DNF unfortunately- Grady Hendrix is very hit or miss for me, and this was definitely a miss. The childbirth descriptions were not something I could handle.

**Review: *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* by Grady Hendrix – A Haunting, Emotional Slow Burn**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.8/5)

Grady Hendrix has a knack for blending horror with nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth, and *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is no exception. This time, however, he steps into heavier territory, tackling themes of systemic misogyny, bodily autonomy, and the cruel realities faced by unwed pregnant teens in the 1970s. While the book isn’t without its flaws, it’s a compelling and often gut-wrenching read that lingers long after the final page.

The story follows fifteen-year-old Fern as she is sent to Wellwood House, a home for "wayward" girls in Florida where society hides its shame—pregnant teens forced to give up their babies in secret. The bleak reality of their situation is suffocating, but a flicker of hope emerges when a librarian introduces them to a book on witchcraft. What starts as an escape soon morphs into something far more dangerous, as the girls discover that power—especially the kind denied to them—comes at a cost.

Hendrix excels at character-driven storytelling, and the cast here is a standout. Fern is an easy protagonist to root for, but it’s her fellow residents—Zinnia, Rose, and the heartbreaking Holly—who steal the show. Their friendships feel real, raw, and deeply moving. Then there’s Hagar, a housemother whose arc is layered and complex, though at times it felt like she could have been explored more deeply.

While *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is being marketed as horror, readers expecting non-stop supernatural thrills may be disappointed. This leans more into historical fiction with a creeping sense of dread, featuring body horror elements (especially related to pregnancy and childbirth) and slow-burning occult influences. The magic is present but never fully takes center stage, which might not satisfy those looking for a more traditional witchcraft narrative. Additionally, the pacing drags in spots—at nearly 500 pages, the book could have been tighter, especially in the middle sections where momentum slows.

That said, the payoff is strong. The final act delivers an emotional gut punch, and Hendrix’s writing, as always, is sharp, witty, and full of heart. This is a book that doesn’t just entertain—it unsettles, enrages, and forces reflection. While it doesn’t quite reach the highs of *The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires* or *My Best Friend’s Exorcism*, it’s still an engrossing and powerful addition to his bibliography.

Final Verdict: If you love slow-burn horror with historical elements, strong female characters, and a sharp critique of societal hypocrisy, *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is worth picking up. Just go in knowing that the real horror here isn’t always supernatural—it’s the way these girls are treated by the world that’s supposed to protect them.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is an absolutely beautiful book that will stick with me for a long time (like most of Grady Hendrix's books). I felt like I knew and understood those wayward girls, and my heart broke for them. While the narrative took a while to pick up and the witchcraft elements weren't front and center until the end, the last quarter of the book was exceptional. I've seen plenty of reviewers claim that this shouldn't be classified as horror; I can only assume they are men. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is feminine horror at its best, with themes of isolation, feeling shame and judgement, abandonment, body horror, childbirth, discovering hidden power. I can't say enough how much I loved it.

I enjoyed this book, but it was not what I was expecting from Grady Hendrix. Personally, I would not categorize this as horror, and it did not go as far as the other Hendrix books I have read. To me, this felt more like a dark historical fiction. That being said, this was still a great read and I would recommend it if it sounds like something a reader is interested in!

As Mt First Grady Hendrix book. Although i do own 5 of his other books ( These Fist Break Bricks, Paperbacks from hell, How to sell a haunted house, Horrorstor and MY Best Friends Exorcism ). This started off extremely slow and had a very long build up to the events that unfolded. I enjoyed most of the relationships between the main characters. However, this would have warranted a little more editing to the book, it did seem overly long for no reason, Also , i was not a fan of the epilogue and how it was all tied together. Not a bad read, but from I heard, his other books are better.

I really enjoyed this Grady Hendrix book. It has his signature touches of nostalgia and an intensely realized sense of setting. I would recommend to fans of Melissa Albert.

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.

