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A Witch's Lament
Sometimes the past refuses to remain buried.
Salem, Massachusetts, has built a thriving industry of tourism on the foundations of its dark past. But, beneath the seaside charm, bewitching shops, and seasonal surge of witches and thrill-seekers, the ancient darkness still lurks.
When Skye purchases an historic house in Salem, she steps into a world of ancient magick as her arrival triggers a series of shocking events. Her dormant powers surface the night she stumbles on a hidden room in her new home and uncovers a skeleton, a cloth-wrapped knife, and an ancient journal.
Unbeknownst to Skye, her family’s past is interwoven with the darkness and as she struggles with her newfound powers, the malevolent force that has haunted Salem for centuries stirs and begins a rampage of blood and death.
Haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his mother during a ritual three decades ago, local police officer Jerome Phips, is shocked when he learns the skeleton found belongs to his mother. Bound by a shared destiny, Skye and Jerome must unravel the dark secrets of Salem’s past and defeat the dark force that threatens to destroy Salem.
In this spellbinding tale of destiny and the eternal battle between light and darkness, Skye must learn to embrace her birth task, while Jerome struggles with the ghosts of his past.
Will they succeed, or will the town once again fall prey to the shadows that lurk beneath the surface?
Salem, Massachusetts, has built a thriving industry of tourism on the foundations of its dark past. But, beneath the seaside charm, bewitching shops, and seasonal surge of witches and thrill-seekers, the ancient darkness still lurks.
When Skye purchases an historic house in Salem, she steps into a world of ancient magick as her arrival triggers a series of shocking events. Her dormant powers surface the night she stumbles on a hidden room in her new home and uncovers a skeleton, a cloth-wrapped knife, and an ancient journal.
Unbeknownst to Skye, her family’s past is interwoven with the darkness and as she struggles with her newfound powers, the malevolent force that has haunted Salem for centuries stirs and begins a rampage of blood and death.
Haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his mother during a ritual three decades ago, local police officer Jerome Phips, is shocked when he learns the skeleton found belongs to his mother. Bound by a shared destiny, Skye and Jerome must unravel the dark secrets of Salem’s past and defeat the dark force that threatens to destroy Salem.
In this spellbinding tale of destiny and the eternal battle between light and darkness, Skye must learn to embrace her birth task, while Jerome struggles with the ghosts of his past.
Will they succeed, or will the town once again fall prey to the shadows that lurk beneath the surface?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2015
405 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Walker
33 books30 followersAn avid reader since childhood, I used to wake up early in the morning to read before going to school. The books that first fired my imagination were the Black Stallion books by Walter Farley. My daydreams leaned toward finding myself stranded on a desert island with a black stallion only I could ride. Those daydreams helped me make it through, what I considered, the drudgery of school. Who wouldn't rather be romping in the freedom of the outdoors taming a wild stallion?
As I matured, so did my taste in books along with my daydreams. Escaping into the pages of a book captured my attention and pumped my senses like nothing else. Unfortunately, I was always of the mind that I could never actually write a book. You had to be a writer to do something like that. Eventually, I came to my senses. As my fortieth birthday approached, I decided to write a book. I had no idea how to write, what to write about, or even how to begin, but, imbued with Capricorn stubborness, I wrote anyway.
Currently, I am living my life-long dream on 50 acre farm in Ontario, Canada. This move to the country has proven to be time consuming, especially since a friend gave me two baby goats as a farm-warming gift. I have added to the herd and now own 12 goats, not to mention my Welsh pony, 3 dogs and 2 cats.
My husband, Fred, and I, own and operate a martial arts and wellness centre as well as run an archery range and store on our farm. I also work a part time job in order to help feed my menagerie of animals.
As I matured, so did my taste in books along with my daydreams. Escaping into the pages of a book captured my attention and pumped my senses like nothing else. Unfortunately, I was always of the mind that I could never actually write a book. You had to be a writer to do something like that. Eventually, I came to my senses. As my fortieth birthday approached, I decided to write a book. I had no idea how to write, what to write about, or even how to begin, but, imbued with Capricorn stubborness, I wrote anyway.
Currently, I am living my life-long dream on 50 acre farm in Ontario, Canada. This move to the country has proven to be time consuming, especially since a friend gave me two baby goats as a farm-warming gift. I have added to the herd and now own 12 goats, not to mention my Welsh pony, 3 dogs and 2 cats.
My husband, Fred, and I, own and operate a martial arts and wellness centre as well as run an archery range and store on our farm. I also work a part time job in order to help feed my menagerie of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 31, 2021
As part of my focus to find a few new authors via NetGalley in 2021, I perused the list and selected two books for January. One of them was A Witch's Lament, the first Salem Witches book, by Cathy Walker. The description sounded great and I enjoy reading about Salem, so it was a quick decision. I find this time period fascinating, and if the plot and characters are refreshing and pop, I usually love books on this subject matter. It started well, but it didn't fully immerse me. I also realized it was published in 2015--not an upcoming publication, which is normally okay--but I had been looking for a new release. Totally my fault! Nonetheless, let's chat a bit more about my thoughts.
