Day: February 3, 2022

A Lullaby for Witches by Hester Fox is a book with a great combination of a compelling story and more than a generous dose of mysticism. Fortunately, it also mostly hits all the right notes. Read on for my review.

I will say that I like anything that deals with witchcraft and the mystic. Salem is one of my favorite towns to visit, and I know the history backward and forwards.

This is one reason that I admire that the author largely steered away from Salem. Although Augusta does work there in the opening chapters, most of the action takes place in Tynemouth. It is a great reminder that Salem isn’t the only town susceptible to the history of witches.

The other thing that the author chooses wisely is the timeframe of the “witch.” When thinking about witches and New England, people tend to think of the Salem Witch Trials and the 1600s.

But the stigma that went with knowing herbs and medicinal plants lasted much longer, as evidenced by Margaret’s experiences in the 1870s.

The story’s pace allows the reader to be drawn into both women’s stories and make connections with Augusta. For the first two-thirds of the book, it is effective and keeps the reader engaged.

Where the book falters, however, is in what should be the climax of the story. Without giving anything away, it feels like the switch of focus and events that lead to the climax come out of nowhere.

It is almost like the author decided to take the story in a different direction but didn’t go back and change the build-up to create a foundation for it. As a result, it goes a little gonzo.

Augusta herself was difficult to get a handle on. I felt her character was uneven. She has traits that don’t have any real basis. And some of her “opinions” seem more like the author trying to make socially acceptable points instead of building the character.

There are also a few avenues that I don’t think got proper attention. Augusta’s family tree is never fully explained, and the whole subplot with her mom is manipulative instead of contributive.

But overall, I enjoyed A Lullaby for Witches very much, and I definitely recommend it.  For another great book by Hester Fox, check out my review of The Orphan of Cemetery Hill.

Author Bio: 

Hester Fox is a full-time writer and mother, with a background in museum work and historical archaeology. A native New-Englander, she now lives in rural Virginia with her husband and their son.