My 99th book this year, and a new favorite.
TLDR; <i>Yellowjackets</i> meets <i>Girl, Interrupted</i>.
I'm not generally a fan of horror, so Hendrix hasn't been top of my list, but this book is pitch perfect, from start to finish. First, Hendrix transports you to 1969, St. Augustine, FL, his descriptions so rich you can feel your thighs sticking to the beige pleather seat of Neva's father as she's driven from Alabama to Ms. Wellwood's Home for Wayward Girls. Then, the characters come alive off the page; a garden of girls given new, floral-inspired names to protect their futures. The language Hendrix uses and how he constructs the novel is a perfect balance of atmospheric and pacy, literary and accessible, character-based interiority and plot-based action. It's so fully grounded in reality that the witchy elements never feel supernatural or schlocky. It is a testament to the writer's skill that never once did I, a female reader, feel a sense of inauthenticity or male gaze as he spins his almost entirely female cast of characters. The only time I ever hesitated was to question how the hell he knew so many intricate details about the female experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
Why this book worked so well for me is that the horror comes not from some mythical bogeyman or heinous killer, but from the real life horror that is the inequality and oppression of women, a patriarchal society which polices the female body, forcing women and girls to have babies when and how and under whatever circumstances they see fit. It comes from the sexual violence many girls have endured on their journey to giving birth, the social isolation and judgement they experience, and the inherent brutality of pregnancy and delivering babies, as well as the emotional toll of having your baby wrested from your body and your possession, given to someone else. There are a few moments of betrayal and physical violence that occur as a result of the witchcraft, but the supernatural pales in comparison to the real (and metaphorical) experiences these girls have to undergo.
If you're looking for traditional horror, for blood, gore, and violence, this may not be your speed. But <b>if you're a fan of elevated psychological horror, this is a *must read*</b>.

Anytime an author writes about a sad and heartbreaking tale of the sordid history of our country it is so hard to believe we could have treated our youth so horrifically. The way the author used a desperate attempt of magic to beat the system was a great twist but also showed what lengths people will go to have control of their own body and destiny. 5 stars. Keep them coming Grady Hendrix!!! Love your unique style!!

Phenomenal book. I think this may finally be the book that unites The Final Girls Support Group fans and the Hendrix's other fans. The characters were well-constructed and the story evenly paced. There were tense and emotional moments and I can't wait to recommend this to everyone.

I loved this book.

Set in a home for teenage unwed mothers, the characters are very well rounded. I thought the plot of the Home was just as compelling as the plot with the witches. I had hard time putting down this book, because I wanted to constantly find out what would happen next.

There were a few truly creepy scenes. I might look twice before I walk through the woods again.

Grady Hendrix has been a long time favorite of mine and while I have already pre ordered a signed copy I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to read it early. He has done it again in creating a perfect balance of creepy and un-put-down-able fiction. I ate it up and really hope we get more from this author for years to come. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review it!

I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely a little weird and more an acquired taste but also pretty gripping! I could not put it down - the characters were so interesting and the way the story was woven made you really think. I will be adding this to our library and recommending 100%!

I have loved every book written so far by Grady Hendrix. I love how perfectly he captures his southern settings (no shocker, considering he grew up here) and I’m consistently impressed by how well he writes women. His protagonists are usually southern women, and none of the creepy, leering, obsessed-with-her-looks kind of characterization here. Did he grow up with five sisters or something? Because he is SPOT ON, every time. These characters feel like women I know, women I grew up with.

This is even more impressive in Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. It’s 1970, and teenage girls who’re unwed and pregnant are sent by their ashamed families to group homes far away, to bear their children in secret before coming home to pretend nothing ever happened. (Thanks, complete lack of sex education!) Fern is one such unlucky girl, but she finds far more that summer at Wellwood House than she expected. She comes into possession of a book of witchcraft, and in a place where every hour of their day is tightly controlled, where every bite of food is strictly watched, the girls jump at the chance to claw back some semblance of control. But power is never free.

This is a different kind of horror than we usually get from Hendrix. It’s dark and occult, but I feel like the horror is more psychological and emotional. (Although there’s an element of physical terror that goes along with pregnancy, especially for an unprepared teenager, and how did a man capture that fear so well?!) This book is about betrayal, power, isolation, loss and grief, love, and found family. It was powerful, the ending was so perfect, and it’s a fantastic witchy horror just in time for the spooky season.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

What a perfect balance of feminist horror and grounded realism. I loved the character arcs and had visceral, emotional reactions to their plights and dreams.

I went into this book not knowing anything about it. I was surprised, pleasantly. 1970s home for pregnant young girls who dabble in witchcraft? Yes please! It seemed to be a little more serious that Hendrix's previous books, but maybe that was just my impression.

5 stars

Another banger for Hendrix! This one is a bit different from what we’re used to, a bit darker, but oh so delicious. I blew through this and cannot wait to have this title on my shelf proudly displayed with the rest.

I tore through this ARC in three days and I'm already planning to buy copies for my work and my personal collection when it's published. Grady Hendrix brings another tight, powerful story about finding freedom, and another group of girls who felt as real to me as my own friends.

Welcome to Grady’s Twilight Zone!
*Cue the eerie music…*

Grady has dabbled in the most bizarre and twisted horror anyone could imagine. He’s even danced with the devil himself and lived to tell the tale. Now he comes face to face with witches and your life will forever be tainted.