Skye bought one of the last remaining houses from the Salem Witch Trial period in history. This was on a whim when she was writing a column about B&Bs in the area. She comes from a family of witches, and without telling anyone, she changes her life and starts anew. During her first night, a storm knocks out the power, and she inadvertently discovers a skeleton. When the police arrive, the lead, Jerome, realizes it's his mother, who's been missing for 30 years. Talk about coincidence, except it's not... there are powers working behind the scenes to bring the past forward. The book focuses on who killed Jerome's mother, as well as what's happening to Skye's parents who are in trouble, and whether or not Skye's powers are strong enough to survive history.
There is a lot going on in this book, and some of it is really good and strong. I enjoyed the connections between the past and the present. I like all the supporting characters and mystery surrounding what happened thirty years ago. And the town of Salem, as always, is very intriguing. At the same time, the majority of the book is very descriptive, often flowery, and focused more on ethereal elements and ideas rather than concrete actions. This comes with the territory, I agree... but I wanted more balance in terms of Skye's interaction with characters, more real and focused. I found myself skimming a few sections just to understand what was happening.
Maybe as a reader I prefer a different style, or I was hoping it had more investigation or genealogical aspects to the tale. The discovery of the skeleton scene was excellent, and the solstice event was cool. Watching Jerome protect Skye, and Matthew vie for her attention, had lots of merit. It was just missing that extra punch to really draw me in. If you love reading about witches and what happens in the air when they cast a spell or how people feel about them, this will be an excellent read. If you're looking for a complex plot with tons of red herrings and discoveries about who is connected to whom from the Salem Witch Trials, or what happened in the house/town since then with these families, or tangible events, this probably isn't the right book.
That said, the author can clearly write. It was just a different tone and style that I'd hoped, so I wasn't as connected as I usually am. I end up with about 3.25 stars and depending on the plot of the author's other books, I'd consider reading them again. I will look to see what happens in this series too.
Skye bought one of the last remaining houses from the Salem Witch Trial period in history. This was on a whim when she was writing a column about B&Bs in the area. She comes from a family of witches, and without telling anyone, she changes her life and starts anew. During her first night, a storm knocks out the power, and she inadvertently discovers a skeleton. When the police arrive, the lead, Jerome, realizes it's his mother, who's been missing for 30 years. Talk about coincidence, except it's not... there are powers working behind the scenes to bring the past forward. The book focuses on who killed Jerome's mother, as well as what's happening to Skye's parents who are in trouble, and whether or not Skye's powers are strong enough to survive history.
There is a lot going on in this book, and some of it is really good and strong. I enjoyed the connections between the past and the present. I like all the supporting characters and mystery surrounding what happened thirty years ago. And the town of Salem, as always, is very intriguing. At the same time, the majority of the book is very descriptive, often flowery, and focused more on ethereal elements and ideas rather than concrete actions. This comes with the territory, I agree... but I wanted more balance in terms of Skye's interaction with characters, more real and focused. I found myself skimming a few sections just to understand what was happening.
Maybe as a reader I prefer a different style, or I was hoping it had more investigation or genealogical aspects to the tale. The discovery of the skeleton scene was excellent, and the solstice event was cool. Watching Jerome protect Skye, and Matthew vie for her attention, had lots of merit. It was just missing that extra punch to really draw me in. If you love reading about witches and what happens in the air when they cast a spell or how people feel about them, this will be an excellent read. If you're looking for a complex plot with tons of red herrings and discoveries about who is connected to whom from the Salem Witch Trials, or what happened in the house/town since then with these families, or tangible events, this probably isn't the right book.
That said, the author can clearly write. It was just a different tone and style that I'd hoped, so I wasn't as connected as I usually am. I end up with about 3.25 stars and depending on the plot of the author's other books, I'd consider reading them again. I will look to see what happens in this series too.
January 21, 2022
Magical Mayhem!
A backstory:
Skye wants to be on her own without her parents, so she throws caution to the wind by buying a house in the heart of Salem as she feels that she is drawn to this house for some reason. The house has sat abandoned for a long time and no one in Salem seems to want to live there, but when the townspeople find out that Skye is moving in, tongues start wagging and the news spreads like wildfire.
Detective Jerome Phips is especially curious as to why this stranger would want to buy "that house" as he has personal reasons for not wanting anyone to move into the house as his mother disappeared from there when he was a boy.
When Skye starts checking out the inside of the house, she ends up releasing a latch in the library which opens up a secret wall panel and a skeleton falls out. After she calls the police and Detective Phips shows up on her doorstep things become complicated as Skye realizes that she was meant to buy this house as it is in her blood to be connected to a house that once belonged to witches.
