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No food, no money, no way to make a living... how far would you go to make sure that you and your daughter are fed?
After her husband's death, Anne LaForet is alone... alone to raise her young daughter in an area of the swamp that is too foul to grow anything. Anne is no criminal, but circumstances force her to resort to theft. When an encounter threatens to put her away for her crimes, Anne accidentally discovers that she also has another skill, one that helps women who can’t conceive become pregnant. As word of her talent spreads beyond the confines of the swamp, she receives visitor after visitor, fulfilling their dreams while at the same time finally getting the food and money she needs to raise her own child.

One visitor in particular promises not only the financial freedom that Anne so desperately seeks, but also a way out… the means to leave the swamp forever. But in her haste, Anne forgets about the three things that the people of the swamp hate most of all: single mothers, thieves, and witches. Anne already has two strikes against her, and it’s only a matter of time before she is accused of all three…

And so begins the legend of Anne LaForet, of MOTHER, of mater est, matrem omnium, a tightly woven tale of horror and suspense that spans four centuries.

WITCH is a 30,000 word prequel novella to the best-selling Family Values Trilogy that explores the depths of human suffering and how desperation shapes not only who we are, but what we do. And how, through it all, Family is the most important thing both on this Earth and beneath it.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2016

187 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Patrick Logan

106 books452 followers
To download my FREE book, click here: www.ptlbooks.com/newsletter

True story: I used to cut up bodies. No, not for fun, you sickos–for work. After reaching the age of majority and fleeing the clutches of an overprotective mother, I went to university like a good boy.

More than a decade later and an alphabet soup of letters after my name, I found myself looking down the double-chamber of a microscope at an eyeball. Feeling ironically introspective, I decided that it was time for a change.

After seventy plus novels and more than a million copies sold, I’ve found my true calling, one that also includes a plethora of letters. Hopefully you see something in my catalog that you like, something to feast your eyes on.

I also have two spooky podcasts that are appropriate for ALL ages, so long as you like to be scared: P.T. Logan's Five Minutes of Terror and Camp Fear. Both are FREE and available on all podcast platforms. For MATURE audiences, I've created two fiction podcasts, Nightmare Residue and Bad Priest.

I'm on all socials! Just search for AuthorPatrickLogan.

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5 stars
113 (43%)
4 stars
81 (31%)
3 stars
43 (16%)
2 stars
15 (5%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,436 reviews42 followers
February 14, 2020
So this one I was hesitant at first I was like this isn't scary, but wait for it ! It gets weird, creepy and kinda scary the more you read. This was a page turner from page one, I couldn't sleep until I finished. I will now binge read Mother as well ! Patrick Logan you have stolen my heart ♥️ just buckle your seatbelt you're in for a thrilling ride.
Profile Image for Tamera Lawrence.
Author 10 books156 followers
January 22, 2025
This book gives a new meaning to dread as it slowly engulfs you. People can be so horrible to one another. Awesome writing.
Profile Image for Tammy.
646 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2017
Got free for a honest review.
First time reading a book from Patrick Logan.
When started reading I didn't think it was scary at all. The more you read, you think weirder it gets. You think poor Anne on how people had treated her. Then Jane becomes this evil lady that is mad because Anne isn't helping her to get pregnant. Anne gets beating, and raped by Jane's husband. I'm like dang poor Anne can't get a break from these bad people. Then hell breaks out people torch Anne and her little daughter, thinking they are witches. Strange things happen after and makes you go okay that was scary. Did Anne come back to get them, or is there something else out there. I was so pulled in and on the edge of my seat. I am like no, show me or tell me more. The book was in my own opinion well written. I couldn't stop reading. It kept me reading and wondering when the spooky stuff was going to hit. When it did it blew me away. Left me wondering on whats going on. Yep I see me having to read another book to find out. Great book.

Thank you for letting me read a part of the series.
Profile Image for Cristy Upshaw.
190 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2021
No food, no money, no way to make a living... how far would you go to make sure that you and your daughter are fed?


