Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I liked the Witch of Tin Mountain. It was a great time-passer. Once I started reading, I stayed up to finish it. It's kind of tropy and the MC could be dumber than believable, but the main story was pretty intriguing. It kept me wanting to know more, which is how a book succeeds. I like that it's set in a little-talked about place (the Ozarks) and that it shuffled back and forth between timelines. I love that the supernatural stuff is left pretty mysterious with just enough explanation to satisfy.

I'd recommend The Witch of Tin Mountain to fans of historical fiction and supernatural fiction.

In a Nutshell: An interesting story. Too many characters with similar problems, so it becomes a tad confusing. But overall, a good atmospheric read.

Story Synopsis:
1931, Arkansas. Nineteen-year-old Gracelynn helps her adoptive granny in the work of being a healer and midwife to the citizens of Tin Mountain. Though there are rumours that the two are witches, people still approach them for cures. This changes when a travelling evangelist Josiah Bellflower comes to town and claims to be a miracle healer. There is something strange about him, but the residents of Tin Mountain don’t see it. Only Gracelynn and her granny realise that the danger is far worse than it appears.
The story comes to us in two voices and two alternating timelines, with Gracelynn’s 1931 perspective being written in first person, and another key character Dierdre’s pov coming from 1881 in third person. There are also minor interludes from a grimoire.

NOTE: Don’t read the Goodreads blurb. It reveals too much.

Where the book worked for me:
😍 The prologue set in 1831 provides the right introduction to the main events. I love it when a prologue is used to spur the story on rather than just revealing something that is to come later in the book.
😍 This is a woman-oriented book, but unlike what you would expect, the female protagonists aren’t just strong but also flawed. They live, they err, they learn, and they fight. Always better to see realistic women than perfect role models. The book is like an ode to womanpower.
😍 The imagery is outstanding. The writing brings alive the Ozark Mountains and the beliefs and lifestyle of their people. Even their dialogues are written in the local dialect, lending a touch of authenticity to the proceedings.
😍 The content is atmospheric, while not being outright horrifying. The spooky elements add to the fun. There is a fair amount of magical realism too.
😍 Through the various reverends/preachers in the story, the author highlights the flaws of blind faith in humans who claim to be proponents of a higher order. While I was initially unsure of the target of her writing, this line in the author’s note makes her opinion clear – “This novel is in no way an indictment of Christianity or religion, but of hypocrisy.” Brava, author! This entire track was written well.
😍 The story begins slowly but proceeds at a steady pace.
😍 There are interesting LGBTQ subplots in both the timelines.

Where the book could have worked better for me:
😑 The events and circumstances in both the timelines are quite similar. Even the people recur in both timelines, the only difference being in their respective ages. As such, keeping the two tracks distinct in your head becomes quite tricky. Having two voices (first person for Gracelynn and third person for Dierdre) helps to some extent, but except for the pronouns, there’s nothing much to distinguish the emotions of the two women.
😑 Adding to the confusion is the sheer number of characters in each timeline, some of whom have a major role to play and some are just minor passers-by in the plot. Some of them are even interlinked through the timelines.
(I must add: The reason for the repeated characters and their interconnections between timelines becomes clear at the end of the book. But this doesn’t make the journey easier.)
😑 There are a few plot points that stay unexplained till the end.

This is the author’s second novel. After reading her debut work ‘Parting the Veil’, I had had somewhat mixed feelings, but I remember how good she was with the paranormal bits and her scene settings. I am happy to say that these two elements are strong even in her second book, AND she has improved upon most of the points I had mentioned. This was a far better reading experience, and I will surely try more of her works.

3.75 stars.

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Witch of Tin Mountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

“Why is it that most of a woman’s troubles in life have to do with a man?”

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Tin Mountain is a small town in Arkansas haunted by all the things a small town usually is… and then some. We get two time points in this one 1831 and 1931 and in both we have strong women who are relied on by the community. Until a handsome preacher comes into town. Quickly the town is turned against them and they must fight to survive and restore their reputations.

