3.5/5 stars

I went into this book pretty much blind so I didn’t expect a lot of it.

This book made me sad, it made me angry. But it’s also a good reminder (not that we really need it, let’s be honest) of how quick the world can turn against girls and women. And it’s also a reminder of how strong we can be, how strong we are.

3.5 Stars. A really interesting premise. This is my first Hendrix book, and whilst this didn't blow me away I'd be keen to read more of their work. I think I mostly struggled with the slow pace. We're almost a third of the way through the book before we reach any witchy/unusual goings on. The pacing suffered as a result. Clearly a well researched book in terms of homes for 'wayward women' and the treatment of them. The mirroring of their persecution with that of witches was cleverly done and I really felt for our protagonist and her friends. The horror elements were engaging; I read and listened in tandem, and there's a particular moment with nails that I still can't think about without wincing...

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I like Grady Hendrix so I was thrilled to receive a copy of this book. The premise is super interesting. I feel it was well researched. I feel like childbirth can definitely link into horror but I also wish that Hendrix did more with this book. 500 pages is a big book, however, I feel nothing really happened during that time. There were some good horror moments in this book, but definitely not enough for me personally. It was still worth the read for me but I wish the witches theme and horror was more prevalent.

Another brilliant book from Grady Hendrix and this one leans more into the historical rather than the horror aspects. 

As a male author I think he writes females fantastically well and these characters had my heart. Set in a home for pregnant girls in 1970 when pregnancy outside marriage was a big taboo, we follow Fern and other girls as they are left at this home to have their babies, give them up for adoption and then return to their "normal" lives.

I found it heartbreaking and hopeful and the fact that these homes did actually exist and girls were treated this way made it all the more powerful a story. 

The horror and witchcraft parts came into the story about halfway through and there were still a few scenes that had me grimacing as I'd expect with a Grady Hendrix book. It's also reaffirmed how much I do not want to be pregnant or give birth...

Overall though I loved this book and I can't wait to see what Hendrix writes next!

Grady Hendrix's Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a spellbinding (of course) journey into the heart of darkness and defiance, set within the confines of a girls' school where the ordinary turns extraordinary. The plot features dark humor and horror, and could be seen as a critique of societal norms.

The story starts with an air of mystery as Fern arrives at Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened. Quickly, we learn that this isn't just any school for wayward girls; it's a place where the line between our world and a magical reality is blurred. The plot showcases witchcraft as more than a tool for chaos but as a symbol of rebellion.

The discovery of a secret group of witches among the students sets the stage for a story of power struggles, secret societies, and the quest for freedom. The plot is fast-moving, with twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

One of the most compelling aspects of the plot is how Hendrix manages to make the supernatural feel grounded in our world. The magic isn't just for spectacle; it's a means to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the cost of power. Each plot twist is both a revelation and a lesson, making the story not just about what happens but what it means for the characters involved.

The climax of the book has everything you might expect: action, emotion, and revelation that ties together the threads of the narrative in a way that feels both satisfying and thought-provoking. It's here that Hendrix truly showcases his ability to blend horror with heart, with much of the books horror being in the knowledge of how we treated people who found themselves in this situation.

In essence, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is more than just a plot; it's an adventure into the depths of human nature, wrapped in the cloak of witchcraft. The social commentary woven throughout the narrative challenges us to reflect on society in general. As a Brit I knew the history of homes like this in the UK so it was interesting to read of the US equivalent and it sounds like they were every bit as harsh and dehumanising.

For some I can understand that this might feel slow as it's over halfway through the book before we start the aspects that are horror/supernatural but I liked that it took the time to showcase the horrors of society and we got to know the situation and characters before the genre aspects kicked in.

In conclusion, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a great entertaining novel. With characters you can't help but want to know more about, this book not only entertains but also leaves you with a poignant message about the human condition. It's a must-read for anyone who loves their horror with a side of heart and a dash of defiance. I have other books by Grady on my tbr pile and they’ve now moved up!

