Oh Mr. Hendrix…. You are so talented. The way you weave your creations always ceases to amaze me. This is 100 % not what I expected. I did not read anyone’s review; I just saw a bunch of 5 stars and now I know why.

All of the characters were so vivid. Hendrix lets you get to know (and love) each of the main characters slowly. They all seemed like real life people. The topics this book covers are truly heartbreaking. The way these girls were treated, how alone they were and left in the dark must have been truly terrifying. I could not even begin to imagine. You MUST read the author’s note at the end of the novel. It really brings to light the reasons behind Hendrix telling us this tale and why. Also, the cover…. *swoon* Thank you @netgalley for my copy!

I think this is actually a relatively good book but just wasn't for me.

The first half of this book was just too slow. It read as a coming-of-age story of some historical fiction or something. It just didn't intrigue me. The main character, Fern, also wasn't all that interesting or special. She comes more into herself much later in the story, but by then I already had my impression of her. It just felt like something was missing for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

“Some things are so small but they make all the difference: a ring on your finger, three little letters in front of your name, a couple of birthdays. Tiny things, but they changed our entire lives.”

Grady is such a phenomenal writer. Even though he is, admittedly, a “childless middle-aged man,” and it might seem strange for him to write a book like this, he tackled difficult topics and beautifully blended historical fiction with a witchy horror story.

Don’t go into this expecting a magical tale (though there is a witchy librarian to look forward to). Instead, prepare to read about the mistreatment of unwed mothers in the years before Roe v. Wade and to cry and rage with these fictional pregnant girls, forced to live in a home that will ultimately make them give their children up for adoption. It’s horrific to imagine this is how young girls were treated when they got pregnant—even in cases of rape. I never knew much about maternity homes in America and I’m just floored by the way things used to be. After reading the acknowledgments, I love this story even more.

I will always support this author. His research, care, and empathy shine throughout this novel. This was powerfully done, though it’s also difficult to read at times and will make you squeamish. Be sure to check trigger warnings if you’re particularly sensitive to these topics.

Thank you, Berkley, for this ARC!

What can I say other than: oh.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls features many horrific moments, but nothing that is gruesome simply for the shock factor. There were times I couldn't believe I was still reading the book, as I feel like I read two separate books in one - which worked so well with this novel.

Reader, beware. There are moments where there are intense moments that are vividly described. It's so disgusting and painful, as in, I was really in the shoes of the characters.

This is definitely a powerful work from Grady Hendrix. The ending will sit with me for a while.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is absolutely perfect chaos that is impossible to stop reading - atmospheric, intense and gorgeously gothic.

@gradyhendrix is just brilliant. Period. However this man’s brain works, I am forever enthralled in the stories it spits out into the world. He has this unbelievable ability to create an entire world that is so fully tangible and real, with characters who are messy and relatable and hopeful and tragic all at once. Every time I start a book by him, it becomes impossible for me to stop reading it until I’ve devoured the entire thing.

This plot was no different - young, unwed, pregnant girls that were sent away to a home to wait out their pregnancies and have their babies taken from them whether they wanted it or not. A mysterious librarian offering access to a different kind of figure. Magic. Battling against a world that doesn’t understand them. All the ingredients for a story that will absorb you so fully you never want it to end.

Genuinely, this book is just fantastic and I’m still thinking about it a week later. It is a MUST for your 2025 reading pile, I promise you.

Many thanks to @berkleypub for the free copy, and to Grady for the phenomenal entertainment. Never change.

Short synopsis: It’s 1970 and 15 year old Fern finds herself pregnant and in a home for unwed mothers. She meets a librarian who gives her a book of spells and the girls find themselves with power.

My thoughts:
What I liked: I actually thought the concept was such a fun one. I like the idea of empowering women in general, and in this instance these young girls had all their rights and power taken away from them. It was so heartbreaking to see these girls have their babies taken away, when a lot of them wanted to care for them. They didn’t get the choice. I also thought even though the author is male, he did a really good job at depicting situations he’s never been in himself. He may have children of his own, but I think he did a decent amount of research into what a woman experiences during labor and childbirth.

I really wanted to like this. I knew going in based on previous books I’ve read by this author before that the boundaries would be pushed. I expected some uncomfortable and squeamish situations, so that wasn’t the problem. It felt too long in my opinion and took too long to actually get anywhere.

