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.

Grady Hendrix’s Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a haunting blend of historical fiction and supernatural horror that delves into one of the darkest chapters of feminist history. Set in 1970 at the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida—a grim haven for unwed, pregnant girls—this story centers on fifteen-year-old Fern, whose journey from fear to quiet rebellion is deeply moving.

The young girls at Wellwood are flawed, resilient, and achingly human, each bringing unique struggles to the narrative. When Fern discovers a book on witchcraft, it becomes a tool for the girls to reclaim power in a world determined to silence them. Hendrix uses witchcraft not as the centerpiece but as a metaphor for control, agency, and the costs of resistance.

The historical setting is vividly oppressive, and the staff at Wellwood—while often despicable—are written with surprising complexity. Characters like Hagar, the bold cook, and her sister Miriam offer moments of light in the darkness.

The true horror here isn’t the occult but the real-life injustices faced by these girls. Departing from his usual horror-comedy, Hendrix crafts a mature, empathetic tale that’s equal parts devastating and empowering. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a powerful, unforgettable read that cements Hendrix as a master storyteller.

What an amazing book by the ever remarkable Grady Hendrix. I do believe this is his best work yet. I simply devoured the story of Fern, Zinnia, Rose and Holly, being completely sidelined in their own lives by the unfairness of our patriarchal world. The witches were actually a subplot to me compared to the absolutely riveting scenes depicting the inference of childbirth experiences, hospital versus midwife. Setting this in the 1960’s-70’s was also a smart move, because it mirrors our current political climate and shows us just how far back we’re falling in America. Bless Hendrix for his strong female characters.

As someone who felt let down by the last couple Grady Hendrix books, I am so happy to report that the author is in top form here! The story centers on Fern, a unwed girl who is pregnant, which, in 1970, means being hidden away in an effort to reduce the shame and stigma felt by her family (or at least helping them not have to think about it). The hiding place is a home run by Miss Wellwood in the woods outside of St. Augustine, Florida.

At the home Fern meets a diverse group of girls who all have their own stories and hopes, dreams and fears. They are all under the strict watch of Miss Wellwood those who work for and with her. Everything they do is closely monitored, but they do get to visit a traveling library, which is where Fern is given a book of witchcraft by the librarian who is much more than she seems. Fern and the girls she is closest with discover the power of the book, feeling the rush of p0tential freedom it offers while confronting the terrible prices that must be paid.

I was really worried about the book being written by a man and it being deeply and intimately about vulnerable girls. It begs the question: is this Grady Hendrix's story to tell? As a man myself, I cannot really answer that question. The best I can say is that I cared very much about these girls, and they and their experiences felt true and authentic. The core characters felt fully portrayed and characterized (including the antagonists), and I was pulled into the story the entire time. That being said, I am sure women will and are having a different experience of this book than I am so be sure to seek out their reviews as well.

Speaking for myself, I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough for my fellow horror fans as well as those who love well-drawn characters, a deep sense of place in what they read, and hope in the midst of darkness. That last one I was not expecting, and I really appreciated it. Check this one out!

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

A novel that takes place during the 70's about young women who have become pregnant/unwed! GASP, but also they are teenagers and that sucks. We learn about the MCs and why they are there and really I enjoyed this book for the lady power, but also it sucks that the witches weren't as cool as I wanted them to be, but they did do a cool thing at the end at least. Great read, but definitely difficult to get through if you are a lady.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was a moving thrill ride with rich, deeply drawn characters - both the villains and the (anti)heroes. A fantastic read that will keep you in suspense and give you the feels.

This was definitely interesting! I thought it was really well written and the child-birth scenes were hard to read. That was so intense. I wish it had been more witchy but I know that’s not what it was fully about. The story was interesting and sad and had some creepy parts. I’d recommend it to a friend.

This is my first Grady Hendrix book and he did not disappoint!

This book follows a 15 year old girl who is pregnant and unwed. She is taken to a home that is for young women who are pregnant and unwed. It’s 1970, pre Roe v Wade. These young girls are taken advantage of and sent away to dispel their problem that is deemed wrong in their society. It isn’t their choice, their choice is taken away. Sound familiar? These young girls get their hands on witchcraft and you can only imagine what happens when they take their power back.

Hendrix shows humor during a dark time with horror in between. He does not shy away from gruesome details of child birth. He also does not shy away from exploiting the negative feelings of having a child out of wedlock in society.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the E-Arc!

This was my second Grady Hendrix novel and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Absolutely captivating, immersive and incredibly descriptive writing. Fell in love with the characters and felt so much for them and what they were being put through. The only thing that kept this from being a 5⭐️ for me was the pacing - I found it to be a bit slow for the first half of the book. But overall, I highly recommend this and look forward to reading more work by this author!

