I'll never turn down the opportunity to read a Hendrix novel - but this was something decidedly different, and much darker, than the horror master's usual scares mixed with humor. The ending made me cry! There weren't any laughs! BUT, even though it's not what I expect from him - this was still a masterful novel. It won't appeal to everyone, because it delves more into the real horrors that men inflict upon women unlike his usual supernatural and/or campy fare in his previous books, and it's long at almost 500 pages....but if you stick with it, you'll have the chance to see what it means when choices and free will are not allowed....and how much it changes teen girls' lives when they are. The witchcraft bits also felt unique, and I loved how Hendrix tied them in with the hippies and hitchhikers of the day that scared "decent" folk - it was just one of the ways he realistically tied in the historical part of the story being set in 1970. He always does such a great job grounding his books in whatever setting they're in - the lengths of research really shine through. I was rooting for this home of "wayward" girls from the beginning, and I was glad we were able to get to know each of them a bit more before the novel delved further into the witchcraft - I would have appreciated more character development, even. Fern, Zinnia, Holly, and Rose were all characters, I felt deeply for and I was glued to the last 40% of the book to see how it all wrapped up! However, I'm left feeling like there should have been more in a way I can't quite put my finger on....even so, I would still highly recommend this to anyone who loves horror that centers on real social issues, teenagers, and/or witches.

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC of this book!

This was my first Grady Hendrix book, and I think it may have been a mistake to go straight for this one. From what I know of his other books, this one is much darker, though I think it is a subject matter that demands a serious tone. I found the story and characters compelling, though I occasionally found the main character to be a bit frustrating. It is not an easy read, dealing with topics such as autonomy, misogyny, and the medical, mental, and sexual abuse of young girls, but Hendrix writes about them well. The book does not flinch away from the hard truths of these homes. This book is less a supernatural horror and more of a social horror.

Personally, I wanted to see more witchcraft. Based on the title I was disappointed when it often took a back seat to the mundane horrors of the home. I also wanted the characters perpetuating violence against the girls to face more punishment. This may have been done intentionally to communicate how unfair the world of the time was, in which case point made, but I found it to be disheartening.

I'll probably read another Hendrix book to see how it compares, but my opinion of this one is that it is bleak but compelling.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls sounded like a story right in my wheelhouse based on the description. I love books featuring witchcraft and magic, and I loved the idea of these girls discovering witchcraft to help them find their own power while living at a home for unwed mothers. I wish I could say that the story lived up to my expectations, but I found myself bored at times and simply waiting for something to happen.

As with all of Hendrix's books, his writing is strong and I applaud him for writing a book from a woman's point of view, especially those intense labor scenes. What I found was missing, was Hendrix's ability to bring in the horror aspects. I was really hoping to be a bit scared, or even find parts mysterious, but I didn't. There are definitely gorey parts, but not horror-esque.

It's an okay book. Not my favorite from him, but I'm still a fan and will keep reading what he writes.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was INTENSE and it truly held my attention from start to finish. It was terrifying and incredibly sad, yet I couldn't put it down. What really stood out to me was how a male author managed to write about childbirth in such a raw, authentic way—I felt like I was experiencing exactly what the characters were going through- which was terrifying. The book was unique and original, and there were parts that genuinely scared me, but I found myself compelled to keep reading. The writing was phenomenal; it was so vivid and immersive that I felt like I was right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters. Truly unforgettable.

This was my first Grady Hendrix book and I enjoyed it. Horror is not usually my genre of choice and to be honest, I didn't love the witchcraft portions of the book. What I did love was the exploration of young girls finding themselves pregnant before Roe v. Wade and being shipped off to hide their condition, giving birth and placing the baby for adoption, then returning home as if nothing had happened. I thought Hendrix did a fantastic job of exploring what it was like for these teenagers. Each girl had a different story and they were all heartbreaking. The witchcraft was a fun addition but the underlying theme was the true highlight.

WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS
Grady Hendrix, author
Horror /Susoense

Follow four girls as they navigate their unwanted pregnancies and the ups and downs of living in a home for girls - unwed mothers. Everything changes though when someone sneaks in a book on the occult.

This was one of my favorite books so far this year. The interaction between the girls is great; on the flip side, the interaction between the girls and their keepers is very well developed. I would give it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I think I liked the idea of this more than the execution and it could just be that Grady Hendrix isn't the author for me. I find that this characters tend to disappoint me and lack the depth or development the story suggests they have. But I do love his plots and creative twists balanced with humor and thrills.

All opinions below are my own. I truly enjoyed the wild ride that was Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. Grady Hendrix has a way with horror and suspense that is perfect for new and old fans.

This story follows Fern, who has exchanged her real identity for a fake flower at the Wellwood House, and the friends she makes as she stays at the boarding house for unwed pregnant girls. Fern and her friends feel helpless and like their futures are inescapable, they will do anything to take control over their lives. Control come in the from of the librarian and her spell book she gives specially to Fern. But soon the girls realize nothing comes without a price.

I enjoyed this mysterious horror story about girlhood and pregnancy more than I expected. I am an avid mystery reader, but am new to delving into horror, this was a great stepping stone. I almost expected more outright horror to begin, and right as I was wondering when the "horror" would begin I was blown out of the water. It was creepy, unnerving, and uncomfortable in all the best ways. The gradual build of body horror was also well done and well paced. This book is perfect for horror and mystery fans, as well as female rage fans.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance the read this ARC. Thank you to Berkley Publishing House for the ARC.

The first half or so of the book went on for a long time though nothing really happened. While it did help set the rather depressing tone of the book by showcasing how frustrating it was to be trapped in the pregnancy home, it could have been shortened without impacting the overall plot. Additionally, it was very disconcerting to read an entire book about teen pregnancy and the lack of care written by a man, especially knowing that Hendrix only ever seems to write horror novels about young women. It was an interesting read, but there are better written works on the theme that are also written by women.

Grady is by far my favorite horror writer. I love how campy his books are and how you can be reading and having so much fun giggling then there is a super graphic description and you remember “oh right this is a horror book” and I love it. One of the biggest critiques people have about Grady’s books are that he doesn’t always give enough depth to the people he writes, but I felt he delivered in this book. I felt so deeply for each of the girls in this book and I wanted to hold their hand the whole time. I do feel that the horror aspect was lacking in this book and it left me wanting more. I still really enjoyed this book I would just warn the usual Grady fans that this is his least “horror” book but still a great read!

I went in expecting horror. It was barely there. A few disturbing scenes, but it's mostly about the young girls in a home for unwed mothers in 1970.. I could've gotten into it anyway, but the characters were all pretty dull. The most interesting one left way too early. Some things our main character says at the end threw me. Went in super excited and wanting to love this, but it was a big miss for me.

I really liked this book, even though it wasn't my favorite Hendrix novel. It focused a lot more on the real life horrors of being a young, pregnant, unmarried woman during the 1970s than any of the supernatural horror elements that I had assumed would be the bulk of the story based on the title and the cover.
It took awhile to get going- to the point where I started to wonder if the book had any supernatural element at all. And then once the witches were introduced...they didn't really do anything for awhile. Luckily, the character development and historic aspect of the storyline kept me engaged enough to continue reading, and I ended up really enjoying the book. I thought the ending worked well, and I loved that the coven leader was a librarian!

Grady Hendrix never disappoints. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is everything I love in a great read. I could relate to all the girls and felt their hopes and fears. I felt deeply for Holly and was very pleased with her outcome. The gore of childbirth was described in such a way that I wondered if Mr. Hendrix had experienced it himself because even though this takes place in 1970 the hospital birthing experience isn't much changed sadly. Amazing read!

An absolute wonder from Grady Hendrix! Set in 1970 and focused on women's issues that (as always) feel near reality even now - this one is an exciting page turner. Always ready for another witchy read, especially from Hendrix. A total winner!