This isn't your typical Hendrix book. He dabbles in the magic that is witchcraft and creates a tale that's shocking and cruel, dripping with darkness that came straight from hell. It also tugs at your heartstrings as you get to know the girls that are inhabiting the Wellwood Home. It makes for a unique story, one we won't see coming from the King of Bizarre.

This starts slower than his other books but it still drags you in quickly. Then a darkness from the center of the earth spreads across the land swallowing the area whole and that's when it starts to get wicked. You'll know when you get there because once it starts it won't let up until it's over. And I am here to tell you that you will not be disappointed by how all this plays out. My dark little soul is a little brighter and fuller after reading this.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is the cozy horror novel we have all been craving. Witches is something Grady should write about more often. After reading this I’ll also never look at storms the same way ever again. Brace yourselves for the storm that is Hendrix!

This is an extraordinary novel that has quickly become my favorite book by the author. Hendrix has truly outdone himself with this one, delivering a story that is both deeply moving and incredibly impactful.

What surprised me most about this book was the shift in focus from the typical horror elements to the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters. While horror certainly plays a role in the narrative, the true heart of the novel lies in the experiences of the girls at its center. These are not just characters in a horror story; they are fully fleshed-out individuals dealing with very real and heartbreaking circumstances. The main characters, a group of pregnant teenage girls, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that I found myself completely invested in their lives and struggles.

Hendrix excels in creating a slow burn narrative that allows readers to deeply connect with the characters and their plight. The novel sheds light on a time in recent history when pregnant teenagers were ostracized and hidden away from society—a topic that is both poignant and enlightening. Through this lens, Hendrix explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the harsh judgments of society with a sensitivity that is both compelling and respectful.

The strength of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls lies not only in its exploration of these themes but also in the portrayal of its female characters. Hendrix has crafted four strong, well-written female protagonists who drive the narrative with their courage and determination. Their voices are authentic and their experiences are rendered with a level of nuance and care that makes them feel incredibly real.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a triumph of storytelling. Grady Hendrix has delivered a novel that is both a gripping read and a profound commentary on societal attitudes toward pregnant teenagers. The slow burn of the story, combined with Hendrix’s skillful character development, makes this book a standout in his body of work. For fans of Hendrix and newcomers alike, this is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Well, as I’ve come to expect from Grady, I was left weeping by this book even though I spent the majority of it equal parts intrigued and grossed out. This wasn’t my favorite of his, but I loved the idea of a home of pregnant teens becoming involved in witchcraft to stick it to the man - such kickass feminist themes! Being a librarian myself, I was at first super excited about a witchy librarian…then I was like…oh, wait. Librarians would make the coolest witches, Grady, let’s be clear! I will add that if you’re afraid of pregnancy or childbirth this won’t do anything to quell that fear - yeesh! 4.5 stars.

I’ve read all of this author’s books, and this is by far my favorite one. I’m not even sure what you’d call this book. Uplifting horror? Inspirational horror? It doesn’t have the same sense of terror as the typical Grady Hendrix novel, but instead ratchets up the suspense and creeping sense of dread in its own way. This book doesn’t have the same sense of camp as the author’s other books…it felt really real, in the most dreadful way possible.

3.5? This was horrifying to read and was different from Grady Hendrix's other camp-esque horror which caught me off guard. This felt too real and too close to home with today's politics. It had moments that were so upsetting I had to put the book down. Written well and I think Hendrix did a good job on the topics brought up but definitely will sit with this one. Would love to know what his inspiration and reasoning was to write this.

To me, Grady is the king of campy horror. A lot of people may disregard him for that and when you do you miss Grady’s true gift: to make you care for his characters. To feel with them; to hurt with them; to go through pain with them; and most of all to love them. In WFSG’s be prepared to love these wild girls…bad girls…girls who grew up too fast. This book is magnificent. There’s really nothing else to say. I sobbed, I cheered, I sobbed some more. My disclaimer would be that there’s a lot of “pregnancy trauma” here so take care of yourself. And if you’re like me #newfearsunlocked

Now drop your folder Grady! Let’s see the inspirations! PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR. This is NOT a request, it’s a demand.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book. Come January I’ll have my physical copy and I’ll be waving it at random people on the streets. (That’s when you can get your copy too 😉)

This was riveting and chilling! The writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the oppressive atmosphere of the Wellwood House. Plus, the pacing was so intense that I was on the edge of my seat, screaming with every twist. Each chapter deepened the tension, leaving me gripped by the girls’ mounting desperation and the chilling unfolding of their story.

The story masterfully explores themes of control, rebellion, and the consequences of wielding newfound strength. With its chilling narrative and richly drawn characters, this novel is a testament to the author’s skill in crafting horror that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. I genuinely can’t wait to read from this author.

I finished reading this book in tears. I cried so hard my contacts fell out. It's a good book with an ending that was better than I expected. I will have to sit with a few questions in my mind before I decide what I think about them, questions I know will arise from readers too. For example, a labor and delivery scene written this way by a man will no doubt make some feel like he exploited this process for body horror. I understand the work it's doing with it's very cold delivery, but some women will feel like a man thought "Oh that's terrifying. I'm gonna use it." I also feel like the "c" word when referring to Black characters, was just unnecessary. By 1970, Black was the term used, and no one would have read this and questioned it had he used Black instead. It will come up with readers. I did, however, think this was a good, thoughtful book aside from these things. I can tell he loved his characters and tried to honor them, and I loved them too. I was fully invested in the story from beginning to end and will definitely recommend this to readers. Thank you for letting read an advanced copy.