Historical horror fiction delivered by the best in the in the biz! This story really shook me up. Mostly because this is what society did to girls who didn't follow the rules.
In 1970, Neva Craven (Fern) is sent to a home for unwed mothers after becoming pregnant. The home changes her name to Fern and makes sure she shares no outside info about herself to the other girls. They are told what to do, when to eat, when to sleep, when to see the doctor, which chores they will be doing. They are even made to give up their children, whether they want to or not. So when a librarian on the book mobile gives Fern an occult book full of spells, she and her friends have power for the first time. But with great power, comes great sacrifice. Nothing is given freely, especially magic.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this digital e-arc.*

Grady Hendrix you have no business writing about pregnant teenage girls in the 70s being sent to maternity homes but sir…you pulled it off and did it in the most respectful way possible. I absolutely LOVED this book.

I loved each and every girl and her backstory. Fern was such a great main character to follow. Historical horror is one of my favorite subgenres so learning about maternity homes in the 70s and how these girls were treated was horrifying alone. The witchcraft and the horror that was intertwined into the pages was flawless. Usually my biggest complaint with Grady is how long his books are and this one certainly is long. But I could not put it down. Additionally the end of this book made me SOB. When horror makes me emotional it’s an automatic 5 stars from me. This will be my new favorite Grady Hendrix book and dare I say that I’ve already read a top read in 2025 and it’s only January 2?

First thing's first - Grady Hendrix knows how to write. He crafts dynamic and believable characters, his descriptions are searingly vivid, and he can turn out some beautiful turns of phrase. That being said, this book was not my cup of tea. I should have loved everything about it - I love all things witchy. I love powerful female protagonists. It's the 70s, it's the south, it's very much giving House of the Rising Sun and American Horror Story: Coven. All of which I love. And I really think I would have enjoyed it more if I had had the right expectations.

But here's the thing - this book is not horror. It has been marketed as such repeatedly, but that is unequivocally not its genre. It's part fantasy, part historical fiction, a powerful commentary on women's rights and bodily autonomy (particularly relevant in a post-Roe America). But it is not horror. There is no fear or suspense, and even the witchy elements are surprisingly negligible to the plot. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for it to ramp up into a horror or at least a thriller, but it never did. If I had come into this novel expecting fiction about the power of female friendships and resisting the patriarchy, I think I would have loved this, although it could definitely have been condensed. But that was not how it was marketed, that was not what I was anticipating, so I was ultimately disappointed.

In any case, thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC! I'd still recommend this book if it's approached with the right expectations.

grady hendrix consistently writes women with care and realism. his characters feel real and fully fleshed out. this was a wild ride and I loved the unreliable narrator. set pre roe v wade in the US it was heart wrenching and infuriating at times. the magic is scatty and twisted and really makes you question what is real and what isn’t.

An emotional powerhouse. I had requested this book based off of the author and the title, having no idea of the overall premise.

This was a truly powerful statement on religious hypocrisy and the crux of being a young. un-wed mother, and the damaging and dangerous stigma that goes along with it. The characters made for a truly compelling story- though there were some pretty gruesome scenes throughout involving pregnancy and labor that were a bit triggering and I would strongly recommend knowing this ahead of time to prepare yourself-especially if you are currently pregnant or went through a traumatic pregnancy/labor. (It was....definitely horrific at some parts).

The main girls decide to take a chance and delve into witchcraft, but the themes are clearly painted. They are completely powerless and have a chance at it for once in their lives- so of course they take it... with mixed consequences. Seeing this unfold was compelling.

My only issue was maybe with the pacing, where the beginning felt a bit slow. I liked Fern's character- but also would have enjoyed the pov of others maybe a bit more? It took me a while to fully get into it.

