Witches and magic have always been a spellbinding combination, especially when they’re wrapped in horror. Whether you’re into ancient curses, dark rituals, or witches who make your skin crawl, these 9 scary books about Witches will cast a spell on you.
Please note: Most of these books are aimed at adults due to their dark themes and scary content. Always check the description before diving in!
Best part? They’re all available on Amazon, so you can start reading (and hiding under your blanket) tonight.
1. “The Witch of Willow Hall” by Hester Fox
Step into the shadowy halls of Willow Hall, where secrets whisper through the walls and the past refuses to stay buried. When the Montrose family moves to this eerie estate, Lydia Montrose begins to uncover her family’s dark legacy—and her own mysterious powers.
But as ghostly apparitions appear and forbidden love blooms, Lydia realizes that Willow Hall isn’t just a house; it’s a living, breathing entity with a hunger for the truth.
This gothic tale is a perfect blend of romance, witchcraft, and spine-tingling suspense. If you love atmospheric horror with a dash of heartbreak, this book will haunt you long after the last page.
2. “Hex” by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Picture this: a quaint town cursed by a 17th-century witch whose eyes and mouth are sewn shut. She wanders the streets in silence, her presence a constant reminder of the town’s dark past. The townsfolk have learned to live with her, following strict rules to avoid her wrath.
But when a group of rebellious teenagers decides to break those rules, they unleash a nightmare that no one can contain. This book is a masterclass in creeping dread, blending modern horror with ancient curses.
It’s the kind of story that makes you double-check your locks and sleep with the lights on.
3. “The Year of the Witching” by Alexis Henderson
In the oppressive town of Bethel, where piety and punishment go hand in hand, Immanuelle Moore is an outcast. But when she stumbles upon the diary of her mother—a woman executed for witchcraft—she discovers a dark connection to the witches who once terrorized the town.
As Immanuelle uncovers the truth, she realizes that the town’s puritanical leaders are hiding something far more sinister. This book is a chilling exploration of power, oppression, and the terrifying cost of rebellion.
With its lush prose and relentless tension, it’s a must-read for fans of feminist horror.
4. “The Once and Future Witches” by Alix E. Harrow
Three sisters. One ancient spell. A fight for the future of witchcraft. Set in an alternate 1890s, this book follows the Eastwood sisters as they reunite to bring magic back to New Salem.
But their quest for power comes with deadly consequences, as they face off against a society determined to destroy them.
This isn’t just a story about witches; it’s a story about resilience, sisterhood, and the power of women who refuse to be silenced.
With its lush world-building and heart-pounding stakes, this book is a spellbinding blend of history, fantasy, and horror.
5. “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice
Anne Rice’s epic tale of the Mayfair witches is a gothic masterpiece that spans centuries. At its heart is the story of Rowan Mayfair, a brilliant neurosurgeon who inherits a mysterious New Orleans mansion—and the dark entity that comes with it.
As Rowan delves into her family’s history, she uncovers a legacy of witchcraft, betrayal, and forbidden love.
This book is lush, dark, and utterly mesmerizing, with a sense of dread that builds with every page. If you’re looking for a witchy saga that will consume you, this is it.
6. “The Mercies” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Inspired by the real-life witch trials of 17th-century Norway, this haunting novel follows a group of women accused of witchcraft after a tragic storm wipes out their village’s men.
As paranoia and fear take hold, the women must navigate a world that sees them as both victims and threats.
The isolation and creeping dread of this story will leave you breathless. It’s a chilling reminder of how quickly fear can turn to violence—and how courage can rise from the ashes.
7. “The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane” by Katherine Howe
When grad student Connie Goodwin discovers her ancestor’s hidden spellbook, she’s drawn into a world of magic, mystery, and danger.
As she uncovers the truth about Deliverance Dane—a woman accused of witchcraft during the Salem trials—she realizes that the past is closer than she thinks.
This book is a perfect blend of historical fiction and modern-day witchcraft, with a creeping sense of unease that will keep you hooked. It’s like The Da Vinci Code but with more cauldrons and curses.
8. “Hollow Places” by T. Kingfisher
When Kara discovers a portal to another world in her uncle’s museum, she’s drawn into a realm of dark magic and terrifying creatures.
But this isn’t a whimsical Narnia-esque adventure—it’s a nightmare filled with grotesque monsters and mind-bending horrors. T. Kingfisher’s writing is equal parts whimsical and horrifying, making this book impossible to put down.
If you love stories that blur the line between fantasy and horror, this one’s for you.
9. “The Witch’s Daughter” by Paula Brackston
Bess Hawksmith has been a witch for centuries, but her immortality comes at a cost. As she tries to live a quiet life in the modern world, her dark past catches up with her in the form of a relentless enemy.
This gripping tale of magic, revenge, and survival is both haunting and beautiful.
With its lush prose and unforgettable characters, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves witchy stories with a gothic twist.
Best Books About Witches Bonus Quick Reads
- “The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden: A fairy-tale-like story with dark, witchy undertones.
- “The Familiars” by Stacey Halls: A historical novel about witchcraft and female empowerment.
- “The Near Witch” by V.E. Schwab: A haunting tale of a witch who steals children.
FAQs About Witchy Books
Q: Are these books suitable for young readers?
A: Most of these books are aimed at adults due to their dark themes and scary content. Always check the description before diving in!
Q: Do these books have sequels?
A: Some, like The Witching Hour and The Witch’s Daughter, are part of the series. Others are standalone novels.
Q: Are these books based on real witchcraft?
A: While some draw inspiration from historical events (like the Salem witch trials), they’re works of fiction with supernatural elements.
Q: Can I find these books on Kindle?
A: Absolutely! All of these titles are available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats on Amazon.
Sources:
- Amazon Book Descriptions
- Goodreads Reviews
- Author Interviews and Websites
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