Read if you love:
- Women empowerment
- Witchcraft and spells
- Historical situations
- Found family and relying on friends

Teenager Neta becomes pregnant and is sent by her disappointed parents to the Wellwood House, where she can have her baby in secret, give it up for adoption, and then return to her life as if nothing happened at all, saving her reputation and allowing her to live her life. This book takes place in the early 1970s prior to Roe v Wade.
I was expecting a more humorous, campy book from Grady Hendrix and was surprised (not unpleasantly so) at the depth this book took. Yes, there's witchcraft, but I think the focus on young girls and women and the extreme lack of choice and autonomy they had not just over their bodies but over their entire lives is an important theme for this day and age, especially considering the recent overturning of Roe v Wade. Hendrix doesn't explicitly mention modern discourse or events but the story can obviously be compared and linked to today's circumstances for women in the USA. I appreciate the emphasis in this book that the people portrayed aren't "good" or "bad" but they are subject to societal standards and norms that make for the girls to be in bad circumstances. Neta (Fern) and her friends at the house turn to witchcraft as a solution, to break through and gain control of their circumstances. In the end, neither the witchcraft, the Wellwood House, nor the girls are "good" or "bad," but there is still a satisfying resolution, albeit a heart-wrenching one.
I was a little put off by the pacing of the book initially. It didn't get to witchcraft or really pick up until about 25% in, which could deter some people from reading. However, the set-up with introducing the characters, Neta's (Fern's) situation, the time period, etc. was interesting enough to capture me. The story was full of insight into the time period and gave a rather detailed and personal account of being a pregnant young woman in 1970 USA, especially for a male author.
The horror aspect could have been scarier, but I still enjoyed it. The clinical and emotionally detached descriptions of pregnancy and childbirth from the medical providers' standpoint was effective, and contrasted well with the emotional and physical experiences of the girls.
Overall a well done book and I think Grady Hendrix fans will enjoy, in addition to new fans. I will note the following topic/trigger warnings: vomitting/emetophobia (especially chapter 10), pregnancy and childbirth including graphic descriptions of bodily functions and symptoms like bleeding, vomiting, and childbirth itself, and graphic descriptions of multiple characters giving birth.

It took me a minute to gather my thoughts on this one because it's just that good. There are so many horror elements in this book, both paranormal and factual. The way these young girls were treated breaks my heart but I loved that they were able to make lasting bonds while they were together. The witchy element is written so well! Subtle at first, making the reader wonder if the girls are just desperate enough to believe their book of spells is taking effect but building to a satisfying and terrifying climax toward the end. This book has a more serious tone than Grady's previous works and I am here for it!

it’s the summer of 1970 in st. augustine florida. 15-year-old fern is on her way to wellwood home, where she’s meant to carry out the rest of her pregnancy, give her baby up, and then she is expected to return home as if the pregnancy never happened. this story follows fern, holly, zinnia, and rose: vastly different personalities who all share the same sentiments about their time in wellwood. wellwood home is open to young unwed mothers, where they are stripped of autonomy and treated poorly. when fern meets a librarian who guides her in the direction of witchcraft, she assumes a possible way to gain power over the authorities in the home. the girls soon learn that magic comes with a price.

this was an easy 5 stars for me! i did not expect to be thrown into a whirlwind of emotions while reading it. the pacing is rather slow but it allows for the reader to get to know the characters and maybe even take a liking to them (as i did). my favorite part about this book was slowly understanding the personalities of each character and witnessing their will to defy the assumed trajectory of their futures. although the story can be emotional at times, this IS horror so there are gory and gruesome moments. the true horror lies within the background and the treatment of the ‘wayward’ girls. the sisterhood, the witchcraft, and the character development in this story won me over completely. i really enjoyed it and i highly recommend!!

thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for providing me with the arc!

Being gen Z, I did not understand a few of the references mentioned, but that did not make the book any less enjoyable! After the slow start (book did not really pique my interest until around the 20% mark) I could not put it down. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the premise of this book from the second I read it, and it delivered all the spooky witchy vibes I was hoping for. I am not typically a horror reader, but this is the second book I've read by Hendrix and I've thoroughly enjoyed both, I look forward to reading more from this author!

