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Nominee for the 2026 Goodreads Choice Awards
The Witch
Named one of the TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026
“I enjoy Freida McFadden…The books are engrossing and her sense of humour is sharp and dark. Vengeance comes with a twist and is satisfying” – STEPHEN KING
“McFadden is a writer at the top of her game―and the undisputed mistress of the psychological thriller.” – E.L. James
“Take the propulsive darkness of Gone Girl, the prolific output of Colleen Hoover, and the addictive twists of Harlan Coben, and you have something close to Freida McFadden.” – The Independent
“Intimidatingly prolific” – The Sunday Times
Some secrets don’t die―they wait.
When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family’s sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she’s there to check in on her ageing grandmother. Unofficially, she’s hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear.
Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her.
Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without warning. And a disembodied voice cries for help outside Julia’s bedroom door.
As Julia digs into the house’s dark history, she uncovers the story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692―and realises the past may not be finished with Pemberton yet. When decades of family lies begin to surface, Julia must confront a terrifying truth: Pemberton may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent.
From #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes The Witch, a chilling, twist-filled thriller about secrets―those we inherit, those we bury, and those people will burn to keep silent.
“I enjoy Freida McFadden…The books are engrossing and her sense of humour is sharp and dark. Vengeance comes with a twist and is satisfying” – STEPHEN KING
“McFadden is a writer at the top of her game―and the undisputed mistress of the psychological thriller.” – E.L. James
“Take the propulsive darkness of Gone Girl, the prolific output of Colleen Hoover, and the addictive twists of Harlan Coben, and you have something close to Freida McFadden.” – The Independent
“Intimidatingly prolific” – The Sunday Times
Some secrets don’t die―they wait.
When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family’s sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she’s there to check in on her ageing grandmother. Unofficially, she’s hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear.
Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her.
Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without warning. And a disembodied voice cries for help outside Julia’s bedroom door.
As Julia digs into the house’s dark history, she uncovers the story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692―and realises the past may not be finished with Pemberton yet. When decades of family lies begin to surface, Julia must confront a terrifying truth: Pemberton may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent.
From #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes The Witch, a chilling, twist-filled thriller about secrets―those we inherit, those we bury, and those people will burn to keep silent.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Freida McFadden
149 books306k followers#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and possessed cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
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Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 21,650 reviews
October 14, 2026
Oh wow okay.
March 6, 2026
4.5⭐️- FREIDA ENTERING HER SPOOKY SEASON ERA?! 👻🍂 Because honestly, I am HERE FOR IT! 🕯️🔮
This was definitely a breath of fresh air, with all the things Freida knows how to do best, but with a slightly different flavour. I absolutely loved the spooky, gothic vibes! 🏚️🌫️🦇 Although I wouldn’t say the book was particularly scary, it had such an eerie atmosphere that made it perfect for this time of year. 🎃🖤
The writing also felt more mature, and I genuinely loved seeing a different side of Freida’s writing. ✍🏻✨ While the present-day timeline didn’t completely grab my attention, the historical timeline had my whole heart. ❤️🔥 I was so much more invested in the past, and those chapters were easily my favourite!
Did I vaguely guess some of the twists and foresee where the story was heading? Yes. 👀🔍 Did that take away from my overall enjoyment? Absolutely not! 😂🙌🏻 Sometimes the journey is just as satisfying as the destination.
And as always, Freida delivers what she does best: an addictive thriller that practically reads itself and can easily be devoured in one sitting. 📚⚡️
Freida, if this is your spooky season era, please STAY HERE. We are loving the atmosphere, the witchy vibes and this new side of your writing! 🧙🏻♀️🖤🍂
————————————
Pre-read:
At this point I’m not worried about Freida using AI… I’m starting to wonder if Freida IS the AI 🤖📖 - said whilst adding to TBR 📚
This was definitely a breath of fresh air, with all the things Freida knows how to do best, but with a slightly different flavour. I absolutely loved the spooky, gothic vibes! 🏚️🌫️🦇 Although I wouldn’t say the book was particularly scary, it had such an eerie atmosphere that made it perfect for this time of year. 🎃🖤
The writing also felt more mature, and I genuinely loved seeing a different side of Freida’s writing. ✍🏻✨ While the present-day timeline didn’t completely grab my attention, the historical timeline had my whole heart. ❤️🔥 I was so much more invested in the past, and those chapters were easily my favourite!
Did I vaguely guess some of the twists and foresee where the story was heading? Yes. 👀🔍 Did that take away from my overall enjoyment? Absolutely not! 😂🙌🏻 Sometimes the journey is just as satisfying as the destination.
And as always, Freida delivers what she does best: an addictive thriller that practically reads itself and can easily be devoured in one sitting. 📚⚡️
Freida, if this is your spooky season era, please STAY HERE. We are loving the atmosphere, the witchy vibes and this new side of your writing! 🧙🏻♀️🖤🍂
————————————
Pre-read:
At this point I’m not worried about Freida using AI… I’m starting to wonder if Freida IS the AI 🤖📖 - said whilst adding to TBR 📚
Want to Read
March 7, 2026Freida, blink twice if you need help.