When Neva discovers she is pregnant her parents decide to send her to a home for unwed teenage mothers. Each girl is assigned the name of a flower, thus Neva becomes Fern. Upon entering the home, Fern meets a garden of teenaged girls with bulbous, bulging bellies like hers. Striking up friendships with Rose, Zinnea and Holly, a 14 year old who reveals a devastating story of abuse to her new friends. Fern, Rose, and Zinnea know they can't allow Holly and her baby to go home to her abuser. Asking the librarian of the bookmobile, who also happens to be a witch, they discover that together they can make things happen, through magic. And this is how they are going to help Holly. However, asking for things comes with a price, and Fern needs to pay. Chaos ensues, babies are born and taken away, and the time has come to pay.

The first 60% of this book was mundane to me. It was difficult to keep up with it because simply nothing was happening. At 60% it is like a light switch was turned on and I was absolutely enthralled in the story. It was like a lifeless thing suddenly and excitedly came to life before my eyes, I couldn't look away or put the book down! But then it dropped off again and I didn't quite "get" the ending. It felt a bit misplaced, the girls calling themselves witches, when they literally turned their noses up at the witches in the first place. Something about that doesn't sit right with me.

An enthralling read - the story was a good build of developing the characters (the wayward girls) up to the witchcraft and the reasons they decided to turn in that direction. You really come to understand the girls, feel for them and all that they have been through. And you definitely grow to hate the people in charge (and the families of the girls). I think what I’m trying to say here is Hendrix has done a masterful job of character development. A really well-written, slow burn novel that is at times sad and maddening and terrifying.

This was an interesting read. The way it reads entirely true crime with such witchy vibes was captivating. I wanted to know more of the girls and what come of them.

2025 just started and I'm not really sure what could top this title. Let's start with.. Grady Hendrix, clearly, doesn't just hear, but listens.
As a female - I will forever appreciate Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. If I happen to have girls - this will be on their reading list one day. The depth of understanding of what it's like to be a woman is beyond what I thought was possible by a male author, so thank you for expanding my worldview.

Reading about the experiences of these young wayward girls was an emotional roller coaster which I didn't want to end. This book is full of raw emotion and, well.... life. For the first third of the title we're getting to know the plot, the characters, their thoughts and emotional growth and then the magic takes over. This book is probably not for the fainthearted. Grady has a beautiful and horrifying way of describing the grotesque, but the read itself is only horrifying because this happened to girls all over our country. I loved the incorporated old-school forms of witchcraft, it was a nice breath of fresh air after reading so much about the "modernized" versions of witches.

I haven't stopped suggesting this book, nor will I. Bravo!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy ahead of the release date.

If you love your horror with a side of nostalgic teenage angst, eerie supernatural happenings, and Grady Hendrix’s signature dark humor, this one is going to own you.

It’s got small-town secrets, old friendships that never quite healed, and a creeping sense of dread that builds until you’re questioning everything. Think The Craft meets Yellowjackets, but with Hendrix’s signature blend of psychological terror and sharp, biting wit.

TL;DR: If you love witchy horror, eerie coming-of-age stories, and books that make you nervous about turning off the lights, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is an absolute must-read.

I've only read a couple of Grady Hendrix's books so far, but was still excited to receive an advanced copy of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a narrative about young, unwed girls in the 70s who are pregnant and are sent to homes for pregnant girls by their parents - a way for their parents to avoid acknowledging the shame of their daughters being pregnant. It was an interesting narrative for Grady Hendrix to take on, one that could be considered risky and one that could have been done poorly, however Grady Hendrix successfully tackled the societal issues within this book. This book captures the way these girls are dismissed and let down by the systems in place to take their babies, but also by their families, churches, and communities. The reader feels the frustration of how powerless the girls are, the unfairness of the control others have taken over them. The way these feelings have been captured in this book make for a hard and uncomfortable read, but that is what makes it successful as well.

Overall the plot was enjoyable - the relationships between the girls being one of the highest strengths of the book. The pacing could have been a little quicker, as there were some slower points of the book that dragged a little, but for the most part it was pretty close to what it needed to be.

Overall, this book was heart wrenching, humorous, uncomfortable, and fun all mixed into one book.

Hendrix knows how to churn out a frightening, yet tender hearted novel. I do wish he would try and write something from a male's perspective, just once.

This story delves into the harsh realities of underage pregnancy in the 1970s and how society shunned young girls in these situations. When Fern becomes pregnant, her parents send her away to a home for unwed mothers, where she and dozens of others are hidden away, forced to give up their babies. Every aspect of their lives—what they eat, say, and do—is strictly controlled by the adults in charge. During her time there, Fern meets a librarian who gives her a book on witchcraft, introducing her to a world where, for the first time, she feels a sense of power. But as with all power, there is always a price to pay.

Overall thoughts:
I’m a little conflicted with this one—I think I was expecting more. While the premise intrigued me, the pacing felt slow, and at times, it seemed to drag. The plot was lacking, making certain sections feel drawn out. Fern’s character, in particular, tested my patience, and I didn’t see as much character growth as I had hoped for. That said, the author did an excellent job portraying the helplessness of these girls and the harsh societal consequences they faced. The strongest part of the book, for me, was the ending, which wrapped things up in a way that made the journey feel worthwhile.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is by far my favorite title by this author. My heart broke for the characters and I want to wrap them all up in a big hug. Teenagers should never have to make the decisions the characters in this book did. As a librarian, not a huge fan of the fact that one of the main “villains” was a librarian witch, but I think anyone reading this would understand the true evil in this book runs deeper than any one character.

WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS is Grady Hendrix's best novel so far. This is for several reasons. Sure, setting the story in a Pre-Roe and still segregated South helps with his messaging. There is just enough distance to comfortably declare that what happens is the past and things are better now. Yet, there is plenty of uncertainty today around women's rights, especially medical. This uncertainty creates a frisson of discomfort while reading.

To that, he layers on the fantastical elements of the story. He uses characters, one generation removed from enslavement and their strong belief system in Hoodooism, to build an atmosphere where it is difficult to separate fantasy and fiction, real and magic. Nothing of what the girls experience is implausible. If anything, you can logically explain every "otherworldly" scene in the book. But that setting, summer in the Deep South, living in an old plantation, a Mammy-like figure who is just as likely to smack you as help you but who firmly believes in magic, it all converges into a film that blurs the finest of details and makes the impossible possible.

If that weren't enough, Mr. Hendrix uses the real-life historical horrors of being unmarried and pregnant in the early seventies. While it is easy to say you understand the pressures women faced to remain "pure" and the depths to which society kept girls and women ignorant of simple biology. It is another thing entirely to see it happen over and over again, and that is just what Mr. Hendrix does.

It doesn't matter the age or the fact that the girl might have a serious boyfriend. Every girl is in that home because their family cannot bear the consequences of having an unwed pregnant daughter. It doesn't matter how a girl gets pregnant in WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS. There is no such thing as rape. Every girl got pregnant simply because they were wicked or bad or promiscuous or troubled or slutty. The levels of disgust you feel from Mr. Hendrix's words are beyond expectations.

Yet, for all those layers upon layers of the story he weaves into WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS, Mr. Hendrix's true magic lays in the mirror he holds up to the hypocrisy of a patriarchal, Christian, and righteous society. The only allies the girls have are each other and the one or two individuals they meet who do not conform to the patriarchal and Christian parts of that society. The girls face anger, disgust, condescension, fear, and a shit-ton of mansplaining almost every minute of every day, and therein lies the true horror of the story. It is not in the supernatural and scary parts of the story. It is in the fact that girls really did experience that smugness of religious "purity" and that we are one small step away from having to endure it all again.

I could go on to say how I loved how Mr. Hendrix played around with the narrator, sliding seamlessly from one point of view to another as the main character drifted into and around the action. I could say that the feelings Mr. Hendrix brings to the story are so vivid and so extreme that my stomach gets upset just thinking about certain scenes (SO. MUCH. ANGER. Deserved but still.) In the end, what makes WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS so impressive a story is that you could take away the witch stuff and it would still be a horror story. Because men have always been more vicious and crueler than any mythical beast, and they do so with smiles on their faces and benevolence in their hearts.

WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS was, for me, a novel that devoured me as much as I devoured it. The story took me in and spat me out, emotionally drained and terrified. Terrified of the past and what women went through simply to give birth, let alone if you were a teen mom-to-be. Petrified of a future that sees those sentiments, the ignorance, and the lack of agency arise again. Powerful. Masterful. WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS is a must-read for all.

Atmospheric and haunting, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls examines the difficulties of powerlessness and lack of knowledge. The young women of the novel experience life altering change and are told to sit, listen, and forget. The lure of power in the form of a mysterious book from a mysterious librarian proves to be a temptation with consequences beyond their understanding. The power of friendship, solidarity, and speaking up are bigger than the magic in this book. Excellent character development, descriptions, and a plot that pulses and pulls you along.