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Westridge Cove #1
Witches of Westridge
They call it the Salem of the Midwest—the Great Lakes’ own Witch City.
Since the fall of 1993, when three sisters were accused of witchcraft and vanished without a trace, the town of Westridge Cove has built its identity around their disappearance. Every October, tourists flood the northern Michigan town, eager for spooky vibes, witchy legends, and one of the country's most notorious unsolved mysteries.
Were the sisters murdered? Driven out by an angry mob? Or did they truly practice something darker—and escape by supernatural means?
For Nancy Thornwick, the stories aren't just urban legends—they are wounds that never healed. Decades after her younger sisters disappeared, Nancy now runs a small café with her daughter, Iris, who was only six years old when her aunts vanished. Together, they’ve learned how to survive in a town that profits from their tragedy, even as Halloween season keeps their doors open.
But this October is different. As Westridge Cove welcomes its biggest crowds yet, a series of mysterious deaths begins to unravel the town’s carefully curated folklore. And as the line between legend and reality starts to blur, Nancy may be forced to confront the truth behind her sisters’ disappearances, before history repeats itself.
Since the fall of 1993, when three sisters were accused of witchcraft and vanished without a trace, the town of Westridge Cove has built its identity around their disappearance. Every October, tourists flood the northern Michigan town, eager for spooky vibes, witchy legends, and one of the country's most notorious unsolved mysteries.
Were the sisters murdered? Driven out by an angry mob? Or did they truly practice something darker—and escape by supernatural means?
For Nancy Thornwick, the stories aren't just urban legends—they are wounds that never healed. Decades after her younger sisters disappeared, Nancy now runs a small café with her daughter, Iris, who was only six years old when her aunts vanished. Together, they’ve learned how to survive in a town that profits from their tragedy, even as Halloween season keeps their doors open.
But this October is different. As Westridge Cove welcomes its biggest crowds yet, a series of mysterious deaths begins to unravel the town’s carefully curated folklore. And as the line between legend and reality starts to blur, Nancy may be forced to confront the truth behind her sisters’ disappearances, before history repeats itself.
266 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
J.L. Hyde
12 books1,662 followersHi Everyone!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
Thank you for stopping by to rate my books or see my reviews. I don't spend much time on Goodreads, as it's not great for the mental health of an author to obsess over their own reviews.
I simply rate books as I finish reading them, and if you'd like a full review, check out my Instagram - @bookandbeerreview - where I keep it light, funny, and never disrespect fellow authors!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Less than a month until my 11th book is released!
This was the hardest time I've ever had completing a manuscript, as I was in a deep pit of grief while finishing it. I am so proud of the completed project and can't wait for you to read it.
I want to remind everyone that The Westridge Cove Mystery Series will be a story told in 3 parts (all released within a year, woo!) so while most of your questions will be answered by the final pages of this one, there will still be some very big mysteries to be solved within the last two books.
Thank you all for your kindness and support while I navigated a very sad time in my life - I know it sounds dramatic, but you guys were my reason for getting out of bed a lot of days and I'll never forget it.
This was the hardest time I've ever had completing a manuscript, as I was in a deep pit of grief while finishing it. I am so proud of the completed project and can't wait for you to read it.
I want to remind everyone that The Westridge Cove Mystery Series will be a story told in 3 parts (all released within a year, woo!) so while most of your questions will be answered by the final pages of this one, there will still be some very big mysteries to be solved within the last two books.
Thank you all for your kindness and support while I navigated a very sad time in my life - I know it sounds dramatic, but you guys were my reason for getting out of bed a lot of days and I'll never forget it.
March 19, 2026
OMG!!!! I need book 2 NOW 🤣
This book was so incredibly captivating and had all the vibes I love in a thriller — especially one set during Halloween/fall. The flashbacks to the 90s were perfect and the setting was fantastic.
But damn that ending!! Idk how I’ll be able to wait so long for book 2!
This book was so incredibly captivating and had all the vibes I love in a thriller — especially one set during Halloween/fall. The flashbacks to the 90s were perfect and the setting was fantastic.
But damn that ending!! Idk how I’ll be able to wait so long for book 2!
February 27, 2026
•Witches of Westridge is, without a doubt, J.L. Hyde’s best book to date. It’s no secret that I’m her biggest fan and love everything she writes. This book was NEXT LEVEL. Her books all have this homey nostalgic vibe and I’m obsessed with it. This book had the same vibe, but darker.
•This book is told in two timelines— one being present day, and one being thirty years in the past.
•Thirty years ago, three of the Thornwick sisters were asked to babysit a group of young neighborhood boys. The next day, the boys and their parents accused the girls of practicing witchcraft and performing spells on them. Once word got out, the town spiraled and begged law enforcement to take these claims seriously.