The 1970s were not a place for an unwed teen mother. In this story, we follow our main character as she is taken to a home for unwed mothers to have their babies and then return to her normal life. At this home, she meets a group of girls who support her to get through this tough time. One day, a bookmobile comes by, and the girls are allowed to check out books, but the book Fern checks out is not just any book. It could hold the key to each of these girls getting their hearts' desires.
This book was done so well, and the elements that were meant to creep you out hit me perfectly. I am not normally a horror person, but I enjoy this kind of horror. I also appreciated that the author didn't lean towards the misogynistic tone that this book could have taken. If you have read Hendrix in the past and enjoyed it, then this is a book you will enjoy.

I'll save the summary - there are plenty of those - This is not a book that should be set down. The quicker it's read, the more visceral it feels. Pregnancy and childbirth aren't new topics/experiences for me and not something that I'm particularly squicked out about, but when I tell you that my entire reproductive system was cringing loudly during the birthing sequences, I mean it. And yeah, that's a TW but also me holding it in high esteem. I've read several of Hendrix's books and knew going in that he writes female protags well, but I was worried about how these inherently AFAB experiences would turn out. I'm delighted to say that the author did his homework.

I don't know that I can say that I enjoyed the book so much as I was dragged into this story examining the long-standing oppression of women and girls and how entirely powerless we can be made to feel by those with more authority than us. It was cathartic. I felt the characters' hopelessness and rage and fear and friendship and it was just so well done.


Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an e-arc (that I actually managed to read before the pub date!) in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I feel in love with Grady Hendrix in 2016 when I read Horrorstor. Since, I have highly anticipated and eagerly read each of his works. While I didn't love them all, I found them enjoyable enough, until this one. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls just was not the story for me. I found it incredibly slow and more sad and depressing then anything else. I couldn't find myself caring about the characters and even the "scary" parts weren't that exciting. I am glad I have read the rest of his catalogue before this or I wouldn't have picked up another.

As a person who would not identify as a horror reader...I LOVE Grady Hendrix! I could not put this book down. Even if you don't think you like the genre, please give this one a try! So good!

At a home for unwed mothers in 1970 St. Augustine, Florida, pregnant 15-year-old Neva is dropped off by her father without even a goodbye and quickly learns no one is going to tell her the truth. The truth about what they’re feeling, what to expect, or even what happens during a doctor’s exam. “You’re here to shed your sin.” “Listen and do what you’re told.” She’s even given a new name, Fern, and told not to discuss her past with anyone. When an eccentric librarian gives Fern a book about witchcraft, she and three other girls unlock a power they’ve never experienced before. But that power will come with a very steep price.

It’s easy to slip into the period with the injections of slang, pop culture, and the social climate references into the prose. The witchy elements emerge slowly while readers experience the horrific, oppressive conditions vulnerable girls were forced to endure prior to Roe v. Wade. Hendrix masterfully weaves in the tension, the moments to make the heart pound, and some body horror/birthing gore.

I highly encourage checking out the author’s website to learn about his motivation for writing this book, because the story transcends the horror genre. Its most terrifying moments aren’t from the witchcraft but from reality. As the characters’ innocence is slowly shattered, readers will find their hearts bleeding alongside girls who have been abused, abandoned, and slandered—particularly as our main characters are only 14 and 15 years old. This is an unapologetic coming-of-age story of pregnant teens without the option of autonomy who, after being silenced and shipped off to give birth, will suffer the rest of their lives as their babies are taken away and they’re told to forget. It’s an unforgettable, brutally honest read that’s timely in its release.

This was a tough read. Mostly because of the subject matter - pregnant teens shipped off to a home in FL where they have no bodily autonomy whatsoever & are forced to give up their babies once they’re born, however necessary. But it was also very slow and could have been much shorter.

If you listen on audio, beware of the MANY MINUTES of straight HOWLING towards the end. It goes on forever & it’s incredibly annoying.

Kudos to Grady though for pulling off a good description of the female experience.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.