Detective Phips is not only trying to solve the disappearance of his mother he is also trying to solve murders around his town, but when he clashes with Skye on how she is connected to the house is when things become awry as they both decide that things surrounding the history of the house might somehow be related to the murders.
Thoughts:
When I picked up this book to read I didn't realize that I would be so drawn to the story as this is a new author to me and the pace of the book just flows along. The author just drew me right into the story of Skye and how she is connected to this house in Salem. The mystery of the house, the city, and the characters just kept me entranced into the book.
I could tell that the author did extensive research of the witches from that era as it shows with all the extensive detail of those historical times. I was also impressed at how the story just played itself out and how the author weaved the characters around to fit the storyline.
More things happen within the storyline as characters are revealed that want to do harm to Skye and Jerome along with rituals being performed and there is a historical knife that is imbued with powers, but to see how everything comes together you will just have to read the book! Giving this book four Mystery & Magic stars!
A backstory:
Skye wants to be on her own without her parents, so she throws caution to the wind by buying a house in the heart of Salem as she feels that she is drawn to this house for some reason. The house has sat abandoned for a long time and no one in Salem seems to want to live there, but when the townspeople find out that Skye is moving in, tongues start wagging and the news spreads like wildfire.
Detective Jerome Phips is especially curious as to why this stranger would want to buy "that house" as he has personal reasons for not wanting anyone to move into the house as his mother disappeared from there when he was a boy.
When Skye starts checking out the inside of the house, she ends up releasing a latch in the library which opens up a secret wall panel and a skeleton falls out. After she calls the police and Detective Phips shows up on her doorstep things become complicated as Skye realizes that she was meant to buy this house as it is in her blood to be connected to a house that once belonged to witches.
Detective Phips is not only trying to solve the disappearance of his mother he is also trying to solve murders around his town, but when he clashes with Skye on how she is connected to the house is when things become awry as they both decide that things surrounding the history of the house might somehow be related to the murders.
Thoughts:
When I picked up this book to read I didn't realize that I would be so drawn to the story as this is a new author to me and the pace of the book just flows along. The author just drew me right into the story of Skye and how she is connected to this house in Salem. The mystery of the house, the city, and the characters just kept me entranced into the book.
I could tell that the author did extensive research of the witches from that era as it shows with all the extensive detail of those historical times. I was also impressed at how the story just played itself out and how the author weaved the characters around to fit the storyline.
More things happen within the storyline as characters are revealed that want to do harm to Skye and Jerome along with rituals being performed and there is a historical knife that is imbued with powers, but to see how everything comes together you will just have to read the book! Giving this book four Mystery & Magic stars!
January 16, 2021
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I loved the blurb for this book and was looking for something different to read so picked this one up and I have to say that I thought it was brilliant!
The book was really well written and I found it really addictive. I loved the mix of old and new, the balance was just right for me and I thought that the characters were superb, really well developed and they worked really well together too.
I did guess who was responsible but that did not detract from the story at all and there was plenty going on in each chapter of the book too. There were well developed backgrounds to the characters too which gave them an added depth and feelings.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, well written and an additive story – very highly recommended and I am off to get the second book in the series now!
I loved the blurb for this book and was looking for something different to read so picked this one up and I have to say that I thought it was brilliant!
The book was really well written and I found it really addictive. I loved the mix of old and new, the balance was just right for me and I thought that the characters were superb, really well developed and they worked really well together too.
I did guess who was responsible but that did not detract from the story at all and there was plenty going on in each chapter of the book too. There were well developed backgrounds to the characters too which gave them an added depth and feelings.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, well written and an additive story – very highly recommended and I am off to get the second book in the series now!
February 5, 2021
This was a quick and interesting story. It flips around from timelines but it’s easy to follow. The chapters aren’t terribly long. I look forward to the second book in the series.
Skye buys a house in Salem not realizing it’s “calling” her home. As the days pass the urgency of finding out about her powers and her past become more relevant as someone who’s been missing is found in her newly acquired house. Time is not on her side as she becomes friendly with Jerome the son of the person found in Skye’s home. Together they must figure out what happened to his mother and other happenings around Salem.
Skye buys a house in Salem not realizing it’s “calling” her home. As the days pass the urgency of finding out about her powers and her past become more relevant as someone who’s been missing is found in her newly acquired house. Time is not on her side as she becomes friendly with Jerome the son of the person found in Skye’s home. Together they must figure out what happened to his mother and other happenings around Salem.
April 6, 2021
Well written, great characterisation and really held my interest. I have already downloaded and read the second book.
August 1, 2020
Good Read
Great read until one particular incident that I don’t like but other than that it was fantastic. Highly recommend it.
Great read until one particular incident that I don’t like but other than that it was fantastic. Highly recommend it.
