In this book we follow Clementine aka Clem who gets a call that all parents dread - her daughter is in the hospital in medical coma after a hiking trip with her friends on the remote Orkney Islands which has left her boyfriend dead and her best friend missing. When her daughter (Erin) wakes, she doesn’t recognize her mother, doesn't remember what happened and thinks her name is Nyx.
In a similar format to other C.J. Cooke books this book goes between present day and 1500's Orkney, showing the lives of seemingly two unconnected families. However we come to learn that maybe there is something that is tying them together.

C.J. Cooke actually bases her books on real people/events which to me highlights the injustices that women have faced throughout time and shows how religion can skew peoples views. One aspect of this story is the sad reminder that for a long time women in particular were accused of witchcraft and murdered for this with no way of being able to defend themselves as whatever the church/men said was taken as the truth.
Whilst based on a saddingly true person/event there are fantasy/magical elements within this story which helps to soften the blow that these type of things did actually happen to women.

In every C.J. Cooke book I have read, she has an amazing way of creating atmosphere and making you really empathise with some characters whilst absolutely detesting others (for good reason) and this book is no exception. I could easily have read this in one sitting if I hadn't had to go to work as I was completely hooked from the start.
A hauntingly beautiful read.

Thank you for giving me the chance to read this brilliant book. I was hooked after the first chapter. I really enjoyed the story lines and witchy vibes.

The Book of Witching by C . J Cooke
One book binds them.

Glasgow 2024: Clem waits by her daughter’s hospital bed. Erin was found on an idyllic beach in Fynhallow Bay, Orkney with catastrophic burns and only one memory: her name is Nyx.

But how did she get these burns? And how did her boyfriend end up burned alive?

Orkney 1594: accused of witchcraft, Alison Balfour awaits trial. The punishment? To be burned alive.

Separated by four hundred years but bound by the Book of Witching, two women stand imperilled. Can they unlock a centuries-old mystery? And will Fynhallow Bay give up its secrets before someone else dies?

A very enjoyable book , I read it in 3 sessions . Loved how the two timelines were connected . It has some quite horrific moments in it but also some gentle ones and I,quite felt for the two main characters Alyson & Erin.
A brilliant read.

This is my first book I’ve reviewed from NetGalley and I’m so pleased that Harper Collins allowed me to read it.
I’m fond of everything witchy and the history behind it so I already knew that this would be a book for me.
It’s the first and only book so far that I’ve read in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down!
The ties between characters throughout the two time periods and how everything fell into place the further you got into it was amazing.
The persecution that the characters faced had me physically huffing and puffing throughout it, I felt like I was experiencing it with them and was so frustrated that things like this did happen in the 1500’s.
I’ve read a few very popular fantasy books over the past few months and I can hand on heart say this is the only one that still has me reeling from reading it!

Im loving my witchy reads right now and The Book of Witching is definitely up there as one of my favourites. Having previously read both The Lighthouse Witches and The Nesting by Cooke, I knew I was in for a treat. It didn't disappoint on any level.

Narrated across dual timeline, we venture back to 1594 to find Alyson Balfour being accused of being a witch and forward to modern day where Erin has been found on the beach with third degree burns. I loved how the two timelines seamlessly intertwined.

The characters are strong, well written, and somewhat relatable. The plot is atmospheric, haunting and absolutely captivating.

A thoroughly enjoyable and five star worthy read from Cooke.

Such a captivating read that skillfully blends folklore with a modern twist. I was drawn in by the atmospheric writing and the rich, eerie vibe that permeates the story. The characters are layered and relatable, each with their own struggles that add depth to the plot. However, I found a few plot points to be a bit predictable, which took away some of the tension. Still, Cooke's ability to weave a spellbinding narrative made it hard to put down, and I loved the way it engaged with themes of empowerment and resilience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and author C.J. Cooke for this eARC.

I quite enjoyed The Book of Witching.
I liked the historical fiction part with Allison quite a bit more than Clems parts, but they were both interesting.
What I didn't love was that there were a few plot points that kinda lead nowhere; like the author was planing to do something with them but then... fogot? Or maybe it was on purpose, but it was a irritating imo...
3.75 stars

To be honest, I wasn't sure about this one with all the cult stuff going on...

