The witch suspense is a common theme found in various forms of literature, movies, and television shows. It revolves around the character of a witch, often portrayed as a woman with supernatural powers and a connection to dark magic. The suspense comes from the mysterious and often sinister nature of the witch, as well as the potential danger she presents to the other characters in the story. One of the key elements of the witch suspense is the fear of the unknown. The audience is often left in the dark about the true motivations and intentions of the witch, which generates a sense of uncertainty and tension. This uncertainty is often amplified by the witch's ability to manipulate and deceive those around her, making it difficult for the other characters to discern her true nature.
"Unputdownable. Relying on a large cast of well-developed characters and an intricate plot, Bohjalian skillfully ratchets up the tension all the way through the exceptional ending."
--Modern Mrs. Darcy
Hour of the Witch is set well in the past, but its witch-accusation drama feels contemporary enough to drive home how far Americans still have to go in dismantling the patriarchy. To ease the woman s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred and is then found dead the next morning.
This uncertainty is often amplified by the witch's ability to manipulate and deceive those around her, making it difficult for the other characters to discern her true nature. Another aspect of the witch suspense is the power dynamic between the witch and the other characters. The witch is often portrayed as being more powerful or knowledgeable than those around her, giving her an advantage in any potential conflict.
Witch Lit: Five Novels Featuring Witchcraft
Witches—and witch trials—have long been a subject of fascination in literature. Not even Shakespeare was immune. In Macbeth, the Weird Sisters (originally called the Weyward Sisters) set the scene for the bard’s tragedy about fate, evil and malign female influence. Fast forward four hundred years, and witchy novels—across a range of genres—are bigger than ever.
Perhaps we’re so spellbound by witches because we find them difficult to explain. The witch trials of the early modern period are one of the darkest chapters in human history: thousands of people, mainly women, were put to death in continental Europe, Britain and North America. This was a phenomenon that spanned continents and religions: Salem’s Puritan hysteria burns bright in the imagination, but Catholic countries—such as France—executed witches, too.
Given that it was mainly women who were killed, we can’t ignore that misogyny played a role. And you’d be forgiven for thinking that the sort of sexism that led to the witch trials has been left behind in the past. Instead, it seems to have morphed into something different, something insidious. Lurking in our workplaces, governments, courtrooms—even in our homes. As women process our frustration with continued gender inequality—from domestic violence to attacks on reproductive rights—it makes sense that witches and witch trials still resonate today.
After all, a witch is persecuted because she’s feared. And she’s feared because she’s powerful. A threat.
In my novel WEYWARD, I was inspired by the Pendle Witch Trials that took place in Lancaster, England in 1612 and which led to the execution of eight women, namely from two families headed by matriarchs. I was struck by this—that it was powerful women living outside of traditional patriarchal structures who had been targeted. Writing at the time of the pandemic, when news reports highlighted rising rates of domestic violence in lockdown, I wanted to use the past to hold a mirror up to the present—to explore how misogyny continues today. But I also wanted to showcase the power in female resilience and community. I think there’s a magic in reclaiming the label of “witch” from the past, in subverting the idea of malevolent female influence that led to the witch trials.
“Witch lit” is a reminder that misogyny echoes through time. But it can also be a powerful, even joyful, reclamation of female strength and mystery—as the novels listed below demonstrate.
Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner
First published in 1926, at a time when women were dependent upon male guardians for financial security, this moving, funny novel might be the original example of “witch lit.” Fed up of relying on the charity of her male relatives, English spinster Laura “Lolly” Willowes moves to the rural village of Great Mop in search of independence. There, she adopts a kitten named Vinegar, and makes a pact with the devil. Lolly becomes a witch, as she puts it, “to have a life of one’s own, not an existence doled out to you by others.” An ode to female freedom that’s as relevant now as it was a century ago.
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
The memorably named Fleetwood Shuttleworth fights for justice in Halls’ enthralling novel based on the infamous Pendle Witch Trials in 1612 (which also inspired my novel). Young noblewoman Fleetwood is pregnant again after a heart-breaking series of miscarriages. A chance encounter with Alice Gray, a local healer and midwife who promises she can save Fleetwood’s child, leads to an unlikely alliance between the two women. But as hysteria sweeps the land and suspicion falls on Alice, Fleetwood will have to summon all her courage and wit to prove her new friend’s innocence. Halls’ spellbinding tale shines a light on the misogyny of the past—and draws female friendship out of the shadows.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Witch lit blends beautifully with mythology in Miller’s lyrical novel about the infamous sorceress from The Odyssey. Circe, child of a god and a nymph, is lonely and unloved from birth (her parents wanted a son, but concede she might be traded in marriage for “something better”). An encounter with Prometheus sparks her curiosity of mortals, and through her transformation of fisherman into a god (he later leaves her for the nymph Scylla, who Circe turns into a monster for revenge)— she discovers that she is a pharmakis. A witch. The gods punish her for the possession of a “power greater than their own” and she is banished to live alone on an island, Aiaia. There, she hones her craft. By the time Odysseus and his men wash up on her shoes, she is at the height of her powers—but their union will have devastating consequences. Miller imbues the old story of Odysseus’ marooning on Aiaia with new magic, crafting an unforgettable heroine in the process.