After her husband's death, Anne LaForet is alone... alone to raise her young daughter in an area of the swamp that is too foul to grow anything. Anne is no criminal, but circumstances force her to resort to theft. When an encounter threatens to put her away for her crimes, Anne accidentally discovers that she also has another skill, one that helps women who can’t conceive become pregnant. As word of her talent spreads beyond the confines of the swamp, she receives visitor after visitor, fulfilling their dreams while at the same time finally getting the food and money she needs to raise her own child.

One visitor in particular promises not only the financial freedom that Anne so desperately seeks, but also a way out… the means to leave the swamp forever. But in her haste, Anne forgets about the three things that the people of the swamp hate most of all: single mothers, thieves, and witches. Anne already has two strikes against her, and it’s only a matter of time before she is accused of all three…

And so begins the legend of Anne LaForet, of MOTHER, of mater est, matrem omnium, a tightly woven tale of horror and suspense that spans four centuries.

WITCH is a 30,000 word prequel novella to the best-selling Family Values Trilogy that explores the depths of human suffering and how desperation shapes not only who we are, but what we do. And how, through it all, Family is the most important thing both on this Earth and beneath it.
Profile Image for Annemarie .
964 reviews23 followers
May 18, 2019
The Prequel Novella to Patrick Logan's Family Values Trilogy, Witch is a page turner from start to finish.
You can't help but feel sorry for widowed Anne and her daughter Teresa and anger at the townsfolk who would have them suffer in this way. Then Anne discovers something unusual about her breast milk which drastically changes their fortune for the better. Then along comes a woman that Anne just cannot help and things go to hell in a handbasket really quickly.
Both Anne and Teresa are accused of being witches and the entire town, including those women Anne helped to become pregnant, are there when they are burned to death. Jane is still not satisfied though so decides to desicrate Anne's bones but it backfires big time. Happy reading. Annemarie
Profile Image for Ame.
Author 1 book
July 31, 2023
Not that great

Emotional outbursts that make no sense. Female-driven story with some of the worst female characters I’ve ever read. After reading a couple Logan books, I think he should just not write female characters because he’s really terrible at it.

Horror-wise, this isn’t horror so much as horrific. Nothing “scary” happens but there is a ton of gratuitous physical violence visited on the main character for no real reason other than “tempers.”

In a nutshell, women are apparently driven into psychotic rages over pregnancy possibilities in this book. Also, magic breast milk.

Could have been an absolutely awesome horror tale but fell way short. Closer to Tusk or Human Centipede than King due to lack of research and no character development.
Profile Image for Marcus.
764 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This book starts out as an attempt for survival for a struggling mother. It quickly delves into a dark, psychological, haunting story with elements of abuse, rape, murder, and retribution. This is not to say that the story wasn't good, because it was superb. The author combined all the elements into a finely crafted story with all the characters playing a pivotal role in the completion of the story. There were several twists that will have the reader poised on the seat of their chair wishing for another outcome, but it all comes to a definitive conclusion. An interesting book/story to read.
Profile Image for Susan Harrowa.
239 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2017
Eerily good.....

One of the best written horror stories I've had the pleasure to read lately. But definitely not for the faint of heart. There is darkness and pain in this story. It is twisted. But it did what it was meant to, grab your attention from the start and not let go. And it will leave you wanting the accompanying trilogy right now!
There are a couple of editing errors that caught my attention. Certainly not enough to dim my enjoyment. And the only reason this got 4 stars instead of 5.
Excellent work. I look forward to much more from this author.
2 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2023
This was my first Patrick Logan read a few years ago and still is in my read again list and does exactly what it says on the tin, being an avid horror reader i'm always on the look out for new reads and this one left me wanting to read more so much so i read it and finished the day i bought it as i couldn't out it down as each chapter drew you further and further in and even left me second guessing a few times which rarely happens. I haven't read the other books in the family values trilogy yet but it's next on my tbr list
4 reviews
June 4, 2017
This was a very intriguing story. I wish that it would have giving a little bit more of a background of some of the characters. I also think that the dialog for the little girl could have been written a little bit more realistically for a toddler. Those were the only things that bothered me. I enjoyed the storyline and the diversity of the characters personalities. The setup for more stories to come was wonderful. I can't wait to read more of the series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
481 reviews20 followers
January 18, 2018
Absolutely haunting!