But then I was so hooked and couldn't stop reading, I needed to know who kind of was at fault here.

The only thing I didn't like about the book is the double timeline simultaneously. It was like I was reading two different books. I know it was important to have the background to understand the present but maybe that part of the story should have gone first and then the present one?

Maybe is just me?!

Anyway, it was a nice read. And that cover is what made me want to read it in the first place!

Known for her gothic tales of motherhood, C J Cooke is back with a dual timeline story crossing 16th century Orkney and modern day Glasgow.

When her daughter Erin is found badly burned, her boyfriend dead and her close friend missing, Clem is drawn into a complex web of Scottish folklore and mysticism and rumours even of a cult. In Erin’s brief moments of consciousness, it’s clear she is no longer herself.

Over 400 years earlier, healer Alison Balfour is imprisoned, accused of an attempt on a nobleman’s life. Will her old ties to Triskele save her and her two children or place her in even greater danger?

A complex tale of motherhood and magic, which gradually brings two stories together across the ages.

Having read The Nesting and The Lighthouse Witches by CJ Cooke, I was really looking forward to reading this, the latest haunting offering, a well researched chilling horror of a mystery containing dark magical realism, with dual timelines, divided by centuries, primarily set in Scotland in the remote Orkney Isles and as the author notes at the end inform us, inspired by true events. In the present, a young 19 year old teenager, Erin had gone hiking with her boyfriend, and a friend to Orkney. Her mother Clem rushes to a hospital where Erin now lies, with severe life threatening burns, and in a coma. The nightmare sceanario of the charred body of her boyfriend is discovered on a Orkney beach, and her friend has disappeared, What on earth could possibly have happened?

When Erin comes out of her coma, she doesn't recognise Clem, and claims to be Nyx. As Clem's fears for her daughter grow, it drives her burning need to know exactly what happened as she makes her way to the location where the grim events had taken place. In the late 16th century, Alison Balfour, finds herself facing traumatic circumstances, facing accusations of murder, of being a witch, and facing a trial where if she is found guilty, she will be burned alive. In a richly descriptive and atmospheric narrative that outlines the palpable nature of the fear, hate, and terror, outlining Alison's grave situation. There is is brutality, abuse, and torture, in this horrifyingly bleak story that takes in witchcraft, healing herbs, spells and the ancient Book of Witching that is to connect the past with the present.

Cooke draws attention to the persecution that women with their greater knowledge and influence faced in this historical period, the toxic climate that is whipped up as they are unjustly persecuted. This is a intense, vivid, and gripping read, of history, witches, secrets, family, revenge, and so much more, that held me captive, with its multiple perspectives, it was the historical timeline that particularly shone for me. This is marvellous storytelling with its intriguing themes, issues and connections, that will likely appeal to fans of the author and those interested in Scottish history and the treatment of women. It will be coming out in October, a brilliant time for a book like this as our Autumn nights get darker and longer, perfect for the unsettling, deeply disturbing, scary and the spooky!! Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Book of Witching." The pacing intensified as the story progressed, drawing me deeper into the fates of characters from two distinct timelines: one detailing a witch trial and the other following a family at the bedside of a young burn victim. The latter's injuries seem to be the result of a fire ritual conducted on the same island where, centuries earlier, a witch was sentenced to be burned. This gripping mystery is aptly set for release just in time for Halloween.

Ive no words for this book!! It has blown me away! The twists and turns, the detail, the amount of research that would have been needed for this book is mind blowing Intense!!

A book filled with mystery, history and witchcraft. I loved this mix of horror and fantasy and Cooke’s focus on Scottish witch trials and folklore. I feel like most of the novels about witchcraft focus on the more famous trials in America like Salem, so I was really excited to read about something closer to home. Having lived in Scotland for a year, I found the focus on Orkney folklore even more compelling as I could picture some of the settings.

