C J Cooke can do no wrong! This was another hit. The way she writes and the atmosphere she creates with her writing is electric. I loved the character development in this and the mystery unfolding slowly. It kept me guessing and I couldn't keep up with the twists and turns. There were parts that were so creepy and uncomfortable but I couldn't put it down. Read read read it!!!

Thank you so much HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the arc!

„One's purest signature is the sound of one's fear.
And the Book of Witching holds them all for-ever.“

- Dual timeline (1594/2024)
- Witch trials
- Haunting book
- Pagan practices
- Ritual gone wrong

What I liked:
First things first. I will definitely buy a physical copy of this book for my bookshelf and I think that’s always the biggest compliment when you’ve already read the ebook.
The way the story slowly unravels the mystery by switching between two timelines is so intriguing!
Especially in the 16th century timeline, you're in a constant state of unsettling tension because, with the witch trials, you just know there won't be a happy outcome.
I also found it interesting to read about the small nuances that separated pagan practices and home remedies from what was considered witchcraft by the accusers, especially focused on one specific community on an archipelago.

What I didn’t like:
I wish the final task for the main character was resolved a bit more slowly once she knew what to do. In comparison to the pacing of the rest of the book, it happened very fast and felt a bit too easy.

Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Story & Plot: 4,5/5
Vibes: 5/5

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of Witching is very similar to previous work of C.J. Cooke: if you enjoyed The Lighthouse Witches, you will enjoy this book.

In 1594, Alison Balfour is accused of witchcraft.

In 2024, a daughter is hospitalised after exploring the same place where Alison was convicted.

Packed full of mystery and darkness, this book is perfect for an autumn read.

I have read all of C J Cookes novels and this did not disappoint. It was a real mix of folklore tied into dark family secrets with a really nice twist at the end.

New Author to me, I find myself fascinated by the book. Historical fiction, dual timeline, Well researched and put together. A gripping Page turner.

DNF. I did actually have high hopes for this one but it just sort of fell a little flat. I think this had so much potential, it just unfortunately wasn't executed in the way I'd have liked. I am bumping it up from my usual 1 star for a DNF because I got further through than others but after a certain point I wasn't getting anything from it so finishing it was pointless

A dark duel stranded novel linking the Orkney Witch Trials to the present day. The subject matter is grim in both the 1600s and the present day and there is graphic but no gratuitous detail of physical injury. However, the books does provide a fascinating insight into this period of history and the hysteria and misogyny at the heart of the witch hunting.

The two strands are linked by a mysterious book, The book of Witching, which is not subject to the laws of science and nature as we know it.

A interesting if brutal read.

The Book of Witching felt a little anti-climatic, I guess?

I love a supernatural book and witches are one of my personal favourite authors but this just doesn't hit the spot. I say this as someone who did really love The Lighthouse Witches so I think this is just the case of the right book at the wrong time?

Not anywhere near a terrible book and I will absolutely be picking up C.J. Cooke in the future.

LOVED IT, LOVED IT . Due to health issues cannot not but will write a proper review at a later time
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
It’s taken me a little while to get around to this one, and shame on me for that because this is a very readable book - you are instantly emphatic with both Alison and Clem, and are drawn immediately into their stories. It’s a fictional tale flavoured heavily with historic fact - as much as it is possible to know, at least. For fans of dual timeline stories, Scottish history and a little bit of magic.

Horror thriller fantasy this book had something for everyone i think. I felt every feeling every emotion. I had goosebumps the whole time. I think i found a new favorite author.

The Book of Witching was richly imagined with a nice blend of horror, historical fiction and family and their love. C.J. Cooke is a writer who brought the haunting Orkney Islands to life.

The story jumps between timelines, from modern day to the 1700s, it focuses on women and how religion and control matters in each era. Altogether, a thought-provoking novel.

I'm starting to really like this author - she delivers clever, historical horror fiction with a feminist slant. This one deals with witches and witch trials, and is told in dual perspectives; one in present day and one in the 1500s. It's creepy and atmospheric and gets you thinking about how women have been treated over the years. I don't think this was quite as strong as some of the author's other books, but still an excellent read for spooky season.

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke – ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The Book of Witching drew me in with its rich atmosphere and emotional depth. C.J. Cooke blends folklore, historical horror, and maternal love in a chilling, well-researched tale set in the haunting Orkney Islands.

The story moves between timelines, tying a modern-day tragedy to a 16th-century witch trial. The torture scenes are disturbing but powerful, highlighting the brutal injustices faced by women under the guise of religion and control.