•Present day, the town has become a tourist trap, with the remaining members of the Thornwick family forced to relive their family’s tragedy over and over.
•With less than 300 pages, this book is quick, expertly written, and left me wanting more. Even though this book does end on a cliffhanger, things are wrapped up nicely.
•I absolutely, 100% recommend this book. I read it from cover to cover, dedication to author’s note, and I would recommend doing the same.
•I cannot thank J.L. Hyde enough for sending me this advanced copy. It’s truly such an honor. This book will become available on March 10, which also happens to be her birthday!! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate, than by buying and reading her book!
•This book is told in two timelines— one being present day, and one being thirty years in the past.
•Thirty years ago, three of the Thornwick sisters were asked to babysit a group of young neighborhood boys. The next day, the boys and their parents accused the girls of practicing witchcraft and performing spells on them. Once word got out, the town spiraled and begged law enforcement to take these claims seriously.
•Present day, the town has become a tourist trap, with the remaining members of the Thornwick family forced to relive their family’s tragedy over and over.
•With less than 300 pages, this book is quick, expertly written, and left me wanting more. Even though this book does end on a cliffhanger, things are wrapped up nicely.
•I absolutely, 100% recommend this book. I read it from cover to cover, dedication to author’s note, and I would recommend doing the same.
•I cannot thank J.L. Hyde enough for sending me this advanced copy. It’s truly such an honor. This book will become available on March 10, which also happens to be her birthday!! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate, than by buying and reading her book!
August 5, 2026
I need book 2 right now!
I had a lot of fun with this.
The small town setting, the spooky season, and witchy vibes were just superb :D
The things that I didn't quite enjoy were:
1. The romantic sub-plot(it's me, I hate romance in my thrillers)
2. The unnecessary fillers in the present timeline(repeating how the restaurant and the town is and the motions they go through each year).
The only characters I didn't really like were Iris and Wally.
I really recommend this author to people who like mystery/thrillers. You don't wanna miss her books.🪄
Her other book "to all those I've killed before" is still my favorite of hers.
1405/5/11~14
I had a lot of fun with this.
The small town setting, the spooky season, and witchy vibes were just superb :D
The things that I didn't quite enjoy were:
1. The romantic sub-plot(it's me, I hate romance in my thrillers)
2. The unnecessary fillers in the present timeline(repeating how the restaurant and the town is and the motions they go through each year).
The only characters I didn't really like were Iris and Wally.
I really recommend this author to people who like mystery/thrillers. You don't wanna miss her books.🪄
Her other book "to all those I've killed before" is still my favorite of hers.
1405/5/11~14
March 6, 2026
In 1993, 3 sisters (Sarah, Bridget, and Margaret) disappear from Westridge Cove shortly after being accused of performing witchcraft & satanic rituals while babysitting local kids one night. The sisters have never been found, and unfortunately the town has been benefitting off their disappearance ever since (much like Salem). Flash forward to current time and the annual October festivities are about to begin when locals start going missing again.
Are the 2 situations related?
This book gripped me from the beginning. Hyde has a way of pulling you in, keeping you wanting more, and giving you some very unexpected twists.
I can hardly wait for books 2 and 3.
Are the 2 situations related?
This book gripped me from the beginning. Hyde has a way of pulling you in, keeping you wanting more, and giving you some very unexpected twists.
I can hardly wait for books 2 and 3.
March 31, 2026
BOOK 2 PLEASE 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
March 9, 2026
Wow here we go again with a book that was simply hard to put down. Well done J L Hyde, well done. Maybe my favorite book of yours!
February 24, 2026
100/10! This is indeed her best book yet. I can’t wait for the next! I was hooked from the beginning. Easy read, fast paced, and the twists at the end! You are given JUST enough at the end that you had some resolution but indeed there is so much more to the story. I can’t get enough of JL Hyde’s books and I tell everyone about them!!
March 16, 2026
Nancy Thornwick has lived in the town of Westridge Cove her entire life. She owns a cafe she runs with her grown daughter Iris. They both dread the month of October even though it is their best month of business because tourists flock to their town to hear the lore of the witches of Westridge. Over thirty years ago Nancy’s three younger sisters were babysitting and the kids they were babysitting accused them of being witches. Then days later they disappeared and they have not been seen or heard from again. This year murders start taking place and the town begins to wonder what is going on.
Wow!!! This one totally had my attention and the twists totally shocked me in the best way! I loved the way the story switched between past and present. I have so many questions and I cannot wait for book two!!
Wow!!! This one totally had my attention and the twists totally shocked me in the best way! I loved the way the story switched between past and present. I have so many questions and I cannot wait for book two!!