Deidre and Gracelynn are two women unusual for their time. Both strong and resilient and there is power within them. They are both taken in by the preacher and quickly realize there is something sinister there. I liked that the stories mirrored in a lot of ways but also differed. Getting glimpses of the small town a century apart was interesting and yet not surprising that the mob mentality lives on. Women who are different are easily feared. Great LGBTQ+ representation and found family themes in this one.

If you liked Spells for Forgetting or Widdershins definitely check this one out.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

Cults, witchcraft, family, folklore and power? Sound good? Read this book.

This wonderful book is told from two different perspectives (in 1st person and 3rd person) and time periods (1800s and 1900s) and is eloquently written. This book was so descriptive that I could not only see Ozark, I could FEEL it. I was right there. I was very pleasantly surprised to see some happily ever afters at the end of this one, it’s not something horrors/thrillers are generally known for! This has some great F/F love rep in it, but it is not a main focal point of the story/genre. This is a horror book, not a romance.

Chillingly atmospheric that keeps you firmly gripped in its icy talons. Definitely add this to your TBR for a thrilling read on a dark night. Please check out the trigger warnings before you read.

Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing for sending me a copy of this amazing book.

As your fingers gently caress the cover, sparks begin to fly. The story wanting to break free and be told. Paulette Kennedy has done it again! Pure magic flew from her pen, setting up a completely enrapturing atmospheric tale. That you will dive headfirst into and not come up for air until the last word is read. The Witch of Tin Mountain is told through multiple points of view, Deirdre in the 1880s and Gracie in 1931. Their family has been part of this Ozark Mountain community for generations. The family not always welcomed but their knowledge of medicinal and magical plants will bring the woman to their doorstep. When a healing evangelist, Josiah Bellflower, blows into town promising cures with just the touch of his hand. There is something dark and sinister about him. He plants a seed of doubt in the people's minds about Gracie's family. Making them question if they are doing good or if they are in fact witches. As certain people in the town are worked into a frenzy, Gracie learns the truth about her family. Breaking open generational secrets, which have been buried deep. Nothing is as it appears.

This is a slow burn that will have you flying through the pages. The atmospheric setting makes the book. The eerie, greenish storms that come upon them, the hot all-encompassing heat that just will not quit. A heat that will drive anyone mad. I loved the dual timeline between Gracie and her grandmother, Deirdre. There are so many layers to this book. Same sex love rarely shows up in historical fiction and I loved it. Race issues, women and how they were treated. All of this comes together for one phenomenal read. Thank you to Paulette Kennedy and Amazon Publishing for this hauntingly beautiful read.

Thanks to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for an eARC of this book.

I was hooked on this story after the first two chapters and wish I would've gotten to this one in October as it is the perfect spooky season read! As the author mentions at the end of the novel, this was intended as a love letter to the Ozarks and it really delivered. I thought the Ozarks added another layer of mysticism.

I very much enjoyed Deirdre's character, though I thought the two MC's were too similar and at times had to flip back to the beginning of the chapter to see who's story I was reading. Other than that, I finished this in about two days and felt the language and pacing of the book was just right for that speed and feeling like I didn't miss out on anything.

Great read, I was totally enthralled!

I must admit as I began reading this I didn't know if I would like it, the premise was intriguing but it felt slow paced at first and as the story began to unfold it had me riveted.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing for a chance to review this arc.

I read and enjoyed this author’s debut last year, and was excited to get the chance to read this one! This is very different from her debut, and it’s exciting to see the author writing different kinds of stories.

The dialogue is written in what I’m assuming is Ozark English, which has a lot of similarity to the Appalachian dialect due to migration to this area in the past. It made my Appalachian heart happy to see this dialect written and done well!!

The story is a great mix of horror, historical fiction, and speculative fiction. We have witches and demons and ghosts galore! But I wish this would have leaned in just a touch harder on the horror. The story could have handled some shocking or grotesque scenes!