A good, insightful, read for sure. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Grady Hendrix, and Berkley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was a tough read because it's a horror novel in two parts-- mythical horror with witches and then tragically real horror about teen pregnancies in the 1970s. I have mixed feelings about the two Grady Hendrix's novels I read prior to this one (one I loved, one I didn't like), and I think I'm going to need a while to process this one. By no means did I expect this to be a lighthearted or fun read, but I would definitely check some trigger warnings related to this book, specifically about sexual assault by religious men in power. I did like the witchy elements to this story, and the girls are all extremely compelling to read about. I liked that Hendrix wrote this book fully on the sides of the girls and supporting them, as it was more "feminist" that I was expecting. The witchy elements are great in that it's a very dark witchiness; while it starts out fun ("How to be a Groovy Witch"), it definitely escalates into something much vaster and more mythical. I do think there was a little too much going on here between the mythical and realistic, as there were times when one or the other plot points would go to the backburner for a while. I think Fern was the perfect girl to tell the story through, and I liked her complex character. However, as I stated up above, Holly's story was personally extremely tough and unsettling for me to read, and I think it detracted from my overall enjoyment because of how dark and horrific it was. I do commend Hendrix for daring to write and confront such horrors as what happened to Holly in such an unabashed way, as he portrays this girl being continually abandoned by any adult around her and takes the stance that this is the true horror of the story. Hendrix writes unflinching horror that doesn't shy away from the grotesque, and I will continue to give his stories more chances.

Grady Hendrix is known for his horror novels with unique takes, sometimes with a social spin, and there’s no doubt he’s tackling some heavier and more complex themes in Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, even if some of them might be over his head. Whether or not Hendrix fully succeeds will depend on the reader—but he’s definitely taking some risks, and that’s always worth noting.

As the story opens, we’re transported to 1970 as 15-year-old Neva Craven becomes “Fern” at the Wellwood Home, a sanctuary for teen girls facing unplanned pregnancies. None of the girls here use their real names or talk about their pasts. They were here to do one thing only—carry out the rest of their pregnancies in secrecy, provided with the necessary medical care and support until they give birth, then give their babies up for adoption. Then they go back to their old lives, never to speak of this time again.

At the home, Fern and her newfound friends—with names like Rose, Zinnia, Holly—while away their days waiting for their due dates, chafing under the strict supervision of the owner, Miss Wellwood. Every two weeks, an eccentric librarian named Miss Parcae will stop by in her book mobile and provide some reading material for the girls. One day, Miss Parcae hands Fern a book on the occult that changes everything: How to be A Groovy Witch, a slim volume of spells that are guaranteed to get you what you want in life, if only you are strong enough to take what’s yours. This includes pledging your loyalty to your coven, even if it means having to take bold, sometimes messy actions. However, as Fern delves further deeper into the book’s secrets, things soon spiral into darker, deadlier territory—especially as the girls grow increasingly desperate to change their circumstances.

As events progress, witchcraft becomes our characters’ only path to regaining the autonomy and dignity they’ve lost. This thread underlies much of the story, becoming a powerful metaphor that resonates. Hendrix does an admirable job portraying the emotional turmoil of the young women at Wellwood Home. Each of them arrived there for unique reasons—some more terrible than others—yet they all share a common thread: their families, unable to bear the societal shame of their daughters’ pregnancies, have sent them away to erase the scandal, with the expectation that once their babies are born and adopted out, they can quietly return home and pretend none of it ever happened. While some of the girls are resigned to this arrangement, others are far less willing to give up their rights as mothers but are forced to do it anyway. Often, they are written off as too young and incapable of making their own decisions or deemed unfit because of their “wayward” reputation.

The author deserves credit for approaching these emotional struggles with clear intent and empathy, making the women’s rebellion—their choice of turning to a book of witchcraft—feel both bittersweet and empowering in its own strange way. That said, I couldn’t help but feel the execution was uneven at times. For one, the pacing felt inconsistent. After a strong start, the middle sections meandered and touched upon so many separate threads at once that it diluted some of the tension and urgency. Elements of the occult also felt slightly underdeveloped, as if the story was torn between taking a full-on plunge into the supernatural realm or staying firmly rooted in reality.

