The Witch’s Door is like rummaging through the attic of a very eccentric witch who also happens to be a world-class collector of the bizarre. It’s part history, part folklore, and part “Wow, I didn’t know people actually did that.”

The stories and oddities range from genuinely creepy to just plain fascinating, and the writing has a darkly curious vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into some secret society’s archives. If you’re the person who loves trivia nights and haunted museums, this is basically your perfect book.

I expected The Witch’s Door to be about oddities and curiosities. It is, a bit, but it’s mostly an autobiography of its author. If this book isn’t marketed clearly, you’re setting up readers to be disappointed.

The Witch's Door is an anthology of true (but occasionally creepy) curiosities gathered and explained by Ryan Cohn & Regina Rossi about his, and later their, journey as collectors and purveyors of biological collectibles and artifacts. Released 1st Oct 2024 by Chronicle Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The background stories, historical facts, and trivia surrounding the artifacts are worthwhile and fascinating. These include articulated human skulls, bones, skeletal remains, and ritual objects. They should be the focal point of the book, but most of the content is the authors' memoir and recollections about their journeys as collectors themselves. The split between collections and artifacts, and the autobiography of the authors is probably about 30/70.

Three and a half stars. Although it's scrupulously factual and not at all prurient or shocking, some parts might be a bit much for very sensitive (young) readers. For that reason, acquisitions personnel should vet thoroughly before adding to juvenile accessible collections. It's otherwise weird and quirky and recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public (adult) libraries or home use, or for gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

There is nothing wrong with a memoir...I love them. However, when I enter the book expecting to be razzled and dazzled with oddity trinket lore, and instead get a deep dive into the collector's lore...I am a bit let down.

There is a dash of background on items and a dump of author talking about himself. If you want to know more about him and how he got into collecting, this is YOUR book. If you wanted to know more about the weird stuff he collects....I wouldn't pick this one.

Respectfully, I am bored. I can't say I would recommend it for the book it's marketed and described as being.

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, an okay read. It feels like an autobiography more than a collection of stories about the oddities and items themselves.

"The Witch’s Door" is a fascinating deep dive into the world of rare and macabre artifacts and perfectly blends history and storytelling into one intriguing read. The authors bring their expertise and passion to life, offering readers a glimpse into the eerie and extraordinary objects they collect. Perfect for fans of the strange and unusual, this book is a must read.

I fell in love with Rtyan when he was on the TV show Oddits and made me want to start collecting bones. The Witch's Door made me love him and his wife Regina even more. I just enjoyed reading about how he started collecting and the people they met along the way. If they every write another book I will be picking it up ASAP

Thank you Netgalley and Chronicle Prism for letting me give my honest review

A fascinating insider view of what you find at oddities and curiosities markets. The stories behind these items and the photos will leave you awestruck.

Part memoir and part celebration of oddities, this book would be enjoyed by fans of the macabre, the Mutter Museum, and the obsessive natures of collectors. I was not already familiar with Ryan Cohn and Regina Rossi before reading this. I think my reading experience would have been improved if I had seen Ryan's television show or been more familiar with Regina's work as some of the text seemed to written with an assumption that readers had some baseline knowledge of the authors' careers.

Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books | Chronicle Prism fir this ARC for review. I wasn’t actually familiar with this author from his show, Oddities Flea Market or any other shows or auctions. I found Ryan and Regina on their fascinating Instagram page showing some their beautiful treasures and oddities there. I didn’t even know about the shows until reading this book 😂 They have amazing taste and bring in the eerie, historic, and strange into their designs which is what drew me into their Instagram page. It was interesting to read how they started and got together. And of course, when talking about oddities, there always seems to be creepy dolls 😂

This is such an unexpectedly interesting book! We get to read about the stories behind all the odd and weird collectibles (oddities), as well as a glimpse into Ryan and Regina's life. There're a lot of photos in the book so we know exactly what they are talking about, and makes the book such a joy to read.

This is such an interesting book. I really enjoyed the stories of the various things they found over the years and I loved seeing the photos. It was a fun read.

A macabre memoir that was interesting. I was hoping for more pictures, but this was a different read. I like to try out something new, and this sure fit the make. Thank you to the authors, Chronicle Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book.

An interesting memoir and quick glimpse into the world and behaviors of oddity collectors.
I've been following the Oddities Flea Market on IG for years and 6 realize that RMC and RMR are the curators when I requested this arc. A fun surprise, as I hope to make it to one of the Markets.
The Witch's door was an easy and quick read with an intro into a niche business/career, how they aquire items and certain people in the business. Im hoping there will be a follow-up book that delves more into the actual oddities and why they're sought after.
I haven't seen the finished copy but I imagine it will be beautiful, filled with pictures of various curiosities.

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books | Chronicle Prism for the eARC!

This was a really cool book to flip through and look at! I really enjoyed it! I liked how there was many different Knick knacks and stories

One of my top reads! If you are a fan of antiques and history this book is for you. It’s very entertaining and informative.
Oddities collectors must have!

The Witch’s Door is a gripping and atmospheric supernatural thriller that combines horror with rich storytelling. Written by Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina M. Rossi, the novel follows a young woman who stumbles upon an ancient and mysterious door that holds dark secrets. As she uncovers the truth behind the door’s eerie power, she must confront both her past and the sinister forces that lurk beyond it.

The Witch’s Door is perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers with a psychological edge, offering a blend of mystery, horror, and heart.

The Witch's Door made me want to run away into the forest and set up my own apothecary. The stories behind the objects in this book are so fun and enlightening, and it made me want to know everything there was to know and then some!

The Witch's Door reads more like a memoir than I originally anticipated. I expected some history of oddities collections and sideshow attractions written by experts in the field. It was much more personal than I expected - which I think is a great thing! I was unfamiliar with the show and Ryan before reading, but I was pleasantly surprised by the inside look at the oddities markets and the show production. I feel like I got to know both of the authors and their frequent customers/connections. The photographs were great additions. The passion that Ryan and Regina have for their collection bleeds through on the page. This book is informative and enjoyable - a great cozy read for a fall or winter evening.

I absolutely love oddities and curiosities, especially their history, authenticity. I went into this book having never watched the show. The Witch’s Door overall felt like the authors ARE the main attraction.
When I read books about oddities and curiosities that’s exactly what I want to read and see with beautiful photography. Compared to others, this book is more focused on memoirs of the authors, which was slightly boring and off putting. That’s cool that you think you’re so cool, but what about the cool stuff?
I know I would have loved this book if it focused more on esoterics of the objects rather than the authors.