July 2, 2023
In "A Witch's Lament" by Cathy Walker, the historical town of Salem, Massachusetts, comes alive with a potent blend of ancient darkness, witchcraft, and a haunting past. Skye Temple, unaware of the looming danger, purchases a historic house in Salem, only to uncover a skeleton and ancestral diaries on her first day. What follows is a gripping tale of magic, murder, and revelations as Skye unravels her true bloodlines and the responsibilities that come with them.
Walker skillfully immerses readers in the bewitching atmosphere of Salem, seamlessly blending its tourist appeal with the lingering shadows of its infamous history. The vivid descriptions of the town's bewitching charm and the interplay of modern life with the echoes of the past create an immersive and captivating setting. The author's attention to detail and knowledge of Salem's historical context lend authenticity to the narrative, enhancing the reader's experience.
Skye Temple emerges as a compelling protagonist, thrust into a world of secrets and ancestral tasks. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing her magical heritage is filled with suspense and intrigue. As Skye unravels the truth about her bloodlines and the significance of guarding a powerful knife, the stakes heighten, drawing readers deeper into the story. Skye's determination and resilience make her a relatable and admirable character, and her growth throughout the novel is a delight to witness.
The narrative also introduces Jerome Phips, a police officer haunted by his mother's disappearance during a ritual many years ago. Walker masterfully weaves together Skye and Jerome's stories, intertwining their paths and their shared quest for answers. The complex dynamics between the two characters, fueled by anger, blame, and a deep desire for the truth, add depth and emotional intensity to the plot. Their journey becomes a thrilling race against time to prevent the return of darkness and fulfill their intertwined destinies.
The pacing of the story is well-maintained, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments, magical revelations, and character development. Walker's prose is engaging and descriptive, immersing readers in a world where ancient powers and modern-day struggles collide. The integration of historical elements, witchcraft, and familial secrets creates a captivating tapestry that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
While "A Witch's Lament" delivers an engrossing narrative, some readers may find certain aspects of the plot predictable or reminiscent of familiar witchcraft tropes. Additionally, further exploration of certain secondary characters and their motivations could have added more depth to the story.
In conclusion, "A Witch's Lament" is a bewitching tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the shadowed streets of Salem. Cathy Walker's skillful storytelling, atmospheric setting, and well-drawn characters make this novel a captivating read for fans of witchcraft, mystery, and the enduring allure of Salem's dark history.
Walker skillfully immerses readers in the bewitching atmosphere of Salem, seamlessly blending its tourist appeal with the lingering shadows of its infamous history. The vivid descriptions of the town's bewitching charm and the interplay of modern life with the echoes of the past create an immersive and captivating setting. The author's attention to detail and knowledge of Salem's historical context lend authenticity to the narrative, enhancing the reader's experience.
Skye Temple emerges as a compelling protagonist, thrust into a world of secrets and ancestral tasks. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing her magical heritage is filled with suspense and intrigue. As Skye unravels the truth about her bloodlines and the significance of guarding a powerful knife, the stakes heighten, drawing readers deeper into the story. Skye's determination and resilience make her a relatable and admirable character, and her growth throughout the novel is a delight to witness.
The narrative also introduces Jerome Phips, a police officer haunted by his mother's disappearance during a ritual many years ago. Walker masterfully weaves together Skye and Jerome's stories, intertwining their paths and their shared quest for answers. The complex dynamics between the two characters, fueled by anger, blame, and a deep desire for the truth, add depth and emotional intensity to the plot. Their journey becomes a thrilling race against time to prevent the return of darkness and fulfill their intertwined destinies.
The pacing of the story is well-maintained, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments, magical revelations, and character development. Walker's prose is engaging and descriptive, immersing readers in a world where ancient powers and modern-day struggles collide. The integration of historical elements, witchcraft, and familial secrets creates a captivating tapestry that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
While "A Witch's Lament" delivers an engrossing narrative, some readers may find certain aspects of the plot predictable or reminiscent of familiar witchcraft tropes. Additionally, further exploration of certain secondary characters and their motivations could have added more depth to the story.
In conclusion, "A Witch's Lament" is a bewitching tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the shadowed streets of Salem. Cathy Walker's skillful storytelling, atmospheric setting, and well-drawn characters make this novel a captivating read for fans of witchcraft, mystery, and the enduring allure of Salem's dark history.
January 4, 2021
I saw this book, and I hadn’t read the author before but was intrigued by the premise to give it a go. It didn’t take me long, probably only a page or two, to get hooked into the story. Skye is an interesting protagonist, and I liked how she came to Salem. I also quite enjoyed the plot, and the writing is excellent. I only had one thing bother me, and it’s a personal preference; I can’t stand when information is kept from people to keep them safe. Ugh. Anyway, it didn’t take me long to guess who the villain was in the story, but it was a wild ride to the end anyway. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 7, 2025
I really wanted to love it. I was looking forward to reading the whole trilogy one after the other but my interest slowly thinned before I reached the end of the first installment. I am not sure at which point my interest had started to wane but I am doubtful I will read the next book.