Note: I received an arc of this book in return for my honest opinion. All
As a fan of Grady Hendrix's past books, I went into this one expecting to love it. I liked the setting and the period. The synopsis intrigued me, and I was into it for the first half of the book. I sadly felt like this one went on way too long and the book's overall mood just fell a little flat for me. One thing I liked about Hendrix's past books was the balance of hope amid all the horror, and without spoiling anything, I felt like that balance was extremely off-kilter in this book. Given the subject matter, I expected the themes to be dark and I am a fan of dark themes in horror, but only when they are useful to the plot of the story. Often in this book, I felt like the characters were just being put into the most miserable situations to the point that it started to read as shock value. Again, I'm no prude and I genuinely don't mind grit and gore when they add to the plot, but at a certain point I felt like every single character (aside from the main character) was only there to be cruel and inflict pain and suffering, I will say I think this was remedied a bit before the end of the book, but it felt too little too late. Overall, I don't think this book was for me, but I have enjoyed everything else I've read by Grady Hendrix and rated it highly. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.

Wichcraft for Wayward Girls is the third book that I have read by this author. This book had me hooked from the start! The situation the teenage girls were in was heartbreaking yet very realistic. I loved the witchy aspect of this book but overall wish there was a bit more. The ending was a happy/sad ending which are my favorite. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by this author.

Grady Hendrix is one of my favorite horror writers. I have mixed feelings about this book. I believe this this was really the most horror that was truly scary in all the books that I have read of his. I do think the horror was really well done. Several times while reading this the imagery made me cringe, which for this kind of book was great. I honestly think we are all so desensitized to things we see and hear due to movies, the news and social media, that anything that can give me the heebie jeebies so to speak is well done. I also thought the plot was really interesting and was fun to explore.
The things that didn't work for me was that the book was too long. There were pages in incantations and it took till about 45% for the set up of the book to be complete. There were only two characters that I really liked and one left the story at about 50%. The rest of the characters felt very one dimensional. I also felt the pacing of the story was a bit slow in this one. Typically, these stories move fast but this was just slow for much of the middle of the book. I will say that although it was slow I didn't think that it made the story feel jagged or like a puzzle that doesn't fit. Just it made it slower. I really think this story would have benefited by some of it being cut.
Overall, it is the story of young girls that have gotten pregnant at a very young age and without any options are put into situations that they are unaware of how will turn out with some good and not so good people. I will continue to read Grady's books and I didn't not like this one, but I just wanted a bit more.

I really enjoyed the book to the very end ! Grady Hendrix did an amazing job showcasing teenage pregnancy throughout the whole book . I’m definitely going to recommend this book to my friends !

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is an intriguing but uneven blend of supernatural elements and personal drama. The premise of modern witchcraft woven with a coming-of-age story is compelling, and Hendrix’s knack for dark humor and sharp dialogue shines through. However, the pacing feels inconsistent, with moments of excitement often diluted by slower, overly detailed passages. The characters, while quirky, sometimes lack depth, making it harder to connect emotionally. Despite these flaws, the book delivers a fair share of eerie atmosphere and twists that will appeal to fans of quirky horror. A decent, if not unforgettable, read.

A huge thank you to Grady Hendrix and Berkley Publishing for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

If there's one thing I know about Grady Hendrix, it's don't expect consistency. I absolutely loved "My Best Friend's Exorcism", but everything else I've read by him has paled a bit in comparison. I couldn't make heads or tails of "Final Girls Support Group" and sure "How to Sell a Haunted House" was fun, but nothing since has gripped me with the same insatiable urge to keep reading until this one.

It's a bit of a wild ride story-wise, but I was along for the ride! The setting was so rich, I felt like I knew the exact layout of the house the girls were staying at. The characters were memorable and fleshed out. My heart broke for them constantly. There's really powerful messages about autonomy, both through what the girls go through as pregnant, unmarried women and how they delve into witchcraft in order to gain some sort of power over their situation. For some of the girls, it's extremely bleak and it's a completely different tone from some of Hendrix's other books. And if nothing else, I do think that Grady Hendrix can WRITE. I really don't read a lot of books over 350 pages (I'm not lazy I just like things to be wrapped up when they need to be!). This book was almost 500 pages and I didn't even notice. I was late coming back from my lunch break because I wanted to keep reading.

It's not a perfect book. There's a crazy amount of characters you feel like you have to keep track of, the story is a bit all over the place, and the main character is a little bland (especially in comparison to the side characters). There also seems to be a bit of "The Magical Negro" trope going on that I was hoping would be subverted somehow but I don't think it was. I will admit that I'm not too informed about this trope, but I noticed other reviewers saying the same thing. It's extremely disappointing, and I hoped we moved past that in 2025. For that reason, I docked a star and honestly might dock another from what would've been a five star book.

It's with a heavy heart I acknowledge that because this book truly affected me. I loved the concept and the characters and it's so unlike anything I read before. If you've been spurned by Hendrix before, I get it. I'd still recommend this as one of his better ones.