What a book! So heartbreaking 💔 I did want a but more witchcraft though. Check Triggers.

Set in the 1970s, Fern is a 15 yeard old girl who gets pregnant and sent away to a home to give birth, give up her child & return as though nothing has happened. A long the way she meets other girls like her and we learn their stories aswell. A librarian then goves Fern a book on witchcraft and the girls try out some spells. Such a harrowing read that really shocks you with what these girls go through.

This was all about powerful women and friendship and how women were treated and how they still are. It was also about the links between strong women and witchcraft. Some parts of this were very heavy and full on, there were a lot of very descriptive parts about childbirth, some parts were also extremely eerie and dark. Certain parts of this book genuinely gave me chills and had me feeling anxious like it was me being hunted by witches. I've read a lot of Grady Hendrix and never know if it's going to be a hit or miss, this was honestly the best I've read so far. A very good mix of creepy and suspenseful but also informative and powerful. Would highly recommend.

Buckle in, you’re about to go in a wild ride. I have read and loved all of Grady Hendrix’s books, so yes I am biased however this is an excellent read.

Head into this romp through the 70s through the perspective of teenage women, disowned by their families for getting pregnant. This book has so much heart to it. The girls find family within each other and with that they unravel their secrets of how they came to be at the home for wayward girls. Holly absolutely has my heart, her character is so well plotted with care and her ending is one I was cheering for.

Although very different from Hendrix’s other works this is a firm contender to be a favourite. Do yourself a favour and read it. (If you have any discomfort around, pregnancy related horror however I would give it a miss)

Class Hendrix literature- what I’ve been accustomed to from this author! Full of creepy/supernatural events, intertwined with some real, historical issues that plagued young, expectant mothers’ lives. 10:10 read for me!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75/5)

From the Synopsis:
‘I did an evil thing to be put in here, and I’m going to have to do an evil thing to get out.’

With this chilling opening, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls sets the tone for a dark, atmospheric story about young women cast away by society.

Set in the summer of 1970, the novel follows fifteen-year-old Fern as she arrives at the Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida. This home for unwed mothers serves as a place where girls—deemed wayward or loose—are hidden away to give birth in secret, forced to surrender their babies for adoption, and, most importantly, expected to forget everything that happened.

Fern is not alone. She meets other girls with their own tragic stories: Rose, a free-spirited hippie determined to keep her baby and escape to a commune; Zinnia, a musician planning to marry her child’s father; and Holly, a mute fourteen-year-old pregnant by an unknown assailant. As the girls navigate the grim reality of Wellwood House, the novel weaves themes of resilience, female solidarity, and the crushing weight of societal expectations of the time.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The opening felt a little slow, but the pacing picked up once I was about 10% in, and I found myself engrossed in the story. I became invested in the girls’ struggles and desperately wanted them to achieve the futures they envisioned for themselves.

However, while the depth was strong, the horror elements didn’t fully land for me. Given Hendrix’s reputation for crafting compelling horror, I expected a more intense, spine-chilling experience. Instead, the supernatural aspects felt somewhat muted, leaving the ending a bit underwhelming. While Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is certainly a good read with strong emotional beats, I’ve read stronger works by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor Nightfire for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

They call them wayward girls—troublesome, shameful, in need of correction. At the Wellwood Home for Unwed Mothers, teenage girls are hidden away, their pregnancies erased from polite society. But when Fern, a terrified 15-year-old, stumbles across a book of witchcraft, she and her fellow inmates begin to grasp at something that’s been denied them: power. The only problem? Magic demands a price, and in Wellwood, blood is already spilling.

I went in expecting teenage girls cackling over spells and sisterhood. What I got was something much darker—an unflinching look at desperation, control, and what happens when the powerless finally push back. The real horror here isn’t the witchcraft (though when it appears, it’s brilliantly eerie), but the brutal realities of these girls’ lives. Hendrix crafts a slow-burning, unsettling narrative, though the pacing wavers; the first act takes its time, but once the occult elements kick in, the book sinks its claws in deep.