The Lighthouse Witches by CJ Cooke
Cooke takes inspiration from the Scottish witch trials in this inventive and unpredictable thriller. The setting—an abandoned lighthouse named “The Longing” on the remote Scottish island Lòn Haven—drips with atmosphere. Not least because The Longing happens to be built over the Witches Hide—a cave where women were held before being tried as witches in 1662. The novel seamlessly interweaves two timelines: in the 1990s, artist Liv arrives on Lòn Haven with her three daughters in tow, having been commissioned to paint a strange mural inside The Longing. Twenty years later, Luna, one of those daughters, barely remembers the vanishing of her family. But a strange discovery forces her to confront the past. Peppered throughout is the much older story of a local boy who sees his mother accused in the island’s witch trials. Gripping and disturbing, The Lighthouse Witches blends themes of motherhood, folklore and superstition into a terrifying tale you won’t forget. Keep the lights on for this one.
Venco by Cherie Dimaline
Lucky St James isn’t exactly living up to her name: she’s stuck in a dead-end temp job and she and her grandmother, Stella, are about to be evicted from their Toronto apartment. But the discovery of a mysterious silver spoon—engraved with the image of a cackling witch and the word “Salem”—opens the door to a world she never imagined. A world where women of all backgrounds are drawn together in a quest to save humanity from destruction by uniting seven magic silver spoons. But they’d better be sure that immortal witchfinder Jay Christos—hellbent on wiping witches from the face of the earth—doesn’t get there first. And they’re running out of time. Packed with humour and wit, Dimaline’s inclusive fantasy is a delight. You’ll want to join this coven.
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The memorably named Fleetwood Shuttleworth fights for justice in Halls’ enthralling novel based on the infamous Pendle Witch Trials in 1612 (which also inspired my novel). Young noblewoman Fleetwood is pregnant again after a heart-breaking series of miscarriages. A chance encounter with Alice Gray, a local healer and midwife who promises she can save Fleetwood’s child, leads to an unlikely alliance between the two women. But as hysteria sweeps the land and suspicion falls on Alice, Fleetwood will have to summon all her courage and wit to prove her new friend’s innocence. Halls’ spellbinding tale shines a light on the misogyny of the past—and draws female friendship out of the shadows.
This power imbalance fuels the suspense as the audience wonders how the other characters will be able to confront or defeat the witch. The witch suspense is also often associated with the supernatural and paranormal. Witches are often depicted as being able to perform spells, curses, and other magical feats, which adds an element of fantasy and mysticism to the story. The presence of these supernatural elements can escalate the tension and suspense, as the audience is left wondering what other powers or abilities the witch may possess. Additionally, the witch suspense can also play on cultural and historical fears and prejudices. In many societies, witches have been associated with evil and blamed for various misfortunes and tragedies. This association can be exploited in a story to heighten the suspense and create a sense of unease or dread. By tapping into these fears and prejudices, the witch suspense can tap into deeper emotions and anxieties within the audience. In conclusion, the witch suspense is a popular and effective narrative tool used to generate tension, uncertainty, and fear. It relies on the mysterious and often sinister nature of witches, as well as their abilities to manipulate, deceive, and harm others. By exploiting fears of the unknown, power imbalances, supernatural elements, and cultural prejudices, the witch suspense creates a captivating and suspenseful narrative experience for the audience..
Reviews for "The Witch Within: Unveiling the Inner Darkness in Witch Suspense Stories"
1. John - 1/5
I found "The Witch Suspense" to be incredibly boring and predictable. The plot was unoriginal, and I could see every plot twist coming from a mile away. The characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about what was happening to them. The pacing was slow, and I found myself checking the time repeatedly, waiting for something interesting to happen. Overall, I was very disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling suspense novel.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I was excited to read "The Witch Suspense" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was dull and lacking in description, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The suspense was minimal, and there were no truly shocking or unexpected moments. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions were often unrealistic. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied by the end of the book.
3. Michael - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Witch Suspense," but it failed to meet my expectations. The storyline had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of monotony followed by brief moments of action. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The ending was abrupt and left too many loose ends. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read that did not live up to its promise of suspense.
4. Emma - 1/5
"The Witch Suspense" was a major letdown for me. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary subplots that added nothing to the overall story. The character development was lacking, and I found it hard to care about their fates. The writing style was overly descriptive, bogging down the narrative and making it a chore to read. The suspense was practically non-existent, and I was left feeling bored and uninterested throughout the entire book. I would not recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thrilling suspense read.