December 19, 2020
Enjoyable story that blends the past with the present. The accounts of the Salem witch trials are portrayed a bit differently from the historical perspective, interpreted as they might have been if the women accused had been actually practicing witchcraft--of a good nature.
March 22, 2018
Not since being enthralled with Deborah Harkness’ book, A Discovery of Witches, the first of three All Souls Trilogy—which I still have yet to read the second and third books and they’re on my TBR pile—have I been this captivated with a book about witches. From the first paragraph, I was hooked. I didn’t want to put the book down, and it’s one of those books that took more time because I wanted to read every word. I didn’t want to miss anything!
Skye Temple has purchased a house in Salem, Mass, having been drawn to the house. On a whim. Having returned to town to pick up the keys, where she meets a few townspeople, she learns that she’s purchased Sarah Good’s house, one of the women who was hanged during the Salem witch trials.
While she knows she has powers, she has no idea to the extent of those powers. She has promised her mother that she would never use her powers without her mother’s presence. While Skye doesn’t count buying a house without her mother’s knowledge as breaking that promise, when she starts having strange visions, unlike ever before and then finds a woman’s skeleton behind a secret door in her library that she instinctively went to, she realizes she could be in danger. Only now, she can’t seem to make contact with her mother.
Each chapter is a page turner, with a cast of witching characters. Why not? We’re in Salem, after all. While I thought I knew who the villain was early on, I kept changing my mind as events unfolded. I’m known to go to the end of a book to read the ending and then analyze the writing as I finish a book, but not this time. I wanted to be surprised.
If I were able, I’d be giving this book more than the five I’m allowed. Well done!
Skye Temple has purchased a house in Salem, Mass, having been drawn to the house. On a whim. Having returned to town to pick up the keys, where she meets a few townspeople, she learns that she’s purchased Sarah Good’s house, one of the women who was hanged during the Salem witch trials.
While she knows she has powers, she has no idea to the extent of those powers. She has promised her mother that she would never use her powers without her mother’s presence. While Skye doesn’t count buying a house without her mother’s knowledge as breaking that promise, when she starts having strange visions, unlike ever before and then finds a woman’s skeleton behind a secret door in her library that she instinctively went to, she realizes she could be in danger. Only now, she can’t seem to make contact with her mother.
Each chapter is a page turner, with a cast of witching characters. Why not? We’re in Salem, after all. While I thought I knew who the villain was early on, I kept changing my mind as events unfolded. I’m known to go to the end of a book to read the ending and then analyze the writing as I finish a book, but not this time. I wanted to be surprised.
If I were able, I’d be giving this book more than the five I’m allowed. Well done!
January 18, 2021
This has to be the most boring mystery I have read in ages. Everything about this story is trite and cliched. A beautiful young woman, Skye, buys a hoarse in Salem, MA because of an overpowering urge. Young girls are being murdered at the same time. Obviously, our heroine is somehow connected to the murders and has to have witchy powers. Except she is the most boring, inane heroine I think I have ever read. She spends most of the book apologizing or being a brat before she begins to cry. Her love interest is the good looking cop who is investigating the murder of these girls and his own mother. He’s supposed to be the love interest but there is no chemistry between the two lead characters. Nothing. I’m still not sure how they ended up in love and together at the end other than, you know, magic. Another issue with the hero is he is so wrapped up 8n trying to avenge his mother’s murder that he’s either rude or sulking the entire novel. There’s nothing attractive about Jerome. Oh, and of course, he’s a witch as well. The identity of the villain was apparent from the beginning and there were no surprises or even a hint of misdirection. I honestly slogged to get to the ending. It was not worth it. This could have been a good story if it had been developed more instead of going the predictable, boring route.
August 27, 2015
This book was written by a writer skilled at their craft. I don't have to tell you, in this day of self-publishing, what a rare treat that is. A Witch's Lament is well-written and compelling.
It turned out to be much darker than I was expecting - so much so that parts of it gave me chills. The story was well-paced and flowed perfectly, allowing Walker to create an air of mystery and suspense that made A Witch's Lament impossible to put down.
Even though it deals with the supernatural, there's a strong feeling of realism present thanks to historical references and good knowledge of the Craft. It's nice to see witchcraft presented in a down-to-earth, knowledgeable way.
There are a few minor errors that a good editor would have taken care of but the story itself is strong enough that it doesn't detract from the experience. The only other thing that let A Witch's Lament down is that the romance wasn't quite romantic enough for me - but I'm overly sentimental. Lol.
Overall, a great read.
It turned out to be much darker than I was expecting - so much so that parts of it gave me chills. The story was well-paced and flowed perfectly, allowing Walker to create an air of mystery and suspense that made A Witch's Lament impossible to put down.