This book will haunt me for a while. I struggled a bit with some of the timing/flow towards the end, as it felt like it was taking a while to really wrap up the story, but overall it was moving and thought-provoking, especially with what is going on in the 'real world' these days. I think the author did a great job of showing the stark contrast of these girls being children who are forced into an adult circumstance. At times you almost forget they are young teenagers because what they're going through is difficult even for adults, and then you get a reminder that oh, these girls are all just children trying to figure out how to move forward and continue their childhoods after a few months in the home where they're expected (by everyone) to act like adults. It was heartbreaking and disturbing to follow these girls through this, reading along as they tried to do whatever they could to make things better for themselves. They have been let down by so many people in their lives, and so much is asked of them at every turn, even as they try to support and help each other. I thought it was interesting that the 'gore' and 'horror' of the story comes through actual things that children were (and are) expected to suffer through if they end up pregnant - traumatic even for many adults, but complicated even more when these are young girls who don't even fully know or understand what is going to happen to them when they give birth, and they had no other option. This book may be a work of fiction, but I am sure there are plenty of people in the world today who see parts of their own stories in what these characters went through.

Hendrix has done it again. I really enjoyed this novel and have already ordered it for my HS library. There were some parts of the story that could have been a bit quicker paced, or tighter, but overall it was a great read. There's a lot of topics covered through this fictional story that a relevant today ,a great read!

Grady Hendrix’ Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is the fourth Hendrix book that I’ve read. Each of them have had young women as the main character(s), and Grady writes them so well. Witchcraft is no different in that regard.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls Begins with the very painful scene of a disappointed father driving his pregnant teenage daughter to the Wellwood Home for pregnant girls in the summer of 1970. She begs him not to take her and he reminds her of how much of a disappointment she is and how she has shamed her entire family.
When he leaves her at the home without even saying goodbye, she is given a new name (Fern) and instructed to never reveal her real name to anyone until after her baby is born, taken and “Fern” returns home.
Miss Wellwood treats all of the girls with disdain and Fern makes friends with several of the other girls. Each has their own backstory and hopes for the future.
When the bookmobile comes around, the librarian gives Fern a book called “How to be a Groovy Witch” and ultimately the four girls join a coven.
There are supernatural elements to the story, but at its core, witches are an ancillary part of this story. It’s all about these characters and their struggles related to unwed teenage pregnancy in the era.
It is an emotional story that in graphic detail shows us the nightmare that these girls went through (witches aside) and how that nightmare follows them and sometimes haunts them for the rest of their lives.
The guilt, pain, fear and shame that this young ladies showed us is something that I will always remember.
Yes. I ended this story with a tear in my eye.
This book is Grady Hendrix at his best. The prose is tight and efficient. There is less fun in this book than the others I’ve read, but the nostalgic nuances that Hendrix is known for are still there.
I’m saying this is a 5 STAR book, and it’s right there beside my favorite from the author. (My Best Friend’s Exorcism.)

I love anything by Grady Hendrix and this book is no different. The author's masterful storytelling has earned the book a well-deserved perfect rating. I wasn't expecting to cry while reading this book, but it brought me to tears not once, but twice.

I wound up being wonderfully surprised by this even though I have read all of Grady Hendrix’s books and have enjoyed them all, his most recent release about the haunted house was by my least favorite and I started to fear that he was running out of ideas. Suffice it to say I was delighted with his newest book, which I very much hoped would be the case. I knew the premise of witchcraft had the potential to be utterly delightful in the hands of A storytelling horror master like Grady Hendrix, and I was absolutely right. This was a treat, it was campy but not overly so, creepy without being gross and the character work and the writing were both top-notch as well. This is probably my second favorite of all his books after only the “southern book club’s guide to slaying vampires.”

It’s almost time! Grady’s newest arrives in FOUR DAYS. I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands. And the gorgeous @blackcrow_bks edition too. I knew I’d want the special edition before I even opened the ARC and I was right.

I LOVED this book. It’s my new favorite by @gradyhendrix (sorry, We Sold Our Souls).