October 6, 2026
Woah this might be a new Freida favorite. I might be in the minority here but I genuinely think this was much better than the Housemaid. Though, if I'm being fair, the writing style is so different here, it works brilliantly.
I believe what worked for me was the atmosphere of this book. I'm not a thriller reader, not unless I want a break from fantasy or dark romance. So the paranormal vibes, the eerie tones and grim setting is pretty much coded for me to have an immersive experience. Apart from that, if I enjoy myself, I get invested in the characters emotionally. And Freidadoesat hauntingly well here. The witch trials are a part of history every woman knows all too well. And the way it tugged at the root of my soul with so much rage and hurt, props to the writing imo.
We follow two timelines: Caroline's in 1692 and Julia's present day. And they both hold up their own. But I must say, I found Caroline's narrative more powerful than Julia's. They both carry this twinge of innocence about them but both righteous to a fault and powerful in their quiet ways. To understand them, you really have to walk with them at their pace. Apart from the two women, I really adored Jonas' character, however predictable it may be.
The ending was pretty good imo. I predicated Caroline's ending about 40% in, still satisfying to see it unravel. Though Julia's went in a manner I did not expect. I was off about a lot of things so points on taking me by surprise. Overall, perfect read for a spooky season.
~•~•~
So excited to start this one. Seems really fun and perfect for spooky season 🤭
I believe what worked for me was the atmosphere of this book. I'm not a thriller reader, not unless I want a break from fantasy or dark romance. So the paranormal vibes, the eerie tones and grim setting is pretty much coded for me to have an immersive experience. Apart from that, if I enjoy myself, I get invested in the characters emotionally. And Freidadoesat hauntingly well here. The witch trials are a part of history every woman knows all too well. And the way it tugged at the root of my soul with so much rage and hurt, props to the writing imo.
We follow two timelines: Caroline's in 1692 and Julia's present day. And they both hold up their own. But I must say, I found Caroline's narrative more powerful than Julia's. They both carry this twinge of innocence about them but both righteous to a fault and powerful in their quiet ways. To understand them, you really have to walk with them at their pace. Apart from the two women, I really adored Jonas' character, however predictable it may be.
The ending was pretty good imo. I predicated Caroline's ending about 40% in, still satisfying to see it unravel. Though Julia's went in a manner I did not expect. I was off about a lot of things so points on taking me by surprise. Overall, perfect read for a spooky season.
~•~•~
So excited to start this one. Seems really fun and perfect for spooky season 🤭
November 9, 2026
Okay so… that was KIND OF CRAZY
October 17, 2026
This felt like a breath of fresh air from Freida and I really enjoyed it! It reminded me of a Darcy Coates book a bit, like a popcorn/lite horror read with just the right amount of spooky, witchy vibes. Fun!
October 8, 2026
The witch and I had more chemistry than this book had sense.
April 19, 2026
I FEAR THIS WAS A ME PROBLEM AND NOT THE BOOK
WELP… well this is a first, where I have actually not completed a Freida book in one sitting. No matter how ridiculous or outlandish I have found her books, she had that just ‘one more chapter’ poison sprinkled that I couldn’t help but continue committing to the madness.
The Witch for the first half gave me NOTHING… not a little tickle or a thrill. So, I put it down. But when I picked it back up it did start to get somewhat a little more interesting. The book is told in two timelines. One in 1692 and the other in present day. I must say I did enjoy the former more.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔BUT˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
I know I am being very picky but the language in the past chapters was so cringy. It read way to simplistic and the dialogue was not delivering how Freida probably intended it too.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔THE CHARACTERS˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
I enjoyed reading about Caroline and Julia’s character… everyone else for me just read one dimensional and ‘there’ for story purposes.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔SUPERNATURAL˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
The whole supernatural elements also landed flat for me. Listen this is not a bad book by any means I think I just wasn’t the right audience for it.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔THE TWISTS˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
Cute. Not Jaw dropping or life altering but it was good. I didn’t guess it but I wasn’t also screaming in shock when it was revealed.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔FINAL VERDICT˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
Even though not a favourite for me. I must say Freida’s writing is getting so much better. The was no repetition or an inanimate object constantly being thrown in our face! The Witch was an ok read but nothing memorable personally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔pre read˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
ME: FREIDA... WHAT ABOUT WRITERS BLOCK!?
FREIDA: I DONT KNOW HER!
Here we go again!.. 🥹🥹🥹
WELP… well this is a first, where I have actually not completed a Freida book in one sitting. No matter how ridiculous or outlandish I have found her books, she had that just ‘one more chapter’ poison sprinkled that I couldn’t help but continue committing to the madness.
The Witch for the first half gave me NOTHING… not a little tickle or a thrill. So, I put it down. But when I picked it back up it did start to get somewhat a little more interesting. The book is told in two timelines. One in 1692 and the other in present day. I must say I did enjoy the former more.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔BUT˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
I know I am being very picky but the language in the past chapters was so cringy. It read way to simplistic and the dialogue was not delivering how Freida probably intended it too.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔THE CHARACTERS˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
I enjoyed reading about Caroline and Julia’s character… everyone else for me just read one dimensional and ‘there’ for story purposes.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔SUPERNATURAL˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
The whole supernatural elements also landed flat for me. Listen this is not a bad book by any means I think I just wasn’t the right audience for it.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔THE TWISTS˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
Cute. Not Jaw dropping or life altering but it was good. I didn’t guess it but I wasn’t also screaming in shock when it was revealed.