Even though it deals with the supernatural, there's a strong feeling of realism present thanks to historical references and good knowledge of the Craft. It's nice to see witchcraft presented in a down-to-earth, knowledgeable way.
There are a few minor errors that a good editor would have taken care of but the story itself is strong enough that it doesn't detract from the experience. The only other thing that let A Witch's Lament down is that the romance wasn't quite romantic enough for me - but I'm overly sentimental. Lol.
Overall, a great read.
September 17, 2020
I enjoy a good story about witchcraft, light triumphing over dark, good over evil. I also like it when the story is told realistically. The author did an excellent job in the writing and it shows that she must have done some research into Wicca and what it means. So many times you get someone who thinks "hey, I think I'll write a story about witches and such" and they don't really know anything about what they are writing about.. and it shows. Good job! Merry meet, Merry part and Merry meet again!
June 30, 2020
Excellent
I have read this book and giving my honest review.
This is a new author I found. What a book. Awesome exciting full of magic, witches. Surprises and a twist.
Enjoyed from the first page to the last.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Not spoiling you have to read the book yourselves.
I have read this book and giving my honest review.
This is a new author I found. What a book. Awesome exciting full of magic, witches. Surprises and a twist.
Enjoyed from the first page to the last.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Not spoiling you have to read the book yourselves.
September 27, 2020
This was quite an enjoyable read, with magic, ancient evil, and family bloodlines all coming together in an intriguing novel. The language was beautiful, and the two main characters well fleshed out. There is some blood and gore, but nothing that detracted me from reading. Overall, a solid and entertaining read.
November 19, 2020
Great storyline!
I really liked this book and characters. I liked that the main character is wondering along with us what mysteries attracted her to the city, and to that house. Good ending too!
I really liked this book and characters. I liked that the main character is wondering along with us what mysteries attracted her to the city, and to that house. Good ending too!
September 10, 2020
Positively fantastic!
This is a brilliantly written story of witches, some good and some not so good. A powerful evil and revenge will hold the reader captive till the ending. Some romance adds a bit of spice, as well.
This is a brilliantly written story of witches, some good and some not so good. A powerful evil and revenge will hold the reader captive till the ending. Some romance adds a bit of spice, as well.
October 7, 2020
I don't want to give anything away about the plot, but what I will say is this book pulled me in from the start. It is gripping and fast paced and I loved every minute of it. This is the first of Cathy Walker's books I have read and it won't be the last.
September 19, 2020
Awesome read
Loved this book it hooked me on right from the start... can't wait to read the next installment.
Love the added edge... certainly a page Turner..
Loved this book it hooked me on right from the start... can't wait to read the next installment.
Love the added edge... certainly a page Turner..
January 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, Cathy Walker and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read this ebook.
I completely devoured this book; or rather, it devoured me. I planned on reading a few chapters and wound up finishing it at 4am!
Skye Temple is a travel writer who always felt held back by her mother, Flora. But Skye and Flora are no ordinary mother and daughter. They are witches.
From being a child, Flora watched over Skye's every move and made her swear a blood oath to never practise magic alone. Not knowing why, and feeling like her mother had been overbearing for too long, when Skye finds herself in Salem for work and feels the pull of a magnificent old house for sale, she decides to do her own thing for the first time and buys the house without telling Flora.
Once settled in Salem, Skye learns of a serial killer who has been picking off young women for half a decade, and is yet to be caught. The local police - or one in particular - distrusts Skye from day one and feels that she or her family may be involved in these murders, as well as the thirty year old case of his missing mother.
After an eventful first night in her new home, Skye finds officer Jerome Phip at her door, informing her that her parents were involved in a car accident and are in the local hospital. Upon arriving, Flora is not happy that Skye moved to Salem without letting her know, but is oddly even more concerned about the specific house that Skye has purchased.
When Skye and Flora eventually sit down and talk, Skye learns just why her mother was so insistent on her never practising magic alone and that she is far more powerful than she ever could have imagined. Flora also tells Skye about a knife. A vastly powerful magical object that cannot fall into the wrong hands and must be found by their family at all costs. The problem is, the Temples are not the only ones hunting for the knife.
Skye must do her best to navigate her newfound power, a conflicting love interest and a crazed serial killer, in order to find the knife and fulfill her family's destiny.
This book is unputdownable and excellently written. I love anything relating to Salem and witches in general which is why I chose this book, but I never expected to love it quite so much. This is book one in a series and I will absolutely be purchasing the rest as they are published. The pull that Skye felt to Salem transcends through this book and into the reader, leaving you wishing to be back in the Good House where faeries dance and secrets are hidden.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Salem Witch Trials or witches in general, and readers who love to be swept up in a thriller.
Cathy Walker's work reminds me of Adriana Mather's, although aimed more towards adults. Id highly recommend to any older fans of Adriana's, such as myself.