This isn’t a fun, spooky witch story—it’s a raw, sometimes difficult read, heavy with emotion and injustice. But if you have the patience, it’s a gripping, thought-provoking ride. A haunting tale of resilience, revenge, and the power of belief.

I absolutely loved this!! I loved the atmosphere of the 70's and it was such an overall good reading experience.

Oh how I loved this book! Life’s caught up with me whilst reading so instead of taking a couple of days it took a month (sorry) but saying that, I never once felt lost when I picked the book back up.

The characters were so lovable and the writing style was great.

The plot was also unique and really gripped me! And the ending was perfect.

Any fans of witches and mid century historical fiction this is for you!

Finally a big thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this eARC

Instagram review to come

A very enjoyable read with a satisfying narrative. The story is set in the American equivalent of a mother-and-baby home, where unmarried girls who get pregnant go to conceal their pregnancy... and have their child taken away for adoption, whether they wish it or no, once born. That's the first real horror. The next real horror is a petite teen pregnant as a result of abuse and rape by a paedophile preacher. When the girls get involved with a mysterious librarian-witch as they try to right wrongs and craft better futures, it seems they've bitten off more than they can chew and there may be more unwilling sacrifices in their future...

The concept for this book immediately hooked me – unmarried pregnant girls in 1970s America discovering witchcraft seemed like the kind of book that was made for me. As someone who was in a similar situation when I was 17, I expected this book to be hard-hitting and it was. It was easy to empathise with the frightened girls who were forced by their families to stay at the home until their babies were born when they’d be allowed to go home and pretend nothing had ever happened.

I enjoyed the atmosphere and was surprised at how well the author was able to describe being pregnant and giving birth, and the emotions involved. I have read a few of the author’s previous books, so I already knew that I liked his writing style which was again the case with this book. I thought the subject of bodily autonomy was particularly well dealt with and was very thought-provoking. The book does contain some quite graphic depictions of labour and childbirth and is not for the faint-hearted.

I thought the book made some really important points but when I saw that witchcraft was involved, I expected it to go in another way completely. This was actually the part of the book that disappointed me the most as I had hoped that the girls being helped to discover witchcraft would be something uplifting and empowering, not another way they were being controlled. I think this book could have been a 5 star read for me if this aspect had gone in a different direction, but I still found it gripping and it still plays on my mind.



Please check content warnings for this book before reading as there are numerous subjects covered that could be upsetting to some readers.

Review of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – 3/5 Stars

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a moody, atmospheric read that blends witchcraft, coming-of-age struggles, and eerie small-town secrets. The premise is compelling—mysterious disappearances, a group of girls dabbling in magic, and a protagonist unraveling the past—but while the book has moments of brilliance, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.

The strongest aspect of the novel is its atmosphere. The author does a fantastic job of creating an eerie, almost gothic feel, and the magic elements are woven in beautifully without feeling overdone. There are some genuinely unsettling moments, and the exploration of female friendships, rebellion, and identity adds depth.

However, the pacing is uneven. The beginning sets up a lot of intrigue, but the middle drags, with too much introspection and not enough plot movement. Some of the characters feel underdeveloped, particularly the supporting cast, making it harder to connect with their motivations. The ending, while fitting, feels a little rushed and leaves some threads hanging in a way that feels unintentional rather than mysterious.

Overall, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is an enjoyable read with a strong atmosphere and an interesting premise, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its themes or character development. If you love witchy, slow-burning mysteries, it’s worth a read—but temper your expectations.

Grady Hendrix books have been such a mixed bag for me in the past, some I’ve absolutely adored and others I could just about get through.
Glad to say this one falls into the good category!

I was gripped from the beginning.
The witchcraft and horror were woven in but were definitely the background of the main plot. (However there were definitely a few scenes that had me feeling antsy at night!)

The true horror of this story was the treatment the girls received from the adults in their lives, pulling from an awful period in history. You will be enraged and bitterly sad.

