The prose was beautiful. Graphic and horrific in places, but eloquently done at the same time. I definitely thought this was going to be more of a supernatural mystery that involved some sleuthing, so there was infinitely more murder than I expected. The explanation of the witch was interesting-something newer and novel compared to the hundreds of origin stories about witches that already exist. Her hat was especially terrifying.

I do wish there’d been more explanation of the supernatural in this otherwise normal world, more specifically how the main character fit. It was a fascinating read even though the horror genre is rarely my go-to. I had to keep reading to see how it ended, and while the ending wasn’t a surprise, it felt fitting.

True rating is 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 due to Goodread's rating system.

Another book that it looks like I enjoyed more than most others. This is the third book of Delaney's that I've read so far, and the one that has clicked for me the most. I wanted to like his first novel but couldn't stand the main character, enjoyed his second novel but found it slightly lacking; in both instances, however, I found myself really enjoying his writing and hoping it would all come together for me.

This is the book that's finally pulled it together for me. Eerie and descriptive, it folds his prose into a story that's mysterious enough, but not unanswerable, and the explanations given are satisfying. What stood out to me the most, though, were two things- the witch herself and then ending.

The witch is wonderfully creepy, as are the things that happen around her. I feel like witches aren't often found in modern horror, never mind in a way that they're a serious threat to any character over the age of 5, so it was nice to see such a traditional figure turned into such a powerful antagonist.

Without spoiling anything, I also appreciated the ending- bittersweet and somehow also empowering in a strange way.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

A short book filled with tension and horror.
This is a great throwback to witches as they should be told, creepy, chilling and eerie.

Set in the midst of a bleak winter, Sheriff Marsh has one day until retirement when she meets the witch one night.
Horrific incidences and creepy occurances begin to happen across town, and the witch seems to be at the heart of it all.
She affects all those around her in the worst possible ways, bringing to the surface their fears and their sins and messed up backgrounds.

Unfortunately the ending fell a bit flat and felt a little rushed.

If you want a book that will unsettle you to read after dark and be shouting "don't go in there!" "run!" "Why not listen to him!?" at the pages, then look no further!

Anything witches and I'm happy! Plus the LGBT rep is A+!

Horror isn't usually my genre of choice, but I did enjoy this book! I think that says a lot for the author and the content.

Would absolutely recommend.

I received this book for free from netgalley for an honest review.

Really well thought-out book with amazing characters and amazing setting.

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book, but I DNFed it at 45%.

Witch 13 by Patrick Delaney is a horror novel that blends elements of fairy tales, cosmic horror, and mystery. It tells the story of a sheriff who faces a deadly witch in a small town called Drybell.

Objectively, this book had everything going for it. I love fairy tales, cosmic horror, and witches, but for what ever reason, I could not click with this book. It might be that it wasn't on audio (my preferred format), but given that I've found several other favorites recently not on audio, I doubt that. Ultimately, the story felt traditional. I didn't get what made this story stand out. I wasn't invested in the characters, and our central character is a cop. I don't hate cop centered stories. However, I'm not the biggest fan. I can see myself giving this book another shot, especially if it gets an audio adaption, but for now, I am moving on to all the other books I'm still excited to read.

Also, the book is listed as LGBT on NetGalley, and it is NOT. To be frank, that also made me less interested in reading it because it certainly influenced why I requested it.

Witch 13 by Patrick Delaney
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a great read! Very creepy vibes and fast paced. I love the cover! Also the ending was very memorable! I recommend this one for sure, a great read for spooky season.
Thank you to Netgalley & Oblivion Publishing for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Literally caught myself saying, “wtf” multiple times through this book, but in a great way.

On the eve of her resignation, Sheriff Sterling Marsh prepares for a bleak winter in Drybell, Connecticut, after a string of bad decisions leaves her life in shambles. Two weeks before Christmas and expecting a long night of paperwork and quiet celebration with the friends she’s grown to know and love, she’s surprised when an unnerving stranger appears in the form of a witch.

A silent, menacing figure, the witch appears to be ripped straight out of a fairy tale, complete with a tall, pointed hat, and black clothing. But when strange things begin happening all over town, Sterling begins to suspect that there may be more to the witch than meets the eye.

As she works to maintain order as the world crumbles around her, the witch’s mysterious presence throws her world into a frenzy, threatening to send the sleepy town spiraling face-first into the darkest night it’s ever seen.

This one is full of creepy scenes and special characters. A definite horror tale that will keep you wanting more! It has a delicious amount of darkness, and will keep you guessing since secrets aren’t revealed until the very end. And it also has pictures!

Unsettling and atmospheric read, i'm drawn to horror so this was a fun netgalley arc to get!
The story is set in a small town, Sterling March is working her last night after ten years as a sheriff and the storm of the century is raging outside. Her co-workers are having a Christmas party but when the deputy's wife calls to report a problem at the city hall havoc ensures. She finds someone dressed as a witch and strange evidence of something horrific.

A good horror story that i'd recommend to anyone who's into horror!

This was a very middle-of-the-road book for me. But I do know people I can recommend this book to that will love and enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley & publishers for the opportunity to review this book! I am always grateful.

As a lover of all things spooky and witchy, the title and cover of this book immediately caught my attention. Witches? Check. Spooky witch on the cover? Check check! SIGN ME UP!

This book it just a roller-coaster of a book to say least. this story was strange but the pacing of this book at time left me wanting more from it at times. I will say the ending was Intense and will say is not for someone with a weak stomach it gets gruesome. overall it was a meh read for me even though that ending was wow.

Cool cover but the story was not to my taste. Expected alot more witches than what we got and I expected a fantasy instead of the mystery horror. I do feel like its wrongly marketed

DNF @ 52%

This book started out so strong, but it was so hard to like any of the characters and I just could not read any more.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my E-ARC copy

Witch 13 definitely gave me the creeps. I think my first thought about the with was that she had some similarities to the one in Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, she was also silent and creepy AF. I liked the mysterious vibe and ominous presence of the witch, especially when the town's people started losing their marbles. I did feel a bit disappointed though that with everything happening, no real action was taken until the end and then everything kinda happened way too fast.
I will read more from this author, just to see what other horrors he can cook up.

Witchy and creepy. It was everything I could have hoped for. This review is late coming, because I had this sitting for quite some time. The writing, however, was too wordy and descriptive and I felt like this was longer than it needed to be.

Well, this is officially my first 1 star review. This book had an amazing plot, but it droned on and on and on and on.
The beginning of the book held sooooo much promise and it could have been turned into a novel of its own but then we go left field and it starts to go downhill.

If the story had been more condensed, less descriptive in some areas and more descriptive in others it would work. The biggest plus if you do get a feel for the characters but the way ot drags on it just too much. I ended up skimming more than reading several times because it felt like there was absolutely no end.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC to review.

If you want a dark witchy read then Witch13 is the book for you. The writing was atmospheric and I was here for it. Fab book.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

I'll start off by saying that I LOVE witchy books and this one did not disappoint. It was creepy and full of twists and turns. It was a crazy tale and I can't wait to read more from this author.