Dark, gripping, and evocative—this is a haunting read that lingers long after the final page.

The Book of witching follows two families across two different timelines, both seemingly linked by the mysterious book with black pages. The prose is beautiful and the narrative woven in such a way to keep you guessing what will happen right until the end.

In the past, Alison Balfour has been falsely accused of witchcraft, her story is a true one and you can see the research that Cooke put into this section of the book.

In the present day nineteen year old Erin is fighting for her life after visiting Orkney with her friends and setting a fire that has left her unconscious and her boyfriend and friend are missing.

I absolutely love historical fiction novels based on real women and the Book of Witching shone a new light on the Orkney witch trials, bringing them to the fore.

There were some parts of the pacing that I found dragged and so I can't rate it above a 4 but overall an enjoyable read.

As always, C.J. Cooke delivers an atmospherically tense thriller, peppering a modern day mystery with a historical account of witches, magic, and the hope of a mother. The pacing is on point, as is the timing and frequency of switches between timelines. I was enthralled throughout, desperate to know more about each storyline, and each of our heroines telling their stories. A remarkable book, and another reason why C.J. Cooke is an autoread author for me

Told in alternative timelines, CJ Cooke begins this tale interwoven with witchcraft, historical fiction, horror and folklore in the town of Orkney in 1594. Alison Balfour has been falsely accused of witchcraft. In present day (2024) nineteen-year-old Erin is fighting for her life on a hospital bed after a hiking trip with friends on Orkney Islands left her unconscious with burn wounds and her boyfriend dead. Clem, her mother, is determined to find out what happened to Erin

CJ Cooke takes us on a parallel journey of what took place in 1594 leading up to Alison's death and how this story is impacting Erin and her mother in the 21st century. Once upon a time there was a book in which select few people of the town screamed their fears into and banded together to protect and guard it. In present day, the book is coveted by those who know little to nothing about it. In this story of family (lost and found), legend, cults, traditions, lineage and ties that may or may not bind, CJ Cooke reveals what happens when we 'play' with artefacts that we do not fully understand and how some of these objects can bind and draw those they call to. It is also a story of how, even when deemed lost, we can never lose our lineage.

I'm forever drawn to books that have women at the centre. When these women act for the good of each other and their communities, it captures me even further. CJ Cooke delivers on the beauty of what happens when women stand up, guard each other and what is theirs.

The Book of Witching is all together spellbinding, enthralling and well crafted. As a historical fiction piece, real life events are meticulously interwoven with fiction.

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke is a spellbinding and atmospheric read, seamlessly blending history, mystery, and the supernatural. I was hooked from the start, drawn into the parallel stories of Clem in present-day Glasgow and Alison Balfour, accused of witchcraft in 1594 Orkney.

The dual timelines are woven together brilliantly, with the enigmatic Book of Witching binding their fates across the centuries. Clem’s quest to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s burns is intense and emotional, while Alison’s struggle for survival is haunting and heartbreaking.

Cooke’s writing is vivid and lyrical, capturing the raw beauty of Orkney and the ever-present sense of danger and intrigue. The tension builds steadily, keeping me guessing right to the end.

Dark, captivating, and thought-provoking, this is a novel that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page. An absolute must-read!

We follow 2 women’s stories in dual timelines. In present day Scotland we follow Clem whose daughter has been found close to death under mysterious circumstances. In 1500’s Orkney we follow Alison as she is accused of witch craft.

I felt more intrigued by the mystery of Clems storyline and at times felt like I was rushing through Alison’s. I felt the link between both timelines could have been stronger as for me I felt they could have been different stories altogether with no link.

I really wanted to love this book and although I did enjoy it there were some areas that let it down. I felt the ending was quite abrupt and wish there had been a bit more explanation.

Thank you Netgalley, C J Cooke and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the Arc of The Book of Witching.


I have read a few of CJ Cooke's books over the last few years and I love her slow build writing style. This gives the reader a real chance to bond with the characters and world building. I always enjoy the duo timelines and how they end up melding together. It does keep you guessing which adds to the mystery side of the narrative. Combining mystery, chilling vibes and historical fiction about witches and women makes a wonderful mix for me and brings a multitude of emotions to be experienced throughout reading..

I also had the pleasure if listening to the audio version of this book and Paula Masterton did a wonderful job. She has a great voice which builds tension, mystery and you are hanging on every word. Either way, if you read the physical or audio version, you will thoroughly enjoy.

4.25 stars on Storygraph and 4 stars on other review sites