Like most Grady Hendrix, this is a slow build that picks up the pace as you go along, until a big crescendo in the last 50 or so pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher
4/5 ⭐️

This book was a thrilling ride from start to finish. As a fan of Grady Hendrix's work, I was eager to dive in, though I knew it wouldn't quite match the adrenaline rush of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. While the pace started a bit slow, it quickly picked up once Fern discovered the witch's book and the girls began their magical rebellion against the oppressive rules of Wellwood Home.

I deeply connected with the young, unwed mothers – Fern, Rose, Holly, Zinnia, and the others. Shunned by their families, they found strength and sisterhood within the confines of their temporary home. Their resourcefulness in circumventing the draconian food restrictions imposed by the callous doctor was truly inspiring.

The ending was satisfying and provided a much-needed sense of closure. The epilogue was a poignant touch, leaving the reader with a sense of hope and empowerment.

I went into this book hoping for a blend of thrills and gore, and I wasn't disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy.

Eagerly awaited and I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. A great title. Interesting concept. Some moments that had me wincing. There was plenty to like about this, though it felt a little slow to get going.
The book focuses on a home for unwed teenage mothers. Hidden away by family who are embarrassed by them, these girls are confined to the home while their pregnancies are monitored. Eventually they give birth, the baby is given up for adoption and then they return home.
With this particular group of girls they are given the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. They use a book loaned from the travelling library to practise witchcraft. While it’s not the answer to their every problem, it offers them the chance to take some control over their lives,

I am not a natural horror reader, I have avoided it for the most because I am easily scared but this book kept on calling to me- I expected to be scared, I expected to be grossed out but I didn't expect to cry ,rage and feel so much empathy and solidarity for our main characters but this book made me feel everything. This book I would personally describe as Historical Horror Fantasy with at times a sprinkling of literary vibes.

The book follows a group of unmarried, pregnant teens (for the most) who have been sent away to a house for unmarried mothers - I would love to say that this was way back in history but in this book it takes place in 1970s US and this practice was still taking place up to the 1980s I believe - Wellwood House is a place for "Wayward Girls" where for these women and girls everything is controlled, restricted and they are belittled and shamed, given new persona's and told not to speak of their real lives.

Our main protagonist Fern finds herself sent to the house by her Dad - the leaving scene was so well written, as she begins her time under the eye of the staff and she forms a bond with 3 other girls, they become such an important support network for each other and a way to hang on to their memories of home and unburden themselves of what happened to them at home. Then we meet the Librarian Miss Parcae...Can they trust MIss Parcae? Is the "Book for Groovy Witches" the answer to their problems?

The story just really kicks off from her and I loved that there is such a good balance between character and plot driven- the treatment and depictions of examinations, pregnancy and birth were hard to read and if you have experienced any kind of birth trauma then please approach with caution - My insides were screaming at times! Grady Hendrix's switch in style and language at one point was so jarring and illustrated perfectly that these girls were not seen as humans just another animal on a gurney! and then one line about stitches made me rage!!!
Something which is played out in this book is that the true horror is embedded in reality and society and the way that women and girls are controlled and it is such a timely reminder when we look what is happening in countries around the world that is this history? There is still a real fight that needs to continue.

I feel that the main characters were so well written and fleshed out but I would have loved more insight in to Hagar and Miriam because I felt they were so important and I personally loved them, out of all the characters I think I struggled most with Fern's character arc as there was quite a bit of flip/flopping - I also felt that there could have been more witchcraft but having said that and going back to my earlier point the horror here is not in the supernatural it's in the abhorrent treatment of humans under the guise of good Christian values!

I loved this book- it's a slow burner but stick with it because it is so worth it and I really appreciated getting to know the girls, the horror is body horror and as I previously said a lot revolves around pregnancy, labour and birth so check your triggers and be gentle with yourself. This is my first Grady Hendrix so I don't have any comparisons to make but I enjoyed the writing and massive kudos to the author for such a well researched book about a topic that we need to make sure is never forgotten and a very timely reminder that women are always powerful even when all the odds are stacked against them.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.