Whilst split timelines are never my favourite narrative structure, I do think that they served a purpose in this novel. The mystery of how these two women are connected helped to hold the story together and I loved seeing how little some things change. Whilst we might not shout ‘witch’ and drag innocent women to the pyre in 2024, people are still quick to judge, accuse and doubt their word.

This is actually my first C. J. Cooke book but I’ll definitely be picking up another one! I particularly loved the elements of dark horror and supernatural suspense. I know that she is famous for writing these kind of sinister stories and I am so excited to work my way through her catalogue. If her writing style is consistently this prosaic and haunting, I know I’ll have a good time.

I would recommend this book to fans of gothic fiction and more slow-burn horror stories. If you liked books like The Changeling or In the Night Wood which make you question what is real, you’ll love this!

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this fabulous ARC. I love any books about witchcraft and history, but this book really was one of the best I’ve ever read. Told between two time periods, a fabulously dark and well written narrative with characters you empathise. The Book of Witching is magical and well researched which makes it engaging to read. I read this in every spare minute I had and loved it. Well worth the read if you love fiction splashed with some history.

•Fast paced
•Gripping
•Strong characters
•Witches
•True events

The story of the book of witching is based on true events on the islands of Orkney. It’s is fast paced gripping from the start. It dives deep into witchcraft and cult life. This book is a multiple point of views. Very interesting to read those. Alison and Clem are very strong characters and the others involved were as strong. It was easy to connect with them!
Thank you so much HarperCollins and NetGalley for the acr in exchange for an honest review!

Due to the fact that I enjoyed The Lighthouse Witches, I knew immediately, that this was a book I wanted to read.
I’m a sucker for any books set in Scotland. If the author does a good enough job of scene setting in their work, I lose myself completely in the story.
C J Cooke undoubtedly achieved that with this one. The descriptiveness of the Scottish islands and scenery as a whole, fantastic. Add to that the history of the place and it creates such an immersive and atmospheric experience.
I loved the way the story was written, and over different time periods. The characters were well done and fleshed out with distinct personalities. An excellent storyline to go with it and you have another 5 star read from this author.
I’d highly recommend, not just this book but any by CJ Cooke.
Thank you for the opportunity to read.

Was very excited to read this book from the blurb. Unfortunately it was not an enjoyable read for me. Found it very difficulty to connect/empathise with the characters. Did not manage to complete the read.

I've read C.J. Cooke's "The Lighthouse Witches" and did enjoy it for the most part, so I was excited to see what else Cooke would come up with. "The Book of Witching" sounds absolutely amazing: Scotland's Orkney Islands as the primary setting, a hiking trip ending in a horrible event that leaves one girl severely burned, one boy dead and another girl missing and the history of a woman accused of being a witch - delicious.
I liked Cooke's writing, and it was obvious how much research went into this book. Which is also why I vastly preferred the chapters spending time with Alison, our poor woman accused of witchcraft during the time of witch persecutions. I felt completely emotionally connected to this part of the dual timeline story, as heartbreaking and rage-inducing as it was. I wasn't quite as engaged with the modern timeline, in which Clem gets a terrible phonecall about an incident that left her 19 year old daughter Erin on death's door. The mystery as to what happened on their hiking trip to the Orkney islands was intriguing, absolutely, but this part of the story was boggled down by too much side noise, especially the whole back and forth between Clem and her ex husband. I also wasn't a fan of the conclusion that connects both timelines.

I do think if the book was only focused on Alison's storyline I would have enjoyed it more, but it was still all in all an engaging read. I also really liked reading the author's note and learning about "real Alison". 3 stars.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC - I had already preordered but couldn't resist the opportunity to review a book from one of my favourite authors. This novel didn't disappoint and is once again a fantastic blend of the historical and supernatural, with folkloric/folk magic elements. The witch trials are another of my interests but I hadn't heard of the one which is thoroughly researched and used for this story. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars.

A dark and complex tale with interwoven stories across time. With parts based on real life events the abuse of the victims is even more harrowing. But despite the challenging themes and scenes, Cooke portrays the characters in such depth that we really need to know how things work out.
A great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book.