From my first read of his, before I knew anything about him, I was impressed by his empathy. I will always champion his writing of women, and men writing women in general—especially on topics like the one’s handled in this book. Story before author, sure, that’s a discourse, but more importantly: why do men get vilified for seeking to understand women? I have certainly felt seen and understood reading his books, and have been able to discuss my own experiences with them as a lens with multiple friends regardless of identity.

But back to the book—

This is classic, pulpy witch horror. Think The VVitch and The Crucible. But add in some more “modern” neopagan witchcraft too, for fun. I loved how he walked the line between those two, and how he weaved horror into witchcraft without disrespecting the practice.

It’s the same way he handled the real life horror these girls lived through and continued to go through in the Home. It is a terrifying tale on two levels, and an empowering one on both those levels too.

This story really got into my head. I read it in like two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s gruesome, powerful, emotional, and oh so smart.

So there you go, a bit of a soapbox and a rave review.

I will read anything that Grady Hendrix reads. This was so fun and scary! He has so much versatility-- it's not just serial killers. I like the odd themes.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review!

I have read and loved several Grady Hendrix novels and this is no exception! Witchcraft for Wayward Girls dives into the heavy topic of mother and baby homes in the US in the 70’s. This novel will fill you with rage, frustration, sadness and gratitude that this gruesome era of female oppression has ended(albeit not completely).

I do think it read more as historical fiction with elements of witchcraft and was looking forward to more from the witches, and I didn’t love that the witches were villainized. But overall I thought this was a sad tale that was incredibly moving and emotional!

witchcraft for wayward girls by grady hendrix is a bold, unsettling read that combines horror with sharp social commentary. set in 1970 at a florida home for unwed pregnant teens, it offers a chilling look at the way society treats women, especially when it comes to bodily autonomy. the story follows fern, a terrified 15-year-old who, along with other girls in her predicament, is controlled and manipulated by a cruel system. everything from what they eat to what they’re allowed to talk about is monitored, and the horrors of this system feel all too relevant today.

hendrix does an excellent job of illustrating the trauma and rage of women throughout history and still today. by focusing on the ways these girls are silenced and stripped of agency, the book forces readers to face the raw reality of denying women control over their lives. the inclusion of witchcraft adds a supernatural element that feels both empowering and dangerous. it's an avenue for these girls to reclaim some control, but as the book warns, power comes at a steep price.

the 1970s setting is also wonderfully done, transporting you into a time where women’s rights were heavily restricted, and the world was on the verge of major social change. the grotesque horror moments are gripping, and while the witchcraft elements are intriguing, i do think they could have been explored more deeply. some readers may take issue with how witchcraft is portrayed, but i don’t think the book is necessarily meant to be an accurate representation of real-life witchcraft.

while hendrix’s characters, including the bipoc characters, feel a bit flat and could have had more depth, this wasn’t a major issue for me. it’s clear that the characters serve more as a vehicle for the story’s deeper messages rather than being fully fleshed out individuals. for some this might be a drawback, and i do think it prevented the book from getting a full 5 stars from me, but it still stands strong without more fleshed out characters.

overall witchcraft for wayward girls is a haunting, thought-provoking read that delivers a strong social message wrapped in a compelling horror story.

thank you to berkley publishing group, grady hendrix, and netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the rebellious year of 1970, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix delves into the heartbreaking and disturbing world of pregnant teenagers forced into "Homes" to hide their pregnancies and give up their babies. The protagonist, Fern, a 15-year-old girl, is sent to one such institution, where she befriends several other girls enduring the same fate. The book explores their desperate need for empowerment and freedom, which leads them to a quirky librarian who gives them a book, How to be a Groovy Witch—a gift that changes their lives in ways they never expected

This novel not only touches on themes of rebellion, autonomy, and sisterhood but also provides a chilling look at the harsh reality many young women faced in a time when abortion was illegal and women’s rights were actively fought for. As Fern and her friends seek a sense of agency, the introduction of witchcraft as a form of resistance adds a darkly magical and fantastical twist to the narrative, although its consequences aren’t always positive.