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔FINAL VERDICT˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
Even though not a favourite for me. I must say Freida’s writing is getting so much better. The was no repetition or an inanimate object constantly being thrown in our face! The Witch was an ok read but nothing memorable personally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔pre read˙⋆✮⋆˚࿔
ME: FREIDA... WHAT ABOUT WRITERS BLOCK!?
FREIDA: I DONT KNOW HER!
Here we go again!.. 🥹🥹🥹
October 7, 2026
3.5⭐️ The Witch is a supernatural mystery thriller with witchcraft, family secrets and two timelines, following Julia in the present day and Caroline in 1692.
Julia arrives at the house to help look after her grandmother, who has dementia, and her aunt. Within about five minutes, she nearly gives the groundskeeper a heart attack with her scream and then gets mistaken for her 80-year-old great-aunt.
Julia is only 27, by the way.
A fairly eventful first five minutes. Great start, I suppose.
The house was one of my favourite parts. It’s old, neglected and musty, and I could practically smell it through the pages. The creepy stairs, the smelly attic, crying in the hallway at night, the swinging chandelier and the clock stopping at the same time every night all gave the house that feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
But scary? No.
Eerie, definitely. Frightening, not so much. I wouldn’t class this as horror at all. It’s much more of a supernatural mystery thriller with witchcraft and plenty of things to make you wonder what is actually going on.
I also preferred Caroline’s 1692 chapters. Her story grabbed me much more than Julia’s present-day one, especially once the witchcraft accusations started to unfold. Caroline’s chapters just had more about them for me, and I was much more interested in what was happening to her.
Freida McFadden’s writing is easy to get into, straightforward and quick to read. The short chapters certainly keep things moving, although I did find a few that felt completely unnecessary.
There was one in particular where a guard comes in to give her some food, there’s a bit of banter, and then he walks out again.
And that was the chapter.
I’m all for short chapters, but sometimes you need a little more to happen. Two short pages of nothingness just isn’t it.
I’m not going to say much more about the actual plot because I know a lot of people will be reading this one, and I think some things are better discovered for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed the creepy old house, the witchcraft and the 1692 storyline much more than the present-day one. It wasn’t scary, but it did have an eerie atmosphere that worked well for this time of year. A few chapters could have been left out, but I still found myself wanting to know what was really going on.
Julia arrives at the house to help look after her grandmother, who has dementia, and her aunt. Within about five minutes, she nearly gives the groundskeeper a heart attack with her scream and then gets mistaken for her 80-year-old great-aunt.
Julia is only 27, by the way.
A fairly eventful first five minutes. Great start, I suppose.
The house was one of my favourite parts. It’s old, neglected and musty, and I could practically smell it through the pages. The creepy stairs, the smelly attic, crying in the hallway at night, the swinging chandelier and the clock stopping at the same time every night all gave the house that feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
But scary? No.
Eerie, definitely. Frightening, not so much. I wouldn’t class this as horror at all. It’s much more of a supernatural mystery thriller with witchcraft and plenty of things to make you wonder what is actually going on.
I also preferred Caroline’s 1692 chapters. Her story grabbed me much more than Julia’s present-day one, especially once the witchcraft accusations started to unfold. Caroline’s chapters just had more about them for me, and I was much more interested in what was happening to her.
Freida McFadden’s writing is easy to get into, straightforward and quick to read. The short chapters certainly keep things moving, although I did find a few that felt completely unnecessary.
There was one in particular where a guard comes in to give her some food, there’s a bit of banter, and then he walks out again.
And that was the chapter.
I’m all for short chapters, but sometimes you need a little more to happen. Two short pages of nothingness just isn’t it.
I’m not going to say much more about the actual plot because I know a lot of people will be reading this one, and I think some things are better discovered for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed the creepy old house, the witchcraft and the 1692 storyline much more than the present-day one. It wasn’t scary, but it did have an eerie atmosphere that worked well for this time of year. A few chapters could have been left out, but I still found myself wanting to know what was really going on.
October 7, 2026
As someone who has read EVERY Freida McFadden book, this felt so different from anything she’s done before and I absolutely flew through it.
LOVED the dual timelines, especially the chapters set in the 1600s as they were so different for the author and for my normal style. There was this constant feeling of unease and while her twists in this one weren’t AS shocking as her other books I absolutely loved the direction it took
Such a fun, slightly supernatural thriller and PERFECT for October 🌙🧙🏻♀️🕯️
LOVED the dual timelines, especially the chapters set in the 1600s as they were so different for the author and for my normal style. There was this constant feeling of unease and while her twists in this one weren’t AS shocking as her other books I absolutely loved the direction it took
Such a fun, slightly supernatural thriller and PERFECT for October 🌙🧙🏻♀️🕯️
March 7, 2026
absolutely insufferable. same time next month? 🩷
October 11, 2026
One of my favorite Frieda books now! This is a great spooky season thriller and kept me turning the pages.