Using pregnancy and childbirth as a device in horror novels can also be tricky, though one good example of doing it right is Danielle Valentine’s Delicate Condition. There’s the undeniable feminine experience in the subject, which can be deeply personal, and raises the question of whether complex issues like emotional vulnerability and physical sacrifice can be authentically portrayed, especially when interpreted through a male lens. This isn’t to say that male authors shouldn’t write about these topics or that Hendrix’s take isn’t valid, but I will confess that, in at least one instance, his portrayal of childbirth came across as borderline exploitative and sensationalized for shock value. It made me feel kind of icky, and not for the right reasons.

Still, it may hit differently depending on the reader. Despite its flaws, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was a worthy read, delivering a thought-provoking tale especially when considering the subject matter and taking the historical setting in context. The story is undoubtedly at its best when leaning into the raw emotions of its characters like anger and helplessness giving way to hope, determination, and defiance. Fans of Grady Hendrix’s previous works will want to pick this one up, as will readers who are curious about the premise and are also interested stories with a witchy punch.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady is a dark and captivating exploration of teenage rebellion, societal control, and the dangerous allure of power. Set in the summer of 1970 at the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, the story follows fifteen-year-old Fern, a pregnant girl sent to a home for "wayward" girls where they are stripped of their autonomy and forced into silence as they await to give birth. Alongside her are a cast of complex and diverse characters, each struggling with their own dreams and decisions for their futures.

The strength of this novel lies in its vivid portrayal of these girls’ lives—stifled by a judgmental society but finding unexpected freedom through the occult, a gift that may come at a horrific cost. Grady's ability to weave feminist themes with supernatural horror creates a chilling narrative, and while the pace can sometimes drag due to its hefty 400+ page count, the compelling character development and occasional bursts of graphic body horror make for an unsettling and addictive read. If you’re a fan of Grady's previous works, you kind of know what you are signing up for and this novel will not disappoint, though those looking for a deeper witchy experience may find themselves wanting more magic. Ultimately it's a story that lingers, tapping into both the rage and resilience of young women in a society that continually tries to silence them.

I’m never really sure what to expect with Grady Hendrix, but I know I can always count for the book to be full of unexpected twists, an eerie scene or two, a moment that always makes me cry and an in-depth plot where you can visualize the scenes.

I will say the book was slow paced and there were lulls where I had to put it down for a few days then come back to it. There was also one specific scene in the book I struggled to get through because of the medical jargon used throughout it.

Overall, I enjoyed this one, and liked how each character had their own personality. I also thought the setting of the book and the situation the girls were in was different than things I had read in the past.

Not traditional horror but terrifying all the same, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls brings readers to Wellwood House, a home for unwed teen mothers in St. Augustine, Florida in the sweltering summer of 1970. Filled with girls who have been cast aside by their families and society until they can be delivered of their mistakes and everyone can pretend it didn't happen, they lose their names and identities and become flowers in Miss Wellwood's "garden." Stripped of agency, privacy, and autonomy, they are expected to do chores and follow orders until they give birth and go back to their former lives. When fifteen year old Fern is abandoned to the Home by her father, who can't even stand to say goodbye, she meets other girls in the same situation as herself, including silent Holly, rebellious Rose, and refined Zinnia. Though they slowly adjust to life at the Home, it isn't until the bookmobile arrives and a librarian hands them an unexpected book that things start to change. Finally, they have the means to some control over their lives! But with power come consequences, and none of them are quite prepared for what they will be asked to pay.

This is a departure from Hendrix typical horror, though there is still plenty of body horror thanks to both the pregnant girls and their magic working. Instead, Hendrix focuses on the real-life horror of losing your bodily autonomy and freedom because of pregnancy, age, and social expectations. The claustrophobia of the Home and the casual cruelty of the adults around them, combined with their bodies changing and becoming strange and ungovernable brings home the horror of the girls' situation. Though Hendrix always does well writing women, this one is above and beyond in its empathy, compassion, and realism (minus the witchcraft, of course). Emotional, heartbreaking, and powerful.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls early in exchange for a review.

This was my first Grady Hendrix and it didn't disappoint - the storyline was engaging, and the characters were well developed. I did like how the stories of each of the girls came out individually as you got to know them on a deeper level. However, some of the writing - specifically chapter to chapter felt disjointed as there were POV shifts. Would definitely recommend!