March 14, 2026
the ending totally bumped this up to a 5 star for me!!! the twists completely surprised me & i need book 2 immediately! this was a super quick & engaging small-town mystery with witch trial history & secrets 🧙🏻♀️✨🍂 my first j.l. hyde did NOT disappoint!
March 14, 2026
I have read and loved everyone on JL Hyde’s books. Witches of Westridge may be her best book yet! I am so glad there are more books in this series because there is no way she can leave us hanging like that!
The dual timelines, the early 90s and present day, mixed with a Halloween setting and a town’s urban legend, made for a truly atmospheric read. I love a Halloween themed story. As always, JL Hyde creates these incredibly relatable and lovable characters. I always feel so invested in them by the time the story ends.
Witches of Westridge was an absolutely amazing story and I can’t wait to get to spend more time with these characters in the next books!
The dual timelines, the early 90s and present day, mixed with a Halloween setting and a town’s urban legend, made for a truly atmospheric read. I love a Halloween themed story. As always, JL Hyde creates these incredibly relatable and lovable characters. I always feel so invested in them by the time the story ends.
Witches of Westridge was an absolutely amazing story and I can’t wait to get to spend more time with these characters in the next books!
April 1, 2026
I am such a huge fan of JL Hyde and this book just solidified that status. I need book 2!!! Such a thrilling read. One of your best Hyde!!
April 12, 2026
absolutely can not wait for the rest of the series to come out!
August 20, 2026
Not a very big fan of this book but in general it was kinda engaging, maybe I'd be able to utter a cohérent review after reading the second book.
September 6, 2026
Well, I only planned to read this one book but the way that ended I’m going to have to see where this story goes and go on and grab the other books! The twist was fun and caught me by surprise.
March 16, 2026
5 Stars
I knew going into this book that there would be a cliffhanger since it is part 1 of 3 books, but that didn't change the fact that I wanted to throw the book across the room when I read the last page. That's how you know it is really good book when it makes me want to do this.
My jaw is still on the floor. The twists got me. Not a spoiler in the synopsis: I was so wrapped up in the 3 sisters' disappearance in the past and the deaths in the present time that the twist got me and I gasped so loud.
I love the witchcraft aspects of this book. I thought it was all really interesting.
I finished all of the books by this author. I really LOVE them all.
SUMMARY:
Dual timeline. In 1993, 3 sisters disappear without a trace after being accused of witchcraft in the town of Westridge Cove. Present day, every October the town in invaded by tourists, but this year even more tourists since there are mysterious deaths of people linked to the 3 sisters' disappearance 20 years ago. Who is killing people in the present timeline? What happened to the 3 sisters 20 years ago?
LIKE:
1. Witchcraft aspect.
2. Dual timelines.
3. Small town.
4. Month of October/Halloween timing.
DISLIKE:
1. Cursing (but it is quite funny)
2. Too short (but parts 2 and 3 will be out before I know it).
TRIGGERS:
I knew going into this book that there would be a cliffhanger since it is part 1 of 3 books, but that didn't change the fact that I wanted to throw the book across the room when I read the last page. That's how you know it is really good book when it makes me want to do this.
My jaw is still on the floor. The twists got me. Not a spoiler in the synopsis: I was so wrapped up in the 3 sisters' disappearance in the past and the deaths in the present time that the twist got me and I gasped so loud.
I love the witchcraft aspects of this book. I thought it was all really interesting.
I finished all of the books by this author. I really LOVE them all.
SUMMARY:
Dual timeline. In 1993, 3 sisters disappear without a trace after being accused of witchcraft in the town of Westridge Cove. Present day, every October the town in invaded by tourists, but this year even more tourists since there are mysterious deaths of people linked to the 3 sisters' disappearance 20 years ago. Who is killing people in the present timeline? What happened to the 3 sisters 20 years ago?
LIKE:
1. Witchcraft aspect.
2. Dual timelines.
3. Small town.
4. Month of October/Halloween timing.
DISLIKE:
1. Cursing (but it is quite funny)
2. Too short (but parts 2 and 3 will be out before I know it).
TRIGGERS:
March 20, 2026
4.5⭐️
I know JL Hyde historically has some amazing twists in her books, but this one threw me! The story was good and then got GREAT in the last 5 chapters 🤩🙌 JL is an auto-buy author for me, so I didn’t really look into the book before reading and had no idea what it was really about.
Love the 1990’s flashbacks. The main character is snarky and darkly hilarious. With the multiple timelines, there are several things going on. Think modern day witch hunt, satanic panic, etc. Small town northern Michigan with a dark past.
This is Book 1 in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. JL has shared on her social media that some things will be cleared up quickly in Book 2.