Despite the fact that I read the first two books in reverse order, I don't feel like I've missed anything. Which is not to say that you shouldn't read this one. Witch just fleshes out the original story. So, the series can be read without reading this one but why deprive yourself? Logan does a superb job really laying the groundwork for Anne LaForet's devastating legacy. And how cool is the whole creepy swamp atmosphere?! Very!
Profile Image for Nikki.
13 reviews
July 9, 2017
Omgosh I actually cried for Anne and Teresa. Logan made sure I felt her pain..., I actually said out loud "f@@k them all Anne f@@k then all"
I kind of knew the story going into it because I read Mother first then Father, but I must say it kept me reading like I was new to Anne LaForet.
Now off to Daughter!
Profile Image for Rose Wright.
90 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2019
Amazing

I’ve read the Insatiable Series and while waiting for Book 6, I thought I would read more from Patrick Logan. I must say, he does not disappoint! I read this book in one day. It is that good. Fast paced, on the edge of your seat and once again, I am eager to read more. 👏🏼❤️
Profile Image for Chrystal Roe.
1,299 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2017
Wow

This book gives new meaning to the phrase 'no good deed goes unpunished'. A young widow find a unique way to support herself and her young daughter. But things go very wrong when she meets a bitter abused woman.
17 reviews
January 6, 2018
Omgosh!!!

This whole series is unbeliably great. This has been the best horror I have read in a while! I couldn’t put it down until I finished Patrick Logan is in my top 5 list of authors not to miss! I will make sure to get all books he has written!!!
Profile Image for William Siracuse.
139 reviews
February 6, 2017
Short but sweet

Nice prequel to the family values series. Sets the background for the trilogy. Very enjoyment albeit short... left me wanting a bit more...
Profile Image for Tam French.
167 reviews
June 12, 2017
Great Read

It was good to find out about Ann and Terry and how Mother came to be. Loved this series and need another book.
Profile Image for Katherine.
26 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2017
Good read. I find the story line is quite interesting. The way it turns out is a bit of a surprise. Next one might be even more so.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2018
Haunting

A haunting tale filled with love, life, betrayal, and death. A deeply disturbing story with vivid descriptions and psychological horror you won't be able to put down.
Profile Image for Langel Catan.
108 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2019
Sets up for a great sequel! I hated the swamp community and I can’t wait for revenge to come forth from the forest of nightmares this book has created.
Profile Image for MoDonasChridhe.
334 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2019
Very good read!

I was in the edge of my seat with this rich tale! Cannot wait to read more books in the series!
129 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2019
Wow

Wow is the way to start I thought it was so good a poor mother trying to rise a child alone and the things she must do you will really get into it
Profile Image for Stacey Eichenauer.
9 reviews
August 31, 2024
It was good, but for me it took a while to get going. Once it did, it was good. I will be reading the next one of this series because the ending gave me high hopes.
921 reviews11 followers
February 24, 2017
Sensational thriller!

Sensational, supernatural thriller that kept me reading until I could finish it. I am onto Mother, book one in this great trilogy.
Profile Image for Stacey.
256 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2017
Entertaining but short

The story is about a poor young widow and her young daughter
trying to get by many, many years ago in a small community
In the swamps. She accidentally discovers she is able to help
women, who have been unable to get pregnant, to get pregnant. For a while she prospers, until she is branded as a witch. A few
typos did bother me, such as a couple places where the name "Jane" came out as "Jade". There were also several phrases used that I doubt were used during that time period, such as ,"No way, Dad" said by a three year old.
Profile Image for T. Giachetti.
141 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2017
Whirlwind ride to the end!

The story was fast paced, bringing you into the swamp communities superstition world of people being more than they seem.
Only distraction to the tale was author's inability to keep the characters names straight through out the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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