Thank you again to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial and Cathy Walker for the chance to read this incredible story.
I completely devoured this book; or rather, it devoured me. I planned on reading a few chapters and wound up finishing it at 4am!
Skye Temple is a travel writer who always felt held back by her mother, Flora. But Skye and Flora are no ordinary mother and daughter. They are witches.
From being a child, Flora watched over Skye's every move and made her swear a blood oath to never practise magic alone. Not knowing why, and feeling like her mother had been overbearing for too long, when Skye finds herself in Salem for work and feels the pull of a magnificent old house for sale, she decides to do her own thing for the first time and buys the house without telling Flora.
Once settled in Salem, Skye learns of a serial killer who has been picking off young women for half a decade, and is yet to be caught. The local police - or one in particular - distrusts Skye from day one and feels that she or her family may be involved in these murders, as well as the thirty year old case of his missing mother.
After an eventful first night in her new home, Skye finds officer Jerome Phip at her door, informing her that her parents were involved in a car accident and are in the local hospital. Upon arriving, Flora is not happy that Skye moved to Salem without letting her know, but is oddly even more concerned about the specific house that Skye has purchased.
When Skye and Flora eventually sit down and talk, Skye learns just why her mother was so insistent on her never practising magic alone and that she is far more powerful than she ever could have imagined. Flora also tells Skye about a knife. A vastly powerful magical object that cannot fall into the wrong hands and must be found by their family at all costs. The problem is, the Temples are not the only ones hunting for the knife.
Skye must do her best to navigate her newfound power, a conflicting love interest and a crazed serial killer, in order to find the knife and fulfill her family's destiny.
This book is unputdownable and excellently written. I love anything relating to Salem and witches in general which is why I chose this book, but I never expected to love it quite so much. This is book one in a series and I will absolutely be purchasing the rest as they are published. The pull that Skye felt to Salem transcends through this book and into the reader, leaving you wishing to be back in the Good House where faeries dance and secrets are hidden.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Salem Witch Trials or witches in general, and readers who love to be swept up in a thriller.
Cathy Walker's work reminds me of Adriana Mather's, although aimed more towards adults. Id highly recommend to any older fans of Adriana's, such as myself.
Thank you again to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial and Cathy Walker for the chance to read this incredible story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Skye was drawn to the old house the first time she saw it. Something told her that it was just for her...so almost sight unseen...she buys it. When she returns to the town after buying the house, she meets some of the residents and learns that she’s purchased Sarah Good’s house, one of the women who was hanged during the Salem witch trials.
Skye has always known that she was a bit "different" and that she processed some powers, but she had no idea the extent of those powers. She promised her mother that she would never use her powers without her mother being with her. Skye, for some reason, doesn’t consider that buying a house without her mother’s knowledge as breaking her promise. It's not long before she begins to have strange visions. These visions are different than those she had experienced before.... but she's still not too concerned. Finally, when she discovers a woman’s skeleton behind a secret door in the library of the house...she starts to realize that maybe she could be in danger. She decides that maybe she should contact her mother, only she can’t seem to be able to do that.
There is a huge cast of witchy characters...after all this is Salem, so nothing else should be expected. I thought I knew what was happening and who was to blame early in the story, but I wasn't so sure about half-way though. That is, for me at least, the sign of an excellent story and this one was just that.
Skye has always known that she was a bit "different" and that she processed some powers, but she had no idea the extent of those powers. She promised her mother that she would never use her powers without her mother being with her. Skye, for some reason, doesn’t consider that buying a house without her mother’s knowledge as breaking her promise. It's not long before she begins to have strange visions. These visions are different than those she had experienced before.... but she's still not too concerned. Finally, when she discovers a woman’s skeleton behind a secret door in the library of the house...she starts to realize that maybe she could be in danger. She decides that maybe she should contact her mother, only she can’t seem to be able to do that.
There is a huge cast of witchy characters...after all this is Salem, so nothing else should be expected. I thought I knew what was happening and who was to blame early in the story, but I wasn't so sure about half-way though. That is, for me at least, the sign of an excellent story and this one was just that.
January 10, 2021
This just wasn't a great read, at least not for me. The premise is solid, the setting should have been perfect and the idea of weaving a present-day mystery with Salem, MA’s history could have been great. However, the book feels like a lot of false starts on all those aspects (and more) that could have been awesome, but just didn't get anywhere. The characters don't seem to develop, “spooky witch with a mysterious past” can't be the backstory for everyone. The relationships are unpredictable and never really solidify in ways that help the plot. The plot is OK. Again, a good premise, but the central plot line kind of hurries along to get it finished while the sub-plots just fizzle and don't contribute a ton to the overall narrative. You can sense the research, both of the historical events and some aspects of modern magickal practice, but sadly that fails to manifest as a good read.