As someone who was still an infant in 1970, I found the portrayal of the era’s treatment of of pregnant teens incredibly eye-opening. I wasn’t fully aware of how deeply restrictive and stigmatizing that time was for young women, and the emotional impact of reading about these girls' struggles was jarring. It made me reflect on how far we've come—and how much work is still left to do. It also reinforces the fact that witchcraft, while often vilified and fantasized in such contexts, is also a symbol of reclaiming power and identity, despite the consequences in this story.

I particularly appreciated how the author skillfully captures the frustration and injustice of the time, while also adding in a dash of fantasy. The horror is not so much in the witchcraft and mayhem that follow but in the reality of how society once treated young women like Fern. This book certainly stirs emotions and invites the reader to reflect on gender, autonomy, and the complex ways society tries to control women's lives. The combination of Hendrix's dark humor and social commentary makes this a compelling read. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking, and at times unsettling tale that does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the time while drawing attention to enduring social issues.

For anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a (small) twist of magical fantasy and social critique, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is definitely a book worth reading. It’s both a poignant reminder of the past and a call to action, urging readers to think critically about the treatment of women and their bodies.

One of the things I love about Grady Hendrix is that I never know what to expect. Each book is completely different from anything else he’s done before. This one didn’t grip me quite as tightly as others, but it was still powerful. Fern is pregnant and since she is only 15 and unmarried it’s a huge shame. Her parents arrange to send her to a home for girls like her in Florida while they present a lie to save her reputation. Fern isn’t her real name but in the garden of unwed girls she’s been given the alias Fern. But there is something strange in the woods behind the house and a book from the bookmobile sets Fern, Holly, Zinnia and Rose on an adventure they were not prepared for and will change them forever, even more than giving their babies up for adoption. I think part of why this one took me longer than normal is looking at the lack of rights of women in that time was harder right now while so many civil rights are being challenged in the country I’m in. Overall I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up because it is the kind of book that will stick with me for a very long time.

📚 E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
By Grady Hendrix
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 4⭐)

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this #gifted e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!

📚MY REVIEW:

I'll be honest and say that when I requested this book from NetGalley, I was seeing it everywhere on Bookstagram and felt like I HAD to read it. I didn't focus on the synopsis or take a lot of time to see what it was about, as everyone was raving about it and my FOMO took over.

All that to say, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was not a great book for me to read on a personal level. With my history of miscarrying my son at 18 weeks into my only pregnancy, I have a very strong apprehension about reading books that could be triggering to my personal trauma around that. And reading about a bunch of frightened teenage girls experiencing unexpected pregnancies, along with receiving terrible and unempathetic medical care during childbirth and their newborns? Yeah, that's pretty triggering for me.

** I actually finished this book before publication date, and it's just taken me several weeks to circle back and formulate a review. My apologies to Berkley and to the author for not sharing this review sooner. **

I genuinely enjoyed the character development in this read, and I thought Hendrix created multi-faceted characters with humor, wit, and real emotional depth. The interactions between the teenagers were written with such raw vulnerability, which was quite compelling. This was my first Hendrix read, and I really loved the writing style, so I'll definitely be picking up more of the backlist and diving in. I've learned that I'm not a huge fan of books about witchcraft, but I thought the inclusion of witchcraft here was well-done and didn't give off cultish vibes (which I really don't care for).

Overall, given my own personal visceral reactions to parts of the book's storylines, and the fact that witchcraft reads aren't really my jam, this wasn't my favorite read. But it's definitely a me thing. Because as I've said, I know this was a MASSIVE favorite for so many of my friends and it's been raved about again and again, with 5⭐ reviews everywhere.

#WitchcraftForWaywardGirls #GradyHendrix #Berkley #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

An interesting look into society’s views on pregnant teens in the 50’s? This was the story of a group of young girls who have been sent to a home to deliver their children. So many dark topics, like how they were coerced into giving up the babies for the homes to profit from, to how they were treated, the lies they were told etc, makes this a heartbreaking read. The paranormal elements were very well done. Very creepy, slowly building to an intense conclusion with a satisfying ending. Very much enjoyed this.