Evelyn and Claire are twins, the death of their father left them wealthy women. Something frowned upon by society and the neighbours, as two unmarried women in their 30’s is scandalous in 1893.

So, they decide to move to a small cottage near Haworth, on the Yorkshire moors. Close to their beloved Brontë family home. Claire is particularly obsessed by Branwell Brontë as she feels him close to her and has conversations with him…he talks to her.

Soon after they’ve settled in, Evelyn meets Matthew, a visitor to the area and they soon become friends. He tells her a tale of a game he found as a child, The Garden Of Bewitchment. This board game had a miniature house, trees and items to make a perfect little garden, but something evil tried to escape, so Matthew ran away and left the game in an attic never to be seen again.

Claire, then finds the game mysteriously appear in her bedroom and things get dark…….

This is a gothic, supernatural tale with a really creepy feel. Just what is trying to trap people in its game world? A game of Jumanji from the imagination of Poe or Lovecraft. A brilliantly written, atmospheric and goosebumpy read. You’ll never look at a doll’s house in the same way again! Creepy stuff.

Thank you to The publishers and NetGalley for a free eARC of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.

A wonderful tale of supernatural intrigue, I had no idea it was going to end the way it did. I was reminded slightly of MR James, the story telling was fantastic!
The characters were well described and I loved that the setting was in Bronte country. The tale was well suited to the wild mysterious landscape.
I can't believe that I haven't come across Catharine Cavendish before, I will certainly be reading more of her books.
Thank you netgalley.

A good idea which unfortunately fell a bit flat. The story was slow moving and took some time to get going and then suddenly had to pack a lot of information into the ending, this resulted in a lot of telling rather than showing and for me - a lot of confusion.
So much more could've been made of the garden and woven into the story at an earlier stage.

Horrors both of our own imaginings and of the supernatural come home to roost in Catherine Cavendish’s The Garden of Bewitchment [February 2020, Flame Tree Press].

When the Wainwright sisters move to the country to escape the judgmental eyes of their neighbors—after all, what could be more scandalous than two spinster sisters living alone, unwed, and wealthy in the end of the 19th-century England?—what is meant to be a quiet respite quickly becomes a tale of deadly horror. And it seems to all start with the appearance of a mysterious, eerily sentient toy called the Garden of Bewitchment.

Atmospheric and rich in detail, Cavendish masterfully draws the reader into the slow-burning horror that makes well-crafted Gothic literature so delightfully addictive. It all starts with tension between sisters. Identical twins Evelyn and Claire might share the same physical characteristics, but they exist in almost two completely different worlds. Evelyn is pragmatic and responsible, Claire unkempt and somewhat unhinged, infatuated with Branwell Brontë, who although deceased is very real in Claire’s mind—and her heart. The one thing the sisters do share: Calladocia.

Like the Brontë sisters, the Wainwrights are writing a novel about Calladocia, a universe of their own creation. Their existence at opposite ends of this imaginary world provides an unsettling allegory for the widening gap between the sisters as Cavendish’s story unfolds, pulling the sisters apart with it. When a strange toy featuring a miniature mansion surrounded by a beautiful garden, the Garden of Bewitchment, appears in their cottage, the boundary between the real and the imaged begins to crumble. As the separation between reality and the nightmare the sisters have found themselves trapped in becomes ever-frightening, Evelyn and Claire are forced to try to sort out which of the horrors are consequences of the toy’s unnerving influence, and which might be of their own making. No one—and nothing—is as it seems in The Garden of Bewitchment.

Though at time the pacing seems a little uneven, The Garden of Bewitchment delivers as a gothic tale of unexpected horror, unraveling insanity, and what happens when the realities we’ve constructed for ourselves turn against us.

The story began very well and I was curious to know how it evolved, but after a quarter of the book read, I began to lose interest. The plot is confusing, slow, heavy and supersaturated of promising elements not very well used.

I liked the vintage atmosphere and the creepy story.
The author is an excellent storytelling and you will be involved in this story full of twists and turns.
I liked the well thought cast of characters and the atmospheric setting.
It was a good read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Wealthy twin spinsters, Evelyn and Claire, have decided to move from their late parents estate to the moors to live a more quiet, private life than they did in Yorkshire. Their new home feels familiar but Evelyn can’t place why. Something about the cottage unsettles her sister, Claire as she starts to talk as if she is being courted by the deceased Branwell Bronte. The aroma of whiskey and cigar smoke wafts through the house without explanation. But the true weirdness begins after Claire discovers a strange game called the Garden of Bewitchment in her bedroom.

With no idea of where it came from, its presence both entices and threatens the sisters as strange things begin to happen in the cottage.

“The Garden of Bewitchment” is a horror novel set in 1893 Yorkshire. Evelyn and Claire are authors inspired by the works of the Bronte sisters as they slowly piece together their shared literary universe with no real intentions of publishing but just writing to write. With this being a period piece, some of the dialogue feels a little heavy and unnatural, like Cavendish was emulating the Bronte sisters to which the sisters are the contemporaries.

Our introduction to the sisters and their daily routine is a bit slow until the subsequent discovery of the Garden of Bewitchment after their neighbor, Matthew Dixon recalls his frightful experience with the strange game as a child. The pacing of the novel goes into overdrive once we clear the inciting incident and then it just… ends. There were lots of questions unanswered that left me feeling conflicted. I had an inkling of some of the ending but I wouldn’t say I saw all of it coming.

Claustrophobic and isolating, the atmosphere of the moors felt rainy and foggy even on the days in the novel that weren’t raining. “The Garden of Bewitchment” was an interesting departure from the modern horror novels that I normally read. I’m interested in reading more encounters with the Garden of Bewitchment and the things contained within, which I felt that we didn’t get enough time with.

I loved Catherine Cavendish's creepy tale The Haunting of Henderson Close, so when I saw this new title pop up I knew I had to read it! Glad I did....Cavendish delivers yet another fantastically creepy tale! This one snuck up on me.....the story, the atmosphere and the horror build slowly, but perfectly. Loved it!

Two spinster sisters move into a new cottage. They bicker a lot, as sisters will. Each has their idiosyncrasies....Claire is obsessed with the long dead Bramwell Brontë and sees things that aren't there. Evelyn becomes a bit obsessed with a neighbor, Matthew Dixon. When a strange miniature garden appears in their house....a children's game.....sinister things begin to happen. The Garden of Bewitchment is cursed, after all.....

This book is a bit like gothic suspense meets Jumanji. Very atmospheric....and incredibly entertaining! Lots of twists and creepy weirdness!

Another great book from Catherine Cavendish! I am looking foward to her next book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No ghostly Brontës assisted with the writing of this review.**

The Garden of Bewitchment is the latest novel by Catherine Cavendish, are you ready to be haunted?

Sisters Evelyn and Claire leave their home to set down stakes in a quieter area. They’re looking for a fresh start and somewhere they are less known and can work on their writing together. But something is amiss, will the sisters make it out alive?

This was a fun period piece, Cavendish has a wonderful style of writing that draws you in, and makes you feel like you’re reading something from a past era. This is a book that gets more complex as it goes on, and Cavendish expertly weaves numerous plot points together for a fun, yet creepy read.

The Garden of Bewitchment will sit well with fans of historical horror, if that’s not your flavor, its still worth a shot.

The setting of this book gives something of a vintage feel and yet the story is fresh and original.
A roller coaster of twisting turns and incredible events that takes the reader on a surreal journey right to the end. Who is who, and what is what, and what is really going on? It is a skillful tapestry that will keep you guessing, and keep you glued to the page.

Historical fiction mixed with magical realism, plus a Bronte obsession? Ok. I'll bite. To be honest, the blurb made me hope for an adultish version of Octagon Magic (one of my favorite childhood books) - this doesn't quite meet that, but there are some interesting quirks. Like who Matthew is, and what he wants. Like the appearance of the house/game, and the gardens. Oddly, the middle section was better than the opening or the ending.

eARC provided by publisher.

Catherine Cavendish brings us yet another atmospheric read with The Garden of Bewitchment. While the Victorian Gothic style is one with which many authors flounder, Cavendish's prose flows, clearly proving her niche. The country cottage set on the bleak and remote Yorkshire Moors—as well as a connection to the Brontës—simultaneously romanticizes and grounds the novel. She gently prods the story onward while still exhibiting an acute awareness of the period.

While at times the Garden reads like a tenuous laudanum dream, it doesn't take long for the encounters to turn menacing, evoking uncertainty and dread. Cavendish has dreamt into being our two female protagonists, whose impassioned individuality surely establishes them as unique as the Brontës sisters themselves. Surprisingly, the subject matter is never given a chance to become cumbrous as the increasing presence of the sinister game exerts its influence.

As is the theme often with gothic fiction, neurosis versus actual paranormal is at first difficult, if not impossible to discern. It's up to the reader to decide if the Garden of Bewitchment and its inhabitants are all in the mind or if there truly is an esoteric or even demonic power at hand.

This was a great story. I've read a lot by this author and she always writes interesting tales. Will recommend.

I was excited to read this book because I’ve read another book by Catherine Cavendish and I really loved it. But unfortunately I didn’t like The Garden of Bewitchment. The story just couldn’t hold my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.

3.5 stars.


THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT, by Catherine Cavendish, is her latest novel released by Flame Tree Publishing. One thing I've come to expect from this author is incredible atmosphere throughout her entire story. This one is no exception to that! The Gothic feel set in almost immediately, and never let up.

We begin with twins, Evelyn and Claire, unmarried wealthy women, alone now since the death of their parents. In an attempt to hide from society--and the possibility of men after them only for their money--Evelyn insists they move to a more remote location.

". . . maybe she hadn't chosen Heather Cottage at all. Maybe it had chosen her."

Of course, this misty area is seeped in Gothic imagery and just enough isolation to let you feel as though anything is possible here. This is a land where the "unnatural" belongs.

". . . A few days ago, she wouldn't have given the supernatural a second thought . . . "

The characters of Evelyn and Claire have the most dynamics between them. Other chance encounters--one with a new neighbor--show that everything here seems "destined" to unfold, and that there are no mere coincidences. After the man, Matthew, describes his encounter many years before with a game called "The Garden of Bewitchment", Evelyn's sister finds a game by the same name in her new room.

A game that seemingly "plays" you, and is much more than an innocuous toy.

". . . I have seen enough in my life to make me believe there are some things best left alone and some things we will never explain . . ."

I loved the characters of Evelyn and Claire--even Matthew, to an extent. The only complaint I had during the first two-thirds or so of the book was that there were several "repetitive" scenes--basically same people, location, "slightly" different conversation.

". . . nothing was as it seemed in this place . . . "

Additionally, there were some characters later introduced that I just didn't understand the need for. One, in particular, really confused me towards the end--in an otherwise fantastic idea, this one part intruded on what could have been a "perfect" ending, in my mind.

"This is real life . . . It's much more sinister . . . "

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. The setting was perfect and gave my imagination plenty to speculate on, making it easy to fall into the events unfolding.

". . . Don't you feel as if you're losing touch with reality in some way? . . . "

The idea behind the GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT was sinister and led me to believe the actions happening here. My only real complaints were the "excess scenes" and one of the characters at the end that felt unnecessary and simply . . . confusing . . . as I didn't see where he fit in, or the reason for him at all. Aside from that, a riveting book that kept me thinking the entire read.

Recommended.

Wow, this was a great read! This is the first book by Catherine Cavendish I have read and I devoured it! If you love gothic horror, you'll love this slow burn ghost story with a touch of demons.

Evelyn and Claire, identical twins, move to a small cottage and things begin to become odd. A handsome stranger, a mysterious child's game and sisterly conflict create a story that will stick with you for a while.

I can't wait to read more from this author! Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book although quite scary at times. The writer takes us on an eerie journey with her characters. The move to a cottage with it's strange and scary happenings. I was taken in by the life of the two sisters and was surprised by the turn of events towards the end. What a wonderful writer Catherine Cavendish is she kept me hooked to the end.

Cavendish’s new novel, The Garden of Bewitchment is a tale that bewitches the reader and entices them into the gothic period without over writing or over flourishing the style but keeping in with the tropes that make this period fascinating.

The Garden of Bewitchment is very well written and in the hands of this very accomplish author this could have fallen flat. Many authors try to give a nod to gothic literature which tends to become pretentious or so labours that one finds them struggling to get through each paragraph let alone trying to finish the whole novel. This is not the case with Cavendish’s book, she lovingly captures the time period and style and avoiding the pitfalls. With lush characters, plot points, ambiance and strong story at its core, she winningly ticks all the boxes but at the same time develops some very unique and wonderful tricks that all very much her own winningly.

The plot is a fascinating and leads us to two twin sisters, both very much entranced by the Bronte’s writing and history whilst very different in nature. Katherine, clean and tidy and Clare, messy and shy, though alike in appearance. After their parents death, they decide to live on the moors to continue to write their novel, and start a new life away from the prying eyes of the locals whilst keeping more control of their inheritance. All is going to plan until a strange board game comes to consume their life with a mystery that needs to be solved or there will be dire consequences.

The characters are rich and well written. Katherine is a testament in a woman of the 1800’s. Strong, able bodied and minded, Katherine is the heart of the story whilst Clare gives a fascinating portrait about another time of 1800’s women. A character is not wasted or unwanted and all of them are such an added asset to provide a richly texture tapestry of characters that yearn you to read more and keep you deeply involved.

Overall, this is one of the greatest books to come out in 2019 and loved every moment of it. Richly written, great characters, fantastic plot and keeping to the gothic format without falling into the pitfalls. The Garden of Bewitchment is a must for all mystery, horror and gothic readers and never disappoints. This simply a marvel to behold. Loved every minute of it.

The Garden of Bewitchment is a great horror story. The book is well written and has great characters.

My thanks to Flame Tree Press, Catherine Cavendish, and Netgalley.
This was a quick read for me. Which means that I really liked it! I've only read one other book by this author, and it was also from Flame Tree. What I'm wondering is where has this author been all my life?
I love the time period, and especially how people back then thought of spinsters.😤😬 How very quaint!
Catherine writes this time period, and the moors beautifully.
The ghosts? They were a bit shivery! I have known a few ghosts, and I don't like them! I have even known a few friendly spirits, and I still don't like them!
The Garden, board game have me the creepy crawlies, and there were a few times when I grew tense. I call it, being on high alert! You know, those moment's where any sound, shadow or movement is bound to make you jump? Yeah, that was me! Funny thing, for a 56 years old woman with aches, pains, bitching and moaning...I can move like a ninja when I'm startled! I was startled once or twice with this book. Those damn snowplows need to call ahead before they start plowing! Terrifying!
Anywho...the Garden was um..a bit weird. Honestly, it was strange enough to give me the sleeping willies! Not quite a nightmare, but just enough to get the brain thinking as you're falling asleep. For me, that's a great recommendation!