Want to Read
March 8, 2026At this point Frieda McFadden publishes faster than I read 😅
October 14, 2026
one thing about freida is she KNOWS how to hook you from the very first page
October 30, 2026
The Witch by Freida McFadden
Narrated by Marin Ireland, Saskia Maarleveld
When I picked up this audiobook, I thought I would enjoy it for all the things I like. I'm into historical fiction and the past time line deals with life and witchcraft accusations in 1692. I'm also into present day houses that might be haunted so the story had those two things going for it. Then, I have enjoyed lots of books narrated by Marin Ireland (although I always have to remind myself that when she narrates a book that doesn't mean we are in Beantown) and Saskia Maarleveld (who always sounds the same but I'm used to that fact).
I've only read/heard six (counting this one) Freida books, which might sound like a lot, but with her output six is barely a fraction of her work. I've tried to pick carefully and this one certainly looked like my kind of story. But it felt wrong for me almost right away. I don't know, I just never got into either timeline and I wonder if the narrations threw me off more than if I had read the book. Which is weird since I usually like books narrated by these two narrators. Things just didn't mesh well for me, including the two timelines and the narrators irked me but maybe it's because of the story. I might give Freida a rest for a while although I know that means I will miss her next twenty or so books that will come out in the next few months. Prolific is too mild of a word for her output!
Published October 6, 2026
Thanks to my library and Libby for this audiobook
Narrated by Marin Ireland, Saskia Maarleveld
When I picked up this audiobook, I thought I would enjoy it for all the things I like. I'm into historical fiction and the past time line deals with life and witchcraft accusations in 1692. I'm also into present day houses that might be haunted so the story had those two things going for it. Then, I have enjoyed lots of books narrated by Marin Ireland (although I always have to remind myself that when she narrates a book that doesn't mean we are in Beantown) and Saskia Maarleveld (who always sounds the same but I'm used to that fact).
I've only read/heard six (counting this one) Freida books, which might sound like a lot, but with her output six is barely a fraction of her work. I've tried to pick carefully and this one certainly looked like my kind of story. But it felt wrong for me almost right away. I don't know, I just never got into either timeline and I wonder if the narrations threw me off more than if I had read the book. Which is weird since I usually like books narrated by these two narrators. Things just didn't mesh well for me, including the two timelines and the narrators irked me but maybe it's because of the story. I might give Freida a rest for a while although I know that means I will miss her next twenty or so books that will come out in the next few months. Prolific is too mild of a word for her output!
Published October 6, 2026
Thanks to my library and Libby for this audiobook
Did Not Finish
October 21, 2026Mam w dupie tę książkę, te fabułę, tych bohaterów, dosłownie nie da się mieć niczego bardziej w dupie niż ja mam tę książkę
June 6, 2026
Whoa this was so good! Dark, atmospheric, super witchy.. and actually creepy! 1680s, what an awful time to be a woman. Freida, you’ve given us a much different book this time around. It’s gripping, tense, historically accurate. Honestly her best work in a long time.
Full review tomorrow!
Little summary
In present day, Julia loses her apartment and her job and returns to her old family estate in Massachusetts under the pretense she wants to check on her grandmother but in reality she just wanted an escape from her current problems. She quickly discovers that the house is haunted. Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 AM, the lights flicker on and off and she begins hearing cries and moans from the attic.
In 1692, the timelines follows Caroline who lives in the era of Salem witch trials. She's married to a wealthy merchant, struggles with infertility and befriends an older woman with a knowledge of herbal remedies. When the older woman falls ill, Caroline saves her but instead of being praised she becomes the target of suspicion and accusations of witch craft.
The two timelines eventually converge, connecting present day to Salem witch trial era!
Full review tomorrow!
Little summary
In present day, Julia loses her apartment and her job and returns to her old family estate in Massachusetts under the pretense she wants to check on her grandmother but in reality she just wanted an escape from her current problems. She quickly discovers that the house is haunted. Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 AM, the lights flicker on and off and she begins hearing cries and moans from the attic.
In 1692, the timelines follows Caroline who lives in the era of Salem witch trials. She's married to a wealthy merchant, struggles with infertility and befriends an older woman with a knowledge of herbal remedies. When the older woman falls ill, Caroline saves her but instead of being praised she becomes the target of suspicion and accusations of witch craft.
The two timelines eventually converge, connecting present day to Salem witch trial era!
October 8, 2026
4⭐️
It’s been a minute since my last Freida McFadden book, and this one seemed like the perfect choice to get back into her books. I definitely felt that it was a little different from her usual work, which was a nice change of pace. I genuinely had fun reading it, and it kept me entertained throughout.
The ending let me down a little, TBH. I was hoping for something that would leave a bigger impression, but overall, I’d say this is definitely among her better books. I don’t usually enjoy her FMCs, but this one was an exception. All in all, a solid, entertaining read and a good reminder of why I keep coming back to Freida! ❤️
It’s been a minute since my last Freida McFadden book, and this one seemed like the perfect choice to get back into her books. I definitely felt that it was a little different from her usual work, which was a nice change of pace. I genuinely had fun reading it, and it kept me entertained throughout.
The ending let me down a little, TBH. I was hoping for something that would leave a bigger impression, but overall, I’d say this is definitely among her better books. I don’t usually enjoy her FMCs, but this one was an exception. All in all, a solid, entertaining read and a good reminder of why I keep coming back to Freida! ❤️
October 17, 2026
joke’s on me for thinking this would be witchy.
any enjoyment was ruined for me when i guessed every plot twist. every. single. one.
the old timey writing? i don’t want to talk about it.
as always, a bingeable and quick read by Freida. that’s about it.
any enjoyment was ruined for me when i guessed every plot twist. every. single. one.
the old timey writing? i don’t want to talk about it.
as always, a bingeable and quick read by Freida. that’s about it.
October 26, 2026
Julia’s life has officially hit rock bottom. No job. No boyfriend. No home. At this point, all she’s missing is a complimentary dumpster fire. So, naturally, she has no choice but to move into her gram’s house. You know, the same house that scared the absolute bejesus out of her as a child.
The house is still creepy, with spirits roaming around at night. Nothing says welcome home quite like potential paranormal activity. Lock your bedroom door, though. Because ghosts are notoriously respectful of boundaries.
The story alternates between two POVs. I know this one has mixed reviews, but I liked it. Didn’t love it, but it held my attention and delivered. Not a new favorite, but not a disappointment either
The house is still creepy, with spirits roaming around at night. Nothing says welcome home quite like potential paranormal activity. Lock your bedroom door, though. Because ghosts are notoriously respectful of boundaries.
The story alternates between two POVs. I know this one has mixed reviews, but I liked it. Didn’t love it, but it held my attention and delivered. Not a new favorite, but not a disappointment either
October 11, 2026
4.64
🧙♀️ The Witch by Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, THIS was a pleasant surprise! Easily the best book I’ve read by Freida in quite some time. 👏🏻
With its creepy old house, unsettling atmosphere, and a mystery that weaves together the past and present, this one had me hooked. The historical elements added SO much to the story and made it stand out from her other books.
And Caroline’s POV?! I absolutely ATE IT UP! 😩 I was so freaking pissed for her. I felt every bit of that frustration, and her perspective was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
I’ve seen a lot of people say they guessed the plot twist, but somehow, I didn’t see it coming this time! 😂 And honestly, I love when a book manages to surprise me like that.
The creepy vibes, the historical details, the mystery… Freida, you did your thing with this one! 🙌🏻
This is definitely going to be one of those books that sticks with me long after I’ve finished it. Absolutely loved it! 🖤
🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛
*•*PRE-READ*•*
I have to jump on this wagon with everyone and see what I’m missing with Mrs Freida’s new book. LETS GOOOO!
🧙♀️ The Witch by Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, THIS was a pleasant surprise! Easily the best book I’ve read by Freida in quite some time. 👏🏻
With its creepy old house, unsettling atmosphere, and a mystery that weaves together the past and present, this one had me hooked. The historical elements added SO much to the story and made it stand out from her other books.
And Caroline’s POV?! I absolutely ATE IT UP! 😩 I was so freaking pissed for her. I felt every bit of that frustration, and her perspective was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
I’ve seen a lot of people say they guessed the plot twist, but somehow, I didn’t see it coming this time! 😂 And honestly, I love when a book manages to surprise me like that.
The creepy vibes, the historical details, the mystery… Freida, you did your thing with this one! 🙌🏻
This is definitely going to be one of those books that sticks with me long after I’ve finished it. Absolutely loved it! 🖤
🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛******🐈⬛
*•*PRE-READ*•*
I have to jump on this wagon with everyone and see what I’m missing with Mrs Freida’s new book. LETS GOOOO!
October 22, 2026
Freida officially put a spell on me with this one. 🎃🧙♀️
This was such a fun October read... creepy house, family secrets, witch accusations, dual timelines, mystery, and just enough “what the heck is going on?!” to keep me hooked.
Caroline’s 1692 storyline was definitely my favorite. Every time it switched back to Julia, I was basically thinking, Okay… but can we get back to Caroline now? 😂 I was completely invested in what was happening to her.
I also loved the humor. Julia’s 85-year-old grandmother casually offering to murder her ex because a life sentence wouldn’t mean much at her age absolutely cracked me up. 😂
And the twists? Yep… she got me. 😳 There was more than one moment where I just sat there thinking, WHAT?! I did not see some of those reveals coming, and I loved how everything finally came together.
And can we talk about the physical book?! 😍 The sprayed edges with the teal webbing and fiery details are gorgeous. It looks made for spooky season.
My only complaint? I wanted even MORE witchcraft. Because hello… October. Give me all the witches. 🧙♀️😂
Creepy, fun, twisty, witchy, and perfect for this time of year. 🎃🕯️🔮
This was such a fun October read... creepy house, family secrets, witch accusations, dual timelines, mystery, and just enough “what the heck is going on?!” to keep me hooked.
Caroline’s 1692 storyline was definitely my favorite. Every time it switched back to Julia, I was basically thinking, Okay… but can we get back to Caroline now? 😂 I was completely invested in what was happening to her.
I also loved the humor. Julia’s 85-year-old grandmother casually offering to murder her ex because a life sentence wouldn’t mean much at her age absolutely cracked me up. 😂
And the twists? Yep… she got me. 😳 There was more than one moment where I just sat there thinking, WHAT?! I did not see some of those reveals coming, and I loved how everything finally came together.
And can we talk about the physical book?! 😍 The sprayed edges with the teal webbing and fiery details are gorgeous. It looks made for spooky season.
My only complaint? I wanted even MORE witchcraft. Because hello… October. Give me all the witches. 🧙♀️😂
Creepy, fun, twisty, witchy, and perfect for this time of year. 🎃🕯️🔮
July 29, 2026
imma be real honest when I say that I only keep up with these new books because they are bingeable lol 🤡 but HOW does she come up with all these book ideas?!?!
October 17, 2026
I must say that this was a refreshing book by McFadden. It had humor and the witch angle was fun.
October 9, 2026
Freida McFadden just reached a new level. 🧙♀️
I don’t typically gravitate toward haunted house stories, but this is Freida McFadden, so let’s be honest, I was going to read it anyway. The Queen of Twists has officially entered her haunted house era, and honestly? She understood the assignment.
Blending a creepy haunted house mystery with a psychological thriller and a dual timeline that jumps between the present day and the Salem witch trials era, Freida delivers a story that feels tailored for October reading.
The historical timeline was especially compelling. Reading the perspectives of women accused of witchcraft was genuinely gutting. It made me think about what life must have been like for women during that time, when being different (or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time) could have devastating consequences.
Were the twists as jaw dropping as some of Freida’s previous books? Not quite. But they were still clever, well executed, and kept the story engaging. She may have traded some of her signature shock factor for an eerie, atmospheric mystery, but she made it work.
The verdict: Freida has added haunted house mystery to her thriller resume, and I’m here for it. A creepy, twisty read that’s perfect for curling up with in October.
Spoiler Free Synopsis
When Julia Barlow loses her job and apartment, she retreats to Pemberton, her family’s sprawling seventeenth century estate in rural Massachusetts, hoping for a fresh start while checking on her aging grandmother.
But Pemberton is anything but peaceful.
Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without explanation, and a mysterious voice cries for help outside Julia’s bedroom door.
As Julia investigates the strange occurrences, she uncovers the disturbing story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692. The deeper she digs into her family’s past, the more unsettling secrets she discovers and the harder it becomes to separate the truth from something far more sinister.
With a haunting history, family secrets, and mysteries that refuse to stay buried, Julia must uncover what is really happening at Pemberton.
Is the house haunted, or is something far more human hiding behind the mystery?
I don’t typically gravitate toward haunted house stories, but this is Freida McFadden, so let’s be honest, I was going to read it anyway. The Queen of Twists has officially entered her haunted house era, and honestly? She understood the assignment.
Blending a creepy haunted house mystery with a psychological thriller and a dual timeline that jumps between the present day and the Salem witch trials era, Freida delivers a story that feels tailored for October reading.
The historical timeline was especially compelling. Reading the perspectives of women accused of witchcraft was genuinely gutting. It made me think about what life must have been like for women during that time, when being different (or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time) could have devastating consequences.
Were the twists as jaw dropping as some of Freida’s previous books? Not quite. But they were still clever, well executed, and kept the story engaging. She may have traded some of her signature shock factor for an eerie, atmospheric mystery, but she made it work.
The verdict: Freida has added haunted house mystery to her thriller resume, and I’m here for it. A creepy, twisty read that’s perfect for curling up with in October.
Spoiler Free Synopsis
When Julia Barlow loses her job and apartment, she retreats to Pemberton, her family’s sprawling seventeenth century estate in rural Massachusetts, hoping for a fresh start while checking on her aging grandmother.
But Pemberton is anything but peaceful.
Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without explanation, and a mysterious voice cries for help outside Julia’s bedroom door.
As Julia investigates the strange occurrences, she uncovers the disturbing story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692. The deeper she digs into her family’s past, the more unsettling secrets she discovers and the harder it becomes to separate the truth from something far more sinister.
With a haunting history, family secrets, and mysteries that refuse to stay buried, Julia must uncover what is really happening at Pemberton.
Is the house haunted, or is something far more human hiding behind the mystery?
August 19, 2026
Wow. That was mind-blowing. I’ve never been a fan of Freida, but this new book kept me up all night—for all the right reasons.
This is very different from the usual domestic thrillers she’s been putting out for years. Her classic “fast-paced chapters” are still very much effective, as I breezed through the pages, barely noticing that I was almost finished after only starting this morning. That’s how engaging it was.
The characters were all well-developed. I personally liked Caroline’s POV. She was a kind soul, a good-natured girl who was betrayed by almost everyone around her. The dual timelines also worked for me as a reader. As we go along the history of Pemberton and its masters, uncover the secrets buried in the backyard, and encounter the ghosts within its walls, we realize that human beings are far more dangerous and deceiving than ghosts.
Also, one or two characters will make your blood boil, your nostrils flare, and your teeth grit because of how cruel and malicious they are. But don’t worry—everyone will get what they deserve in the end.
To Freida: I am becoming a fan. Hopefully, my next read from you will be another win, since you seem to publish a new book every week. No rest for the wicked, indeed.
This is very different from the usual domestic thrillers she’s been putting out for years. Her classic “fast-paced chapters” are still very much effective, as I breezed through the pages, barely noticing that I was almost finished after only starting this morning. That’s how engaging it was.
The characters were all well-developed. I personally liked Caroline’s POV. She was a kind soul, a good-natured girl who was betrayed by almost everyone around her. The dual timelines also worked for me as a reader. As we go along the history of Pemberton and its masters, uncover the secrets buried in the backyard, and encounter the ghosts within its walls, we realize that human beings are far more dangerous and deceiving than ghosts.
Also, one or two characters will make your blood boil, your nostrils flare, and your teeth grit because of how cruel and malicious they are. But don’t worry—everyone will get what they deserve in the end.
To Freida: I am becoming a fan. Hopefully, my next read from you will be another win, since you seem to publish a new book every week. No rest for the wicked, indeed.
October 21, 2026
This was just in time for the spooky season! 🧙♀️
I always look forward to a Freida McFadden read, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed this story from the first page, all the way through to the last page. Also, when I wasn’t reading this story, I was thinking about it- and I haven’t done that with a book in a while. To sum it up, I just had fun with this one!
In this story we have both present day and past chapters (which read quickly). In the Present Day, we have our main character Julia, arriving at her grandmother’s estate of Pemberton to help take care of her. Julia’s grandmother is aging, and her mental state is declining due to the beginning stages of dementia. Julia’s aunt Ethel is living there, as well as the groundskeeper, Mick. However, they seem to leave her poor grandmother left alone quite often.
Upon arriving at Pemberton, Julia meets with a curator from the local museum who is interested in buying her grandmother’s estate. Julia is not so sure about selling a property that has been in the family since the 1600’s. Therefore, Julia has several meetings with the curator of the museum (Henry), and learns many things about her ancestors who lived at Pemberton before her. The only question is- have their spirits ever left?
In the Past Chapters (1692), we meet Caroline Eldridge. Caroline was the second wife to the wealthy Archibald Eldridge. It was Archibald’s family who built Pemberton. However, Caroline was shunned by the townspeople. Was it for good reason?
I enjoyed all the twists and turns in this story, and I didn’t catch on to any of them! (I think I’m losing my mojo-Lol!). If you are looking for a quick, fun read for the spooky season- then this is the book! 🎃
I always look forward to a Freida McFadden read, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed this story from the first page, all the way through to the last page. Also, when I wasn’t reading this story, I was thinking about it- and I haven’t done that with a book in a while. To sum it up, I just had fun with this one!
In this story we have both present day and past chapters (which read quickly). In the Present Day, we have our main character Julia, arriving at her grandmother’s estate of Pemberton to help take care of her. Julia’s grandmother is aging, and her mental state is declining due to the beginning stages of dementia. Julia’s aunt Ethel is living there, as well as the groundskeeper, Mick. However, they seem to leave her poor grandmother left alone quite often.
Upon arriving at Pemberton, Julia meets with a curator from the local museum who is interested in buying her grandmother’s estate. Julia is not so sure about selling a property that has been in the family since the 1600’s. Therefore, Julia has several meetings with the curator of the museum (Henry), and learns many things about her ancestors who lived at Pemberton before her. The only question is- have their spirits ever left?
In the Past Chapters (1692), we meet Caroline Eldridge. Caroline was the second wife to the wealthy Archibald Eldridge. It was Archibald’s family who built Pemberton. However, Caroline was shunned by the townspeople. Was it for good reason?
I enjoyed all the twists and turns in this story, and I didn’t catch on to any of them! (I think I’m losing my mojo-Lol!). If you are looking for a quick, fun read for the spooky season- then this is the book! 🎃
October 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, this was a different side of Freida McFadden! The Witch is definitely unlike her usual books, but the psychological thriller elements are still very much present, woven together with a historical thriller. And don’t worry—Freida still delivers the twists we’ve all come to expect!
I especially loved the historical timeline. I’ve been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials since high school, when I read Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and ended up writing a term paper about the trials. So, this part of the story was right up my alley! I really enjoyed the way Freida blended the historical elements with the psychological suspense.
So, why not five stars? Well, I wasn’t crazy about the ending (and that’s all I’m saying about that 🤐). I also felt that Julia’s character development was a little lacking. I wanted a bit more from her.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Freida try something a little different while still including the psychological twists that make her books so much fun to read.
I’ll be back for more, Freida! 📚
Well, this was a different side of Freida McFadden! The Witch is definitely unlike her usual books, but the psychological thriller elements are still very much present, woven together with a historical thriller. And don’t worry—Freida still delivers the twists we’ve all come to expect!
I especially loved the historical timeline. I’ve been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials since high school, when I read Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and ended up writing a term paper about the trials. So, this part of the story was right up my alley! I really enjoyed the way Freida blended the historical elements with the psychological suspense.
So, why not five stars? Well, I wasn’t crazy about the ending (and that’s all I’m saying about that 🤐). I also felt that Julia’s character development was a little lacking. I wanted a bit more from her.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Freida try something a little different while still including the psychological twists that make her books so much fun to read.
I’ll be back for more, Freida! 📚
November 7, 2026
3/5 ★
Well, this definitely felt like a different style from Freida McFadden!
In The Witch, Julia Barlow returns to her family’s centuries-old estate in rural Massachusetts, where strange occurrences lead her to uncover dark secrets tied to a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692.
I’m finally done!
Normally, Freida’s books pull me out of reading slumps, but unfortunately, this one didn’t. I went in expecting her usual fast-paced, twisty writing, but instead, this one was more of a slow burn than I anticipated. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think my expectations and the fact that I was already in a reading slump affected my enjoyment.
The chapters set in 1692 were easily my favorite part. They felt unlike anything else I’ve read this year, and I was always excited to return to them. The present-day chapters initially held my interest too, but they definitely felt like something I had read before. By the halfway point, I felt like very little had actually happened in either timeline. At times, the chapters felt longer than they normally do in her books, yet they could still be summarized in a few sentences, which made the pacing drag for me.
The story as a whole reminded me of Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark and The Only One Left. I can absolutely see fans of those books really enjoying this, although I personally preferred both over The Witch.
There were some twists I didn’t expect, especially in the past chapters. I just wish my interest in the story had held up throughout so they could’ve hit as hard as her twists normally do.
Overall, I can see why this is getting so many positive reviews. It’s definitely a different direction for Freida, but I personally didn’t enjoy it as much as most of her other books.
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Well, this definitely felt like a different style from Freida McFadden!
In The Witch, Julia Barlow returns to her family’s centuries-old estate in rural Massachusetts, where strange occurrences lead her to uncover dark secrets tied to a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692.
I’m finally done!
Normally, Freida’s books pull me out of reading slumps, but unfortunately, this one didn’t. I went in expecting her usual fast-paced, twisty writing, but instead, this one was more of a slow burn than I anticipated. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think my expectations and the fact that I was already in a reading slump affected my enjoyment.
The chapters set in 1692 were easily my favorite part. They felt unlike anything else I’ve read this year, and I was always excited to return to them. The present-day chapters initially held my interest too, but they definitely felt like something I had read before. By the halfway point, I felt like very little had actually happened in either timeline. At times, the chapters felt longer than they normally do in her books, yet they could still be summarized in a few sentences, which made the pacing drag for me.
The story as a whole reminded me of Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark and The Only One Left. I can absolutely see fans of those books really enjoying this, although I personally preferred both over The Witch.
There were some twists I didn’t expect, especially in the past chapters. I just wish my interest in the story had held up throughout so they could’ve hit as hard as her twists normally do.
Overall, I can see why this is getting so many positive reviews. It’s definitely a different direction for Freida, but I personally didn’t enjoy it as much as most of her other books.
—
Follow me for daily thriller recommendations and adaptation news!
instagram.com/joshxreads
tiktok.com/@joshxreads
youtube.com/@joshxreads
October 13, 2026
This one didn’t quite feel or sound like a typical Freida McFadden novel, for better or worse! Overall, the story worked for me, but it definitely had some pros and cons compared to her usual books.
I appreciated that it felt fresh and different, and the story idea itself was clever. I enjoyed both POVs, but Caroline’s chapters were a particular highlight for me. I liked the twists in her storyline and how everything ultimately played out. The historical aspect was also a nice touch, and it still made for a good spooky-season read!
That said, this one was slower than I’m used to from Freida and didn’t have me on the edge of my seat like her usual thrillers. It wasn’t nearly as twisty, and at times, it barely felt like a thriller at all. I also missed her signature sarcastic humor, which is usually part of the fun! One thing that threw me off was the writing in Caroline’s chapters, which sometimes jumped between old-fashioned and modern-day language in a way that felt a little awkward.
Overall, I enjoyed the story for what it was, but it didn’t quite deliver the fast-paced, twisty, darkly funny experience I typically expect from a Freida McFadden book. Still a fun Halloween read though!
I appreciated that it felt fresh and different, and the story idea itself was clever. I enjoyed both POVs, but Caroline’s chapters were a particular highlight for me. I liked the twists in her storyline and how everything ultimately played out. The historical aspect was also a nice touch, and it still made for a good spooky-season read!
That said, this one was slower than I’m used to from Freida and didn’t have me on the edge of my seat like her usual thrillers. It wasn’t nearly as twisty, and at times, it barely felt like a thriller at all. I also missed her signature sarcastic humor, which is usually part of the fun! One thing that threw me off was the writing in Caroline’s chapters, which sometimes jumped between old-fashioned and modern-day language in a way that felt a little awkward.
Overall, I enjoyed the story for what it was, but it didn’t quite deliver the fast-paced, twisty, darkly funny experience I typically expect from a Freida McFadden book. Still a fun Halloween read though!
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