How can a man write so clearly what it’s like to be a woman? It's kind of aggravating.

Neva is an unwed mother in 1970 Alabama. She gets sent Wellwood House in Florida where she's given the name Fern, to hide away with other young girls in her "situation" until she can give birth, have her baby taken away, and then be sent back to go on with her life as if it never happened. As Fern learns about the girls around her and feels increasingly powerless. A local librarian gives Fern a book and opens a door to the opportunities witchcraft might provide...but it's not a favor, it's something offered with strings and a high price attached.

This is a painful and emotional book. My feelings about it are complicated, but it does highlight the way in which women were, and still are, shoved down and made to hide, taken advantage of by men and the men experience no consequences, and how it's so easy to ignore a teenage girl even when she screaming the truth to power.

I had a summary all typed out, but I just deleted it. Every review I’ve read so far provided one, so I’m not going to. Plus, I went into this book almost blind and I honestly think that’s the best way to go into it. If you know Grady Hendrix’s work and you love it, you will love this one, even though this was unlike any book I’ve ever read by him. Hendrix is known for his humor and while there is some, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is more serious in tone than anything I’ve read by him before.

It’s not unusual for me to feel as if I’m not very good at writing reviews of books but I love to share the reading experience with others so much! I honestly feel a loss of words when it comes to this book. It is already so dear to me. See, I was the result of a teenage pregnancy. My mom was 17, my dad 18, when I was born. I was kept and raised by my father, then my grandparents, after he passed away when I was 8. So, to me, this felt a little like a tiny glimpse of what might have happened. And it’s heartbreaking. And, I’m sure part of the reason I was immediately so invested. Also, given how life in America is going with the end of Roe, I can’t help but feel like this story is an indictment of what is happening to women across the nation. The loss of power and autonomy the girls in this novel experience is familiar.

It is surprising to me how extremely well Hendrix gets into the mindset of a teenage, unwed mother. The confusion and terror, helplessness and powerlessness they experience, feels so real. It does not come as a surprise that they are tempted to look outside of themselves for help. Are the witches dangerous? Are any of the adults? Is anyone going to help them? Or will they have to help themselves? Obviously, I’m not going to tell you but I hope I have encouraged you to give Witchcraft for Wayward Girls a read. It’s more than worth it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader's copy.

A huge thank you to @PRHaudio for the ALC! This was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I truly enjoyed this book, but I can foresee a lot of people being disappointed because they expect more campy horror and pure horror and a heavy dose of witchcraft - while this book certainly has those elements in spades, it's also very heavy on the historical fiction. I was surprised to love a book with themes of feminism, classism, and race that was written by a privileged white man, but this was clearly well-researched and handled with care. The characters were compelling, the horror aspects (so much body horror, dear God) were satisfying and the campy bits were great. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and definitely it whether you enjoy historical fiction or not and regardless of if you loved Hendrix's other novels or not.
Finally, the narrative touches (3 distinct narrators) was
*chef's kiss*. It enhanced the story and added immersion.

Ohhh boy. How to rate this? I really enjoyed getting to know the girls of Wellwood House. And they were GIRLS...which added a bit to my discomfort reading this. Our main characters are all pregnant girls who are sent (against their wills) to stay at Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida to hide away during the later months of their pregnancies. Every minute of their day is controlled. Every meal is prescribed. And no one is honest with them about the process of childbirth or what their rights are as mothers.

Desperate for information, they encounter an eccentric librarian that loans them a book about witchcraft...and then things get interesting. And graphic. And a bit scary.

Grady Hendrix does an amazing job of portraying the total desperation of these characters. So much about this book is heartbreaking. I didn't enjoy the childbirth scenes. They went on far too long and had sooo many graphic details. I understand there was a point to describing what these girls went through, but it felt like SO much. I am glad he didn't sugar coat the horrible way many of them were treated. It was tough to read, but important to include.