I know JL Hyde historically has some amazing twists in her books, but this one threw me! The story was good and then got GREAT in the last 5 chapters 🤩🙌 JL is an auto-buy author for me, so I didn’t really look into the book before reading and had no idea what it was really about.
Love the 1990’s flashbacks. The main character is snarky and darkly hilarious. With the multiple timelines, there are several things going on. Think modern day witch hunt, satanic panic, etc. Small town northern Michigan with a dark past.
This is Book 1 in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. JL has shared on her social media that some things will be cleared up quickly in Book 2.
March 16, 2026
What a crazy rollercoaster ride this book was! J.L.
Hyde did it again. I really loved this one. The witchy atmosphere paired with all the throwbacks to the nineties made it a lot of fun to read. The story moves between two timelines. One in 1993 and one in the present which kept things interesting as the pieces slowly came together.
Every time I read the name Butthole Bucky, I giggled like a ten year old. And that ending...wow. I definitely didn't see it coming. I can't wait for the next book!
Hyde did it again. I really loved this one. The witchy atmosphere paired with all the throwbacks to the nineties made it a lot of fun to read. The story moves between two timelines. One in 1993 and one in the present which kept things interesting as the pieces slowly came together.
Every time I read the name Butthole Bucky, I giggled like a ten year old. And that ending...wow. I definitely didn't see it coming. I can't wait for the next book!
September 28, 2026
I love how easy J.L. Hyde’s books are to read. They keep you engaged and wanting to turn the page to learn more about the characters and the story.
She does an excellent job describing the scenes without adding extra descriptive words just to increase the word count, like some authors seem to do. Everything feels like it has a purpose and keeps the story moving.
This story had a twist I definitely didn’t see coming. It was one of those moments that made me want to go back and reread the book to see what I may have missed.
I’m looking forward to book two in this three part series. And if you’re looking for a good October read, I think this one would be perfect!
She does an excellent job describing the scenes without adding extra descriptive words just to increase the word count, like some authors seem to do. Everything feels like it has a purpose and keeps the story moving.
This story had a twist I definitely didn’t see coming. It was one of those moments that made me want to go back and reread the book to see what I may have missed.
I’m looking forward to book two in this three part series. And if you’re looking for a good October read, I think this one would be perfect!
March 12, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 👏🏻
Another great read from J.L. Hyde.
The next book in the series can’t release soon enough after this cliffhanger ending. Set in the “Salem of the Midwest”. This story combines 90s nostalgia, small town drama, two timelines, disappearances, mysterious deaths, revenge, and characters you love. Hyde’s Grady Lake Series was one of my absolute favorites last year. I know Westridge Cove Series will be a top read of this year. Bonus points for the 🧙 🤔 element and all the books in the series expected to release within a year.
Another great read from J.L. Hyde.
The next book in the series can’t release soon enough after this cliffhanger ending. Set in the “Salem of the Midwest”. This story combines 90s nostalgia, small town drama, two timelines, disappearances, mysterious deaths, revenge, and characters you love. Hyde’s Grady Lake Series was one of my absolute favorites last year. I know Westridge Cove Series will be a top read of this year. Bonus points for the 🧙 🤔 element and all the books in the series expected to release within a year.
March 15, 2026
Loved it! Read it in one day. Couldn’t put it down. Didn’t see that twist coming either and can’t wait to read the second and third of the series! Writing is so easy to read. Characters are great and I could imagine the town in my head.
March 29, 2026
If you’ve read anything by J.L. Hyde, you will not be disappointed. The tie between time frames and characters to tell the story flows incredibly well. You’ll find humor and love in an incredibly suspenseful book. The only disappointing part is waiting for the second one to come out!
May 12, 2026
I enjoyed this one! It's a quick, easy, and entertaining read. It's only the first in a series, and ends with a cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the other two books. This would be the perfect book to read in October!
July 30, 2026
I could not put this book down! Per usual for JL HYDE books. I was hooked from page 1. Loved the 90s nostalgia! Loved that it’s based in Michigan. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book!! CAN I BE AN ARC READER, because omggg!!
August 29, 2026
This was a good one. A fall cozy mystery set in a small town with all the small town antics - good guys, bad guys, b&tches, witches, gossip, and romance. It ends on a cliff hanger as we wait for the next novel in the series coming out in a month.
March 30, 2026
Loved it!!!
September 22, 2026
This was actually a jaw dropper. Keep me locked in the entire time!
September 29, 2026
Definitely 4.5 stars! I loved it. I can’t wait to read the sequel….it will be sent to my kindle on September 30th!!! 😮
March 25, 2026
4.5 stars. I loved this one, and I couldn't put it down. I don't think I can wait for the second book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews