Harriet Tyce is an auto author for me, as soon as I see her name I know I’m reading it! She never fails to disappoint.

Yet another 5 star read. I read this in two sittings and that was only because I had work inbetween. Such a gripping book with twist after twist!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc

I devoured this book as I didn’t want to put it down... the plot twists had me shocked! It truly made me stay on the edge of my seat.

The author hits you left and right with twist after twist I really like this authors writing style. I truly loved how this played out it was remarkable! The characters were well written.

I’d highly recommend this book a solid 5 stars and definitely a must read when it comes out 2026!

I do not think that I have ever read a book quite like this one. This was a legal thriller with a difference, one with a totally original plot that thrilled, confused, shocked and engaged all the way through with twists and turns throughout as nobody can be sure who is really telling the truth.

I will not reveal the plot but just to say that this is all about two young girls accused of inducing a fatal heart attack in another by dint of their alleged use of witchcraft.

It is told from the point of view of one of the member of the jury, Matthew, a troubled heart surgeon who has more than a few issues of his own.

The writing is exceptional and the ending spell binding and not to be missed. A veritable tour de force and highly recommended.

One thing that can always be guaranteed, is that a Harriet Tyce book will never disappoint and this latest one is no exception to that rule. For me this was an absolute triumph of a story.

For the most part it is set in a courtroom, and told from the point of view of one of the jurors, Matthew. Two teenage girls are on trial and although the subject matter is not one that appealed to me, I consumed this tale within 24 hours as I could not put it down.

As the story unfolds we discover more about what the girls are accused of, and also we uncover Matthew’s problems, something that is hinted at early on, and we see just how flawed a character he is.

One if the things that set this book apart for me, was the quality of the writing and depth of character. Also the author has a great way of describing setting and sense of place and I felt as though I was sitting in Edinburgh High Court listening to the evidence.

For all that this is a thriller/ courtroom drama, it offers a fascinating commentary on the power of persuasion, the justice system and the potential to manipulate that system. I absolutely loved it and I’m still thinking about it.

Having read all 5 of Harriet Tyce’s books and loved them all I would have no hesitation in recommending this latest one. A triumph of masterful misdirection.

Fantastic. Harriet Tyce doesn't miss! Truly chilling and so clever, it keeps you guessing until the end. Couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Astonishing! I am struggling to think how to review this book without spoiling the surprise!

Matthew is a transplant doctor who decides to take up his jury summons. He becomes embroiled in a trial where the accused believe in witch craft and the devil. The story is gripping both in terms of the trial and in the impact it has on Matthew.

Just when you think the book is coming to an end, full of unlikeable characters and a deeply disturbing plot, the book turns of its head. I loved the shift, the change in style and the humor of the second half, the final chapter being the icing on the cake.

You absolutely have to read this book, so unique, you won’t see it coming!

Harriet Tyce has done it again! Witch Trial combines a deliciously, dark narrative of a teenage obsession with witchcraft gone horribly wrong while simultaneously, crafting a smart thriller that weaves through the courtcase, never revealing the truths until the end. And it's an ending that I could not see coming. There are subtle and minor reveals throughout the storyline but the ending remains a true shock and Witch Trial will be one of the biggest books of 2026.
I love how the reader is shown the trial from the 'inside' - from the viewpoint of a jury member, and how his sympathies and understanding develop throughout the plotline. Often unsettling, this is an intricate storyline that pushes the reader to consider how they feel about guilt and the role of social media.
Loved it!

Having read a few of Harriets previous books I had high hopes and by golly I was not disappointed. I read it over the spooky season. What a delight.

5 🌟

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the arc of this book.

Wow! This has to be one of the best books I've read this year. I loved the characters, the storyline & the ending is fantastic. It had me gripped, reading all night to get it finished. I didn't want it to end. A solid 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Unusually for me, I’m not really sure how to start this review.
This book is such a wild read. We start with a court case, a disturbing case, but nothing out of the ordinary you may think; but you would be very wrong!

The narrative is from the perspective of one of the jurors, Matthew Phillips, a cardiac surgeon. It says so much about the pressures of his career, that he is looking forward to such a serious court case, as a break from the stresses of his daily life. We hear the court case, evidence and see his fellow jurors through him. Fairly quickly, the title of the book, Witch Trial, starts to become relevant. At this point, I advise you to buckle up.

Many of the characters captured my imagination for differing reasons. I was held rapt by Sasha’s evidence, just as the whole court was. My logical brain dumbfounded as she spoke, but I couldn’t stop reading.

There is so much I would love to say in this review, but it would all be hugely spoiling, so I won’t. I can say that I disagree with Rev Gerald Thomas, Fleabag is fabulous, I loved it. Especially Andrew Scott.

As I reached the 90% mark of the book, the court case had been closed with a verdict, I had a 4⭐️ rating in mind. Then came the final 10%, and it was not as I was expecting. It is quirky, different and surprising, for a few reasons; none of which I can mention. Just make sure you read carefully, so as not to miss any of the details. I think this ending will divide readers, some will find it odd, others, like myself, will really appreciate it. This raised the book to a rounded up 5⭐️

Thanks also to the author, Harriet Tyce, for the reminder to read Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House. It has been on my book radar for so long, but I have now added it to my tbr.

If you fancy reading something a little off the beaten track, Witch Trial could be the book for you. It is anything and everything, but dull.