July 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel about witches, fairies, dark power and magic. It was a love from the first page and I liked Skye, Flora and Jerome as a characters.
Skye being triggered by some invisible pull to buy an empty house in Salem, after one visit of the town started a great story for the mystery of Salem witches and trails which happened in the past.
The connection with the Good's family twists and we learn about he recent murders of the young girls which are killed as an offer during the dark rituals.
Solving 30 year old mystery, which has it's roots in ancient history is a great theme and here we find great twists in the plot as well.
I don't even mind a bit of a romance in this book, I find it complimentary to the story.
Although I knew a bit who will be the real murder, I was still happy with this book and eager to finish it up to the last page. I don't remember when was the last time I read a book about witches, but this one was great.
Skye being triggered by some invisible pull to buy an empty house in Salem, after one visit of the town started a great story for the mystery of Salem witches and trails which happened in the past.
The connection with the Good's family twists and we learn about he recent murders of the young girls which are killed as an offer during the dark rituals.
Solving 30 year old mystery, which has it's roots in ancient history is a great theme and here we find great twists in the plot as well.
I don't even mind a bit of a romance in this book, I find it complimentary to the story.
Although I knew a bit who will be the real murder, I was still happy with this book and eager to finish it up to the last page. I don't remember when was the last time I read a book about witches, but this one was great.
January 8, 2021
This was a pretty good read, the characters Sky and Jerome were likable though not completely relatable (I don’t know about you but I know that I can not do magic). The journey that both Jerome and Sky take learning to deal with their magic and the attraction they feel for each other. The mystery about who is killing the young girls and who is trying to stop them is entertaining but kind of predictable - always look at the most unlikely and that’s the guilty one is what usual happens. Traversing between the past and the present adds a nice layer to the story and kept me intrigued, along with wanting to know if my prediction of the evil one was correct.
If you are looking for an entertaining mystery with a touch of magic and a good dose or romance then this is a great book for you.
If you are looking for an entertaining mystery with a touch of magic and a good dose or romance then this is a great book for you.
March 10, 2022
When Skye Temple purchases a house in Salem, MA, she doesn’t realise just what skeletons are literally in the cupboard. And when that house once belonged to Sarah Good, a woman hanged during the Salem witch trials, then expect trouble, especially if you’re a witch yourself. This is a well-written, thoroughly compelling read, with delightful twists and a plot that keeps you interested and on the edge of your seat right to the end. Good use is made of history and the town as a backdrop in which the story develops. I am not usually a fan of witch stories but found this one an excellent read, that did not disappoint. I would recommend it. My original intention was to read it over a few days but consumed it in two sittings, it was so enjoyable.
January 25, 2021
I received this ARC for an honest review. Cathy Walker is a new to me author. I think I will read another story by her. This story is about Skye and Jerome. Skye and Jerome are both witches, but Skye’s mother suppressed her powers. Skye always felt loss because of that. Jerome just refused his power. Skye moved to Salem after falling in love with a house, and Jerome is the local detective. In the first day of moving in, Skye found a skeleton. That’s how they met. I’m not saying much more because I don’t like spoilers. A Witch’s Lament is a cute story. I feel it needs another edit, but I did enjoy the story.
May 30, 2021
This is book 1 in the Salem Witches series. It was originally published in 2015. Skye is moving to Salem and when she discovers a skeleton in a hidden room of the house she just purchased the police are very interested. In fact officer Jerome Phips is sure it's his mother that disappeared 30 years ago. The investigation finds plenty of magic and witches as an unusual knife is found that is definitely covered with dark magic. Skye was tasked at her birth to find and bind the knife and there are many trying to prevent her from succeeding. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 24, 2022
A witch’s tale full of secrets, lies and murder.
A house which calls to its new owner. A daughter of magic that has been discouraged from learning her abilities. A magic knife handed down generations. A coven that may/may not be using dark magic. A serial murderer on the loose.
An interesting story that reads a bit like women’s fiction but has plenty of paranormal activities.
I enjoyed the overall story for the most part. The MC however was way to docile for my taste. She’d trip over information right in her face and would pretend not to see it or understand it, thinking she needed to look into it more or do some research. Reminded me a lot of the girls in a horror film that always fall during the chase scene.
That’s not really my cup of tea. But for an overall mystery witchy read, you may want to pick this one up.
A house which calls to its new owner. A daughter of magic that has been discouraged from learning her abilities. A magic knife handed down generations. A coven that may/may not be using dark magic. A serial murderer on the loose.
An interesting story that reads a bit like women’s fiction but has plenty of paranormal activities.
I enjoyed the overall story for the most part. The MC however was way to docile for my taste. She’d trip over information right in her face and would pretend not to see it or understand it, thinking she needed to look into it more or do some research. Reminded me a lot of the girls in a horror film that always fall during the chase scene.
That’s not really my cup of tea. But for an overall mystery witchy read, you may want to pick this one up.
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