It's definitely not going to be for everyone, but if you can get through the naked dancing witches and the gruesome after-effects of their spells, and the childbirth(s)...it's a fascinating story.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader's copy.

"Fast girls, loose girls, emotionally immature girls, wayward girls. Whatever you wanted to call us, we were children. And we had to make terrible choices."

I think this is probably Grady Hendrix's best book. This really toes the line of horror mixed with the horror of reality and I think that made it more impactful. Honestly, the horror elements were pretty minimal, some body horror, some supernatural. The most horrible scenes though were just real life.

The main characters are teenagers, some as young as 14, living together as unwed mothers waiting to give birth to give their babies up for adoption. This by itself is such a scary situation. They're alone, they don't have any family or friends, just each other. They're children making very adult decisions without any adult guidance. Society shuns them, shames them, and refuses to listen to them. It's definitely a tough read in places, I cried quite a few times. Just keep in mind going into this that it feels a little bit more like speculative fiction than horror, but regardless it was a really good read.

eARC REVIEW

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


Wow….


I don’t even know where to begin. I have had so many of this authors books recommended to me, but never picked one up. Then I saw this arc and decided why not and was so happy to get it. I devoured this book in a day and it was not what I was expecting at all.


I am blown away by the horror women had to go through back then. Definitely check trigger warnings, as some of the things are pretty graphic. I cannot believe they did those things to kids back then! I am appalled at how society and views on women were back then. Neva and the rest of the girls story was so eye opening and I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the witchcraft aspect that Grady intertwined into their lives as well. I was also very happy about the ending, and how everything turned out with the girls lives individually and together. I am pleasantly surprised with this book and will definitely read more of this work. I definitely recommend to any reader.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for letting me read and review this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange fir my honest review.

I am a huge fan of Grady Hendrix, and books about magic and witchcraft, so I was stoked to read this book. And it did not disappoint!

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls opens in 1970, with 15 year old Fern getting dropped off at Wellwood House, a Home for unwed pregnant teen girls to have their babies "out of sight, out of mind". Fern meets other girls in the same "situation" as her, and forms a close bond with Rose, Holly, and Zinnia. Under Miss Wellwood's strict rules the girls long to escape, each for different reasons. Rose wants to keep her baby and go to a commune; Zinnia wants to return and marry her baby's father; Holly, mute, doesn't want to return to her bad life situation, and Fern just wants her old life back, the way it was. But none of the girls realize what they're in for when it's time for their babies to arrive, and must trust the adults around them that they're making the right choice.

Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her a special book, an introduction to Witchcraft, who says it will help the girls solve their problems. At first, everything goes OK, and the spells are mostly harmless. But as they tread deeper into the book, they finally realize what must be done to save themselves. And the price comes with a lot of blood, and heartache.

I really loved this book! The author did a great job of developing the characters and making you truly feel their stories and root for them the whole way through to fight against the patriarchy, and a society that has judged them and cast them out for their "sins". I could never imagine having to be in a situation like that and having to give up a baby. I loved that witchcraft gave them power to fight back and get what they want. Not everyone gets a happy ending, but the "epilogue" was very satisfying and made me a little teary.

I will definitely be recommending this book to my book club!

I was very scared going into this one given the subject matter. While this book lacks the usual humor Grady incorporates into his books, it replaces it with so much heart. A story of helplessness, being forced to take matters into your own hands when you aren't ready for it, not being allowed to make your own decisions and standing by while others make them for you.

This is an excellent time for this book to come out given the current attack on women's rights and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

I went into this one thinking it was going to be akin to Harry Potter with pregnant teens. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was heart-wrenching, suspenseful, harrowing, and entirely more emotional than I expected, or even really wanted. Having read a few of Grady Hendrix's previous novels, I was ready for a fun, not-light-hearted-but-not-too-dark entertaining few hours. Instead I finished and felt...so emotionally drained. Heart-broken. Bleak. Exhausted. But also with a glimmer of hope. The spark of empowerment that slowly washed over me after reading the last lines of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is nothing short of energizing. Renewing. Ready for the upcoming battles we all face every day. Four stars!