A Spell to Wake the Dead is the tale of besties Nora and Mazzy who live in the Cape Cod area and like to dabble in witchcraft. Mazzy tends to be more reserved in her craft and Nora is open to taking chances. Nora finds a spell on line and she and Mazzy cast it under the moon and moments later a dead body washes up on shore. The girls have no idea how this happened or what spell they actually cast. Nora starts hearing voices and then finds another dead body. The police have questions. There parents are worried. The two girls are on a path and have no idea which way they are going or what will be the ultimate outcome. Big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book. Its a great YA book and a fun journey on witchcraft and what can happen when you play with magic.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nicole Lesperance’s “A Spell to Wake the Dead” is an atmospheric, eerie YA thriller that focuses on witchcraft and murder. Set against the haunting backdrop of Cape Cod, this novel follows best friends Mazzy and Nora, two amateur witches whose late-night spellwork leads them to a horrifying discovery—a woman’s mutilated body on the beach. What starts as a grisly murder mystery soon spirals into something far more sinister as the girls uncover a dangerous occult society, the Hand of Nephthys, that thrives on dark magic and human sacrifices.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its chilling ambiance. Lesperance creates a setting that feels alive with secrets, from the whispering marshes to the cold, shifting tides. The supernatural elements are seamlessly woven into the story—ghostly visions, vanishing evidence, and an unseen force pulling Mazzy and Nora deeper into a conspiracy that defies logic. As Mazzy begins to experience hauntings tied to the dead woman, the book raises an unsettling question: Is she solving the mystery, or is the mystery consuming her?

Mazzy, our protagonist, is both relatable and frustrating. Her dynamic with Nora is compelling but flawed—Nora’s reckless nature often puts them in danger, and Mazzy’s admiration for her friend sometimes blinds her to the risks they’re taking. There’s a streak of immaturity in Mazzy’s jealousy, particularly when she resents Nora for receiving attention after a traumatic event, but this trait feels authentic for a teenager struggling with self-worth. Their friendship is tested as the danger escalates, leading to a well-earned character arc for Nora, who matures by the book’s end.

The romance between Mazzy and Elliott, a boy who remains unwaveringly on her side, adds a tender counterbalance to the book’s dark themes. Their slow-burn connection feels natural and provides a grounding presence amidst the chaos. Elliott’s steadfast belief in Mazzy, even when others doubt her sanity, makes him a standout character.

While the book delivers a gripping mystery, the climax is somewhat chaotic, weaving together multiple threads that can feel overwhelming. Some elements—like the background of the Hand of Nephthys—could have been expanded for greater impact, as their sinister presence remains somewhat underexplored. Still, the book’s conclusion is satisfying, tying up loose ends while allowing its characters to move forward.

Overall, “A Spell to Wake the Dead” is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers. With its blend of witchcraft and atmospheric horror, it offers a chilling, fast-paced ride that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group for YA Readers, for this ARC.

This book was a pleasant surprise, blending themes of friendship, mystery, and coming-of-age. Throughout the story, we follow Mazzy, Nora and Elliot joining them to form an engaging friendship trio.

The book has a strong sense of mystery, occultism with mythological (specifically Egyptian) elements woven in. The atmosphere is immersive, and the tension builds as our main characters stumble upon a dead body on the beach, leading them to uncover gripping secrets.

The reason this is a 4-star review instead of 5 is that some parts of the plot felt weak or underdeveloped. Most of the action takes place toward the end, and I wish there had been more time dedicated to exploring the cult—delving deeper into its role and how it ties everything together.

That was my only concern because this book has everything—from the occult and mystery to friendship and the challenges of being a teenager. Overall, it was a great read, perfect to finish in a day!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the witchcraft and the mystery. I felt like there a few parts that didn't flow as well as it could have, I was left rereading sections to see if I could figure out how the author got from point A to point B. Overall, I felt like it was a solid read.
Mazzy and Nora are best friends and their passion is witchcraft. No really understands their interests but everyone assumes they will grow out of it. They decide to do a full moon ritual to reveal hidden things on the beach with their best friend Elliott present, only the spell doesn't go as planned. At the end of the ritual, they find a dead body on the beach. Mazzy and Nora feel connected to the woman and they want to help her. They begin to investigate this murder on their own, but pretty soon they find a second body. They're pretty it has something to do with the occult and they're pretty sure they're in danger now, but they can't stop now.

This book was phenomenal! I loved so much about it that I just can’t put into words. It had everything; mystery, humor, horror, romance, the supernatural, friendship, and suspense. It had me so enthralled that I read straight through until it was done! I adored Mazzy, Nora, and Elliot. They made the story. The plot was twisty and fantastically written. Kudos, can’t wait to see more from this author!