Content warnings: Graphic depictions of childbirth, miscarriage, teenage pregnancy, child trauma

WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Grady Hendrix is hands down the best thing he's written YET. This book pulled me in from the very beginning. I was unprepared for the depth of emotion and the strength of this story's characters. Readers who are fans of Hendrix's dark horror, often laced with humor, will find this book offers something profoundly different yet equally compelling. It was so good and for me, so unexpected from this author - but I hope there are many more like this in his wheelhouse because I am ALL IN.

Set in 1970s Florida, the story follows 15-year-old Fern as she arrives at Wellwood Home, a secluded 'refuge' for unwed teenage mothers. The girls are hidden away to give birth in secret, facing immense emotional challenges. Through the points of view of Fern and her friends—Rose, Zinnia, and Holly—Hendrix weaves a tale that is both heartbreaking and empowering. It's the introduction of a book on witchcraft by a traveling librarian that becomes the pivotal moment, offering the girls a glimpse of power and control in their constrained world.

Hendrix does such a great job balancing the dark themes of teenage pregnancy, societal judgment, and trauma with moments of hope, resilience and courage. His description of the era and setting is vivid, immersing the reader in the stifling heat of Florida and the isolating atmosphere of the home. The author took his time developing the characters, each with their own dreams and struggles, making their stories unforgettable.

This book is a departure from Hendrix's usual style(at least from what I've read by him thus far), yet it stands as a (surprising!)testament to his versatility as a writer. It’s a character-driven, emotionally intense story that highlights the consequences of depriving vulnerable individuals of support.

This a beautiful, haunting story of resilience and empowerment, and one of Hendrix’s best works to date.

I requested a copy of the ARC on NetGalley from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

2.5/5 stars

It seems I have a love-hate relationship with Grady Hendrix books. I hoped this one would go the way of My Best Friend’s Exorcism, which I read in September and adored. Alas… 🥲

I had a few big issues with Wayward Girls, including the pacing. Lawddd did it drag. It’s a long book and it *feels* long. Ugh.

And as someone who loves the paranormal, whether in my thriller or horror reads, I’m always frustrated when a book is touted as magical, witchy, etc. and there just…isn’t a lot of magic in it? Ugh x2. 😭

That said, Hendrix is a wonderful writer; I always enjoy his prose, even if this wasn’t my favorite of his stories. Some dope lines I highlighted:

✨ “For girls like us, down there at the Home, the devil turned out to be our only friend.”

✨ “Witches will catch you when you fall, carry you when you are tired, heal you when you are broken. This is the first truth of our Craft: a real witch is never alone.”

Historical Fiction • Spells and Curses • Horror
Pub Date • 14 Jan 2025

Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for the free finished copy/ALC!

◦•●◉✿ 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨. 𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨. 𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨. 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩. ✿◉●•◦

This is my third book from Hendrix, and all three have showcased different elements of horror - a tribute to his versatility.

The Final Girl Support Club is an homage to slasher lore, while How to Sell a Haunted House brings the creepy factor with sinister animated puppets. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is as much historical fiction as it is horror.

We are in the 70s, when unwed girls with unwanted pregnancies are sent away to “homes” for unwed mothers. Such is the setting for this book, our main characters barely teens themselves.

I loved the historical context; Hendrix got me in my feels in the opening chapter. The unfairness of the girl being held accountable, called names, for ruining the boy’s life. The feelings of shame and loss and grief. The full loss of control. The ceding of power.

I usually love magic and witchiness, but I didn’t love the chanting and rituals here. Over the top voodu hoodu lost me. I did however, enjoy the excerpts from How To Be A Groovy Witch, a book within the book.

Hendrix pulls out a strong finish in the final chapter. Final verdict: loved the beginning and ending, dragged in the mid-section.

‧₊˚🎧⊹ Narration of audiobook was really well done, almost too well-done when it came to multiple painful labor and delivery scenes including an episiotomy and stitching up afterward.

·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ This book releases today, happy publication day! · ←˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀

TW: Pregnancy, Gore, Misogyny, Child Sexual Abuse, Rape

This was my first Grady Hendrix book and will not be my last - I’ve already put some of his previously published books on hold at my library. This is a story about young girls who are essentially abandoned by their families when they become pregnant. They are put up in a home for “wayward” girls and managed by a woman who believes that what she is doing is good - keeping the girls in a strict schedule and diet. But when a librarian hands one of them a book about witchcraft they start to believe they can change their world, and they try.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for this digital ARC!