While I loved the storyline and how everything played out, I have some slight issues with the characters. This is told from two perspectives, during different timelines. But one of these characters is still alive during the others timeline and some side characters are present in both timelines. This makes for some confusion when reading, especially since both characters are so similar (which is intentional and I’m totally on board for). I just wish there would have been some way to make it a little less confusing.

Overall I had a good time reading this and will continue to pick up Paulette Kennedy’s books for a dose of fun and comfort in whatever genre she writes!

eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought The Witch of Tin Mountain was a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved the way the book moves between 1931 and 1881, gradually revealing the darkness that links Gracelynn and a tragedy 50 years before. The characters were well-written and really come to life. The book is also well-written and compelling. This is an engrossing read. I loved it.

This book follows three generations of women in Ozarks, Arkansas. It switches between the POV of Deirdree in 1881 and Gracelynn in 1931.
The setting was absolutely stunning. The description of characters, weather and nature was so well done and I felt really immersed in the story and world. I loved the magic the witches used and it fitted perfectly into the setting.
The main antagonist was very well written too. He was evil and manipulative but also not too unlikeable in my opinion. The whole character cast was very diverse and the reader also get some queer romance which I absolutely loved!
I was very surprised that I enjoyed this book that much but all three women were equally likeable and strong, the beautiful atmosphere and setting and vivid writing made me really enjoy this book!
It comes out February 1st 2023 and I'm sure I'll grab a physical copy myself. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Paulette Kennedy, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A perfect witch book!
I throughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The setting is well described, rich and vivid. The characters really came to life for me.
The story isn’t just about witches, it’s about good vs evil and our capacity for both! It’s also about love, fate, friendships and family.
The vibes throughout were haunting and I will be adding to my list to read every autumn.

A spot on southern gothic drama replete with witches, folklore, evil, and powerful women.
Anyone who likes stories of witches and the south should enjoy this one.

4:5 stars. The Witch of Tin Mountain is a haunting tale that is seamlessly woven together by 3 generations of women across 3 timelines. The bulk of the story switches between two of the main characters. Gracelynn’s story takes place in 1931 - after a rough childhood, she goes to live with her Granny where she begins to discover she may possess some gifts similar to her Granny. Deirdre’s sorry takes place in 1881 and we learn a lot about the family history and previous curses through this perspective. When a mysterious prophet comes to town and starts to turn the town against Gracelynn and Granny, secrets from the past are shared and the different timelines culminate into a really exciting last quarter of the book, so hard to put down!

A perfect Halloween-time read! I really enjoyed this story! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a little magic, curses, supernatural, etc. I look forward to reading more from Paulette Kennedy!

Thanks to #NetGalley, Paulette Kennedy, and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC of #TheWitchofTinMountain in exchange for an honest review.

Great for fans of witches, magic, and folklore, this is a story of witchy women with ancestral magic who use their intrinsic powers to fight off the control and authority of devilish men who have strong powers of their own. With dual timelines, mostly taking place in 1881 and in Depression era Arkansas in 1931, this book creates a fanciful story in which the atmospheric backdrop of the Ozarks sets the stage for dark magic. I enjoyed reading this book but needed to keep a list of the names of all the characters in the different time periods and their relationships as the story progressed.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Publication: February 1, 2023.

The Witch of Tin Mountain is a generational tale of "wise women" and their persecution by enemies both human and supernatural. If you are expecting a story of witches flying on brooms and stirring boiling cauldrons, then this isn't that book. The witches in this book are women of traditional knowledge and healing, that were a source of comfort and natural medicine back before the medical profession was established and began to discredit traditional healing. It is a story of multiple generations of witches - Anneliese, Dierdre and Gracelynn - and the relentless pursuit of their powers by a deceitful and plotting "preacher".

The witches have a complex relationship with the townspeople, who both love and loath them. They help birth babies, provide cures and a sympathetic listening ear to the people, particularly women. Yet when things go wrong in the town, they are the first target of the town's wrath - a fear born of ignorance and misogyny.

The author's love of the Ozarks, its history and the people who reside there shine through the entire novel. It is a work of pure love and it certainly shows. The characters are flawed and realistic, and the themes are timeless. It is a wonderful blend of storytelling, supernatural legend and historical experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to Suzy's Book Tours and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to enjoy.

The Witch of Tin Mountain
Paulette Kennedy

This novel takes place between two time periods: 1881 with Dierdre Werner in 1931 Gracelynn Doherty. It also offers Interludes from Anneliesse’s grimoire in the 1830’s. Although not widely present her story is key to the plot.
Within Tin Mountain, Arkansas grows an evil that has lurked and haunted three generations of women. Both Dierdre and Gracelynn are strong-willed, brave, kind souls trying to live a quiet life. Their stories are divided into a young Dierdre and later in 1931 as Gracelynn’s Granny.
Life in Tin Mountain hasn’t always been easy but both women are strong, respected by most of the town folk for their apothecary and midwifery service. They pay no mind to the whispers of witchcraft and apprehension from the men.

It’s not until an evangelist by the name of Bellflower (1931) arrives in Tin Mountain claiming to be a healer and miracle worker that things go terribly wrong. Fifty years prior he appeared to Dierdre as a man named Gentry and she recognizes his evil reincarnation.
This unnatural man has returned to collect on a devil’s bargain. Dierdre must safeguard Gracelynn with her life and the ancient grimoire of spells passed down to the “marked” witches of their ancestry.

Unfortunately granny falls ill as a wicked curse is placed upon the town. The weight of these burdens fall upon Gracelynn. Can she defeat the menacing darkness before it devours the town, her family and the future generations of witches? Will there be a reckoning?

This is a story about the bond between family, friends, sacrifice. Readers will dig deep to uncover their own moral beliefs of what is deemed good or evil. The mood of the book corresponded well with the events, plot and settings. I truly connected with both main characters during their journeys.
I found there was an excessive amount of characters and themes/triggers that may not have been needed to carry the plot through.
Overall I do recommend this novel based on it’s mystery, intrigue, colourful female characters and well researched history, folklore.

Set in the Ozarks in Arkansas, the book focuses on three generations of women. I really enjoyed the switching timelines between Deirdre in 1881 and Gracelynn in 1931.

I was happy to see that the author included trigger warnings in the beginning of the book. Kennedy said she was inspired by the Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee, which is one of my favorite legends! She also included stories from her own family and their history in the region. Her writing clearly shows this as she puts her heart into the setting and folklore descriptions!

I was pulled into the story right away! I loved the characters and plot twists-Each character is strong and has their own voice, I loved all 3 women equally. I also loved the main antagonist! He showed how charming and clever evil can be and how it can be used to manipulate others.

Although this is a historical horror novel, there’s a little romance (mainly sapphic!) as well, but it’s not a main focus. The story builds up to the climax and resolution but without making it too slow leading up to the big events, and also not rushing the ending. The pacing was really well done!

I loved the folklore and forest witch vibes which added to the haunting atmosphere of the novel! The nature and weather descriptions added to the spooky vibes of this book, creating tension in the plot. To the point where I couldn’t have my YouTube “haunted woods” ASMR video playing in the background because I ended up scaring myself.

Finally I liked the happy ending, and closure. It’s rare to have a “happily ever after” in a horror novel but I liked that bit of hope in the end!

Just wow- I loved this book so much and the cover!! 😍 I just have so many feelings and indescribable words for how much I adored this book! Obviously there’s not enough room here to explain how obsessed I am but this is definitely my top read of the month. I just hope I don’t end up with a book hangover after this and I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy to add to my shelves! Plus I can’t wait to go back and read Kennedy’s debut.

TW/CW: medical trauma, homophobia, racism, sexual content, abortion (brief mention), child sexual abuse (brief mention), infant death, child abuse, death of parent, grief, fire/fire injury, rape, pedophilia, alcoholism, infidelity (brief mention), suicide, self harm, murder

This book just felt so magical. The story telling was like no other. I highly enjoyed the whole book. The two diffrent perspectives of the book really gave it something special. A very powerful feminist novel in my opinion.

This is strong, well-written book in Kennedy's bibliography.
I have recently had a