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD by Nicole Lesperance
Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the earc (Aug26)

Mazzy and Nora dabble in witchcraft. One night, after completing a spell/ritual, they discover a dead body. Then Nora finds another. They know it's greater than real life, it's supernatural. Together, they work to sever the connection before they are next.
Okay, I really liked this book. It was two genres that I enjoy reading---mystery and fantasy---all rolled into one. There's magic, pining, and m*rder. It's like the best of al worlds.
This book drew me in almost instantly. After the first spell was completed, and the body was washed onto shore, everything that happened after was a whirlwind. It was like a spell was cast over me, enticing me to solve the mystery. I found this book to be thrilling, and I really loved the dramatics.
A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD is easily devourable and the a-ha moments really worm they're way into your mind because though early on we know who is responsible, we don't actually know who is responsible until BOOM, everything falls into place. This is definitely a must read for mystery and magic lovers.

First off I would love to thank the author Nicole and GP Putnam for sending me this arc! I had such a blast reading this!

The story was so hauntingly captivated and I was hooked from the very beginning at Mayflower Beach. I loved trying to solve the mystery along side the characters and eating up the lingering looks between Mazzy and Elliot. I actually connected with Mazzy quite a bit and really related to her inner thoughts and struggles a lot. I thought the different levels of the mystery was so exciting! What started as a murder turned into a full blown witchy sacrificial cult and I loved every bit of it. I thought the author captured a different side of the cape that was really cool to read about. The marshes and beaches definitely have some secrets to hide and I loved the setting a lot. Even though i’m biased because my family is all from there. Really enjoyed this! 5 stars!

Mazzy and Norah like to practice witchcraft, often performing simple spells that have a variety of success. When the girls sneak out to the beach to perform a spell, they find a woman's body that is missing their hands and teeth. There seems to be something supernatural about the woman's death and when the girls start to investigate, they find a pattern of local disappearances linked to a secret society. Both of the girls start to have visions and when a whispering voice leads Norah to a second body, the girls realize they might be next.

If you love a combination of murder mysteries and supernatural, I will highly recommend this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the occult and secret society. I would have enjoyed a little more focus on the background of the Hand of Nephthys and the secondary characters that were involved in the mystery, but still really enjoyed this book overall.

A Spell to Wake the Dead is out August 26th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review A Spell to Wake the Dead. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this story! Our heroine, Mazzy, is a casually witchy teen along with her best friend, Nora. While going to the beach to watch the moon, they stumble across a body with no hands or teeth and are drawn into a murder investigation. The odd Detective Huld seems suspicious, and the girls don't feel comfortable sharing their concerns. As Nora and Mazzy delve deeper, spurred on by the ghost of the dead woman in Nora's head, they become entangled in the web of the Hand of Nepthys, a VERY dangerous cult. As the bodies keep piling up, Nora and Mazzy have to race against time to find justice for the dead girls, but not everything is as it seems. The characters are compelling, the story is suspenseful, and I did not see the end coming! I wholeheartedly recommend this for fans of the paranormal and YA.

This was a very fun and spooky time, I immensely enjoyed reading this. The main characters are relatable and well written, it was great to follow them around.  But it would've been nice if we learned more about the occult world. 
One thing that bothered me was when our main character got weirdly jealous of her friend after something bad happened to her because of the attention this came with. I don't think the character really overcame this thought and we just moved on. 
Nevertheless, this is a highly recommendable read.

If you're looking for a haunting, magical read filled with mystery, emotion, and just the right amount of eerie charm, this book is perfect. It weaves an enchanting tale that lingers long after the last page.

A grisly discovery on a local beach sends friends Mazzy, Nora, and Elliot on a weird adventure involving dead bodies, a cult, and some real paranormal activity.

I thought this was a good story idea. I liked that the magic was real and taken seriously. I liked the setting and the atmosphere. I thought the pacing was good and the plot was nicely resolved. There were some real creepy moments that I thought were written well.

It is very YA - and that is okay - kids need books written for them. Every book doesn't need to be fun or interesting for adults to be worth publishing. However, I found myself wishing for more background on the cult and less emphasis on teen angst and romance. I was interested in knowing the characters better and the only one I felt got that space was Mazzy.

I would recommend this to a teenager who likes this sort of thing in a heart beat. Im sure they will love it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did a good job of developing the relationships among the main characters. Great descriptions of the female protagonists and their interest in Wicca. Also appreciated the addition of the male friend, who brought a fun chemistry to the story. The plot was interesting and well developed as the story line got more intense. I would have liked a bit more time spent on the denouement. It was a very exciting scene and, given the dramatic build up, it would have been great to have a bit more of a detailed explanation of the characters and their motivations as the story drew to a close.
All in all, a fun, exciting read!

I was super into the premise and it sounded like an incredible book. Unfortunately, I DNF’d the book about 30% in because I had trouble following why there were dead bodies everywhere because it felt very abrupt.

2.5
Pet peeve: Sure there are dead bodies everywhere and it's unclear how this is all related and whether or not we are in literal mortal peril, but do you think Elliot likes me?
Pet peeve: Transcendent and Trancendental are different things.
Pet peeve: I have elected this character as the one with ill intent (for no particular reason) and must therefore assume that every bad actor is this person in some kind of disguise (for no particular reason).

A Spell to Wake the Dead is an urban fantasy novel with touches of horror, following Mazzy and her friends, Nora and Elliott. The two girls are obsessed with witchcraft and frequently perform rituals with various degrees of success. On the night they decide to try a spell they found online, they uncover something disturbing: the body of a woman on the shore.

From that moment on, the three friends find themselves entangled in an investigation that goes beyond the natural, haunted by spectral presences demanding their involvement in uncovering the mystery and seeking justice. When they cross paths with a perilous cult, they realize they are in serious danger and that they have encountered something far beyond their understanding.

This YA novel stands out for its readability, with a fast-paced plot where something is always happening, keeping the story moving at a breakneck speed. The presence of witchy elements such as tarot, spells, and amulets will delight readers interested in these topics, along with occasional references to various cults. Occultism plays a crucial role in the plot and helps maintain the suspense.

One aspect I particularly liked is that the protagonists' interest in witchcraft is never ridiculed. Even at the beginning when they have no evidence that what they believe in is real, their beliefs are not questioned.

The plot keeps you on edge, with constant twists that challenge these girls as they are forced to take justice into their own hands. In terms of pacing, A Spell to Wake the Dead is a quick read, balancing action with some introspective moments. However, this rapid pacing sometimes accelerates the plot so much that certain revelations don’t feel as impactful as they should.

Another aspect that might leave readers wanting more is the lack of explanation regarding certain key elements. While these details help maintain an air of mystery, they might also frustrate those looking for a clearer resolution.

Overall, A Spell to Wake the Dead is a gripping and fast-paced read, perfect for fans of YA horror with elements of witchcraft and supernatural mystery. If you're looking for an atmospheric and tension-filled story, this book won’t disappoint. However, if you prefer slower narratives with deeper character exploration, you might feel like something is missing.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC**

Be careful what you wish for …

Mazzy and Nora’s seemingly innocent attempt at a spell quickly spirals into a chilling and dangerous supernatural mystery. While trying to uncover hidden things, the two girls stumble upon the body of a young woman, brutally murdered and missing her hands and teeth. As the investigation progresses, they are haunted by the restless spirit of the murdered woman, who is desperate to solve the mystery of her death. But as all clues point to a secretive, deadly society, the girls must navigate a treacherous path to avoid meeting the same grisly fate.

What truly surprised me about this book was how deeply it leans into its magical elements. Initially, I expected a more straightforward story where the magic was mostly mundane but the story quickly dove into darker territory, exploring cults, tarot, and rituals grounded into the reality of the world rather than this being abnormal. These elements raise the stakes and creates a sense of urgency and tension that builds as the mystery unfolds.

That said, while the eerie atmosphere and occult themes were compelling, the book falters in terms of character development and plot cohesion. Mazzy and Nora are likeable enough but ultimately feel a bit flat. Their personalities don’t seem to leave a lasting impression, especially given the high stakes they’re facing. The rapid pace of the story doesn’t allow for much emotional depth, which results in characters who remain more plot devices than fully realized individuals. This is especially apparent in the book's climax, where a twist involving a character we’ve met earlier felt more confusing than shocking—largely because I hadn’t had enough time to become truly invested in who these people were.

In terms of plot, while the twists and creepy moments are certainly memorable, the overall narrative feels a bit rushed. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but the plot doesn’t offer enough room for the kind of character development that would have made the story truly resonate. By the time the shocking revelations arrive, I found myself more focused on the supernatural elements than the characters’ fates, which is disappointing considering the book’s emotional potential.

Ultimately this is a fast-paced read, especially for those who enjoy supernatural mysteries with dark magic and occult themes. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more substance this one may leave you wanting more. It’s a fun ride, but its surface-level emotional impact keeps it from being a truly memorable read.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Well, this was — dare I say? — spellbinding. V much here for treating occultism with respect (of course the baddies are bad because they don’t!) and the casual treatment of LGBT characters. Completely adorable and now I need to find more from Lesperance. Would have finished it in one sitting but I had to go to a dinner. My only regret is that I am vacation halfway around the world from my own Midnight Alchemy — but I was inspired to set the stones I travelled with and a bottle of water out to change under tonight’s full moon.

Also; giving low stars bc you DNF or hate finished a book with even the slightest hint of non-white/straight/cis representation shouldn’t be allowed. That’s not an opinion, that’s hurting an author bc bigotry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book follows Mazzy and Nora, who discover a body on the beach after they decide to practice witchcraft. A Spell to Wake the Dead was mysterious and full of heart, with an overarching theme of friendship. I loved the pacing, the atmosphere and the character development. It was a quick, interesting read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the YA genre!

This book was so good! The witchcraft elements had me on edge the entire time—seriously, I could feel my hair standing on end. If the author had included actual incantations, I think it would have made the book even darker, and honestly, I might not have been able to sleep after reading it!

The pacing was just right, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I loved every twist and turn, and the story-building was fantastic. The characters' development was also well executed, making each one feel real and layered. And the ending? Perfect. I really appreciated that it didn’t rely on a last-minute plot twist, which is such a cliché in spirit- and horror-related stories.

Overall, this was a thrilling read, and I absolutely enjoyed every moment of it!