborn women with a some very complicated histories. Also, they aren't very good with men.

[Kayla Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this. However, if you want to get drunk fast read this and take a drink every time they say “Wilde women” or “foxglove”. You’ll be wasted before chapter 3.

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was truly magical. At first it reads almost like a Jodi Picoult book, really emotional and gripping, not seeming like a thriller. I really enjoyed the flashbacks and the slow and steady lead up to present day. The women’s stories were heartbreaking and really showed the love a mother has for her children. Once the thriller part hits, you get all of the crazy twists you’ve been waiting for and everything falls into place. This book was heavy and heartwarming at the same time. 100% recommend this book.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILDE WOMEN BY THE LITTLE LEGEND KIERSTEN MODGLIN.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I will read anything that kiersten writes. She's amazing and she knows how to captive me from the very first page until the last.
Wilde women was EVERYTHING. The story is outstanding and I didn't want it to end.
So captivating and beautiful and just perfect.

Family 💜 love 💜history💜 magic 💜
I want to thank kiersten so much for sharing this story with us. We are so lucky to have this book in our lives.

I believe in Foxglove.
I believe in Wilde Women

Safe travels to foxglove 💜

[Cody Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilde Women is a slower burn than a lot of Kiersten Modglin’s other books, but once I settled into the pace, I really enjoyed it. The story is character-driven and full of tension, with the kind of twists and layered secrets Modglin is known for.

That said, this is one you definitely have to pay attention to. The details matter, and if you’re not following closely it’s easy to miss pieces that make the ending come together. I wouldn’t call it a “fast” read, but I appreciated how the suspense built gradually and kept me invested in the characters.

If you’re looking for a slower-paced thriller that still delivers the drama and intrigue, this is a great pick. Not my absolute favorite from Modglin, but still a strong, worthwhile read.

[The Book Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was stellar! Not to mention the perfect way to kick off Fall. I got completely lost in the pages, entranced by this tale of secrets, strong women and mind boggling madness.

What’s magic without a little chaos…..

5 stars

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn’t do it for me. I couldn’t bring myself to care about Foxglove. Are we just ignoring the fact that the mother … married … her nephew? And, we can assume, had a physical relationship with him? Nobody mentioned that? Meanwhile, Violet’s mother just … let them take her child away during the day and eventually for good? And Hazel just … went along with that? But FOXGLOVE! You aren’t allowed to keep a husband if you want to keep the … damp, small, musty stone cabin in the woods on land that is covered in dead bodies. Thanks but no thanks, I’d be hightailing it back to Lewis and WiFi and modern society.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a Modglin fan. This wasn't my favorite, though. I loved the setting and the vibe--very 'Charmed,' 'Practical Magic.' I was excited to get into witch things and learn about this beautiful house. But unlike Modglin's other works, this wasn't fast-paced, filled with twists, or suspenseful. It was so slow. Nothing happened for so long, and in those long, dead spaces, I felt there was an attempt made at anticipation/mystery, but it was really just repetitive. This one just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Jessica Chiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a middle of the road read for me. I didnt hate it, I didn't love it. I actually enjoyed it until the twist. It felt kind of teenage slasher movie and it all kind of fell apart for me. The common thread thought generations was a nice touch. Definitely a slower burn type of story.

[Amber Bledsoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like I read the same sentence over and over for 300 pages.

[Becca Ban · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a few days to write this review because I really needed this book and all of the women in it to marinate in my soul, to speak to me and let me really hear what they wanted to say. The story itself was absolutely the best book published in 2025. It might only be September, but I know for a fact that there will not be a better book published this year (maybe ever).

Wilde Women follows generations of women, women who take care of what is theirs (Foxglove) and it will take care of them in return. Generations of women who were outcasts, villainized, and treated badly by the men in their communities. Generations that have to pass down the safety of the house, the nooks and crannies, the happiness and the sadness to their daughters, and only their daughters. Only the women of the family know about the magic surrounding Foxglove- to not only keep themselves safe, but to keep Foxglove safe too.

Wilde Women is a modern tale on how important female relationships are, to remind the world that every woman has magic in them and that they are important, even if they don't feel like they are... We might not live in Foxglove, but there is always part of Foxglove in us, if we look for it.



Kiersten always puts her heart into every book, but this one was a very special one, one that I cannot put into the right words because you have to read it to understand what I mean. So here I am trying to convince you to jump into the world that Wilde Women & Foxglove would love to give to you. If you open your heart to Foxglove and the Wilde women that came before us, maybe you too will feel the magic that surrounds us every day.

[kendy s · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It is not a lesson in being a wife or a mother, but a woman. A woman existing in a world that will do everything to control you."
I always enjoy Kiersten Modglin's writing, which was why I picked up this new release. Wilde Women was a perfect read for the start of Autumn. The setting was atmospheric, and mysterious. Foxglove was right out of a scary movie; I could picture it so well. The aspect of a magical house reminded me of Starling House ,while the plot reminded of The Last Apothecary. The theme throughout can be applied to our society today. The takeaway from this story is a lesson in feminism; womanhood as a whole expressed throughout the centuries. It shows how women from the present learn the same lessons as women from the past (1600s-1900s). I would recommend reading this in a few sittings instead of spreading it out. I kept getting confused with the time changes between chapters. If I didn't take a week to read it I would have enjoyed it more.
"What's unnatural is thinking the moment you were born a man, God placed the world in a box and handed you the keys for safekeeping. You are not needed to protect—not me nor my girls—and as long as I live, I vow it. Gentlemen, you will own neither Foxglove nor this land. Your keys may have gotten you inside a lot of doors, but they are no good here."

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is def one of my favorite Kiersten books. I love the witchy but borderline family cult vibe. Very girl power with strong mother daughter bonds and what they would do to protect what’s theirs.

Kiersten always knows how to take you on a rollercoaster ride throughout every book. I did have a hard time remember who was who for the women of the past and the timeline but it all comes together at the end.

Highly recommend reading the acknowledgments section for this one too!

[Sjocy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prefacing to say I LOVED Hemlock and decided to read this because kindle suggested it but it fell short for me. It was .. boring(?) I don’t know how else to explain it. A lot of foundation was done in back stories of multiple generations of Wilde women. It was repetitive , the stories kept repeating themselves one way or another.

All the Wilde women and how the house affected the men in their lives / protected them. Story jumps from 1700’s to present day.

Not my cup of tea sadly.

[Maude Labrecque · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’hésite entre un 2,5 ⭐️ ou un 3. C’était correct, sans plus. J’ai trouvé que l’histoire était moyenne. J’ai aimé le POV de Corinne, mais je trouvais les autres apportaient pas grand chose… il n’y avait pas de twists, pas vraiment de mystère. La vibe d’automne était présente par contre! J’ai aussi trouvé que c’était mieux écrit que ses autres livres.

[Katie Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite Kiersten Modglin book I’ve read (and I’ve read and enjoyed most). I could not get into it. I’m not sure if it’s the fact of how much back and forth or how far back in time- it just didn’t keep me interested. I normally finish a book in a few days- this one took me almost 3 weeks.

[Shireen Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite Kiersten Modglin books! I loved the magical, witchy, earthy vibes and I really enjoyed this! Such a perfect book for the fall! Grab some tea and curl up in a blanket and enjoy this gem!

[Joy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book I’ve ever read by Kiersten Modglin and if her other books are as captivating as Wilde Women, this won’t be my last!

I loved how this book was uniquely written and how it spans across generations of all the Wilde Women!

[Destiny Chiasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

And she does it again 😍

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wilde Women was just okay. I almost DNF’d it—the flashbacks really dragged for me—but I did enjoy Corinne’s story. Not my favorite from this author.

[Amy Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was special. Captivating and whimsical and alive, just like the trees at Foxglove. I read it entirely too fast; I wish I could’ve clung to it a little longer.

[Heather croteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something in this book ignited my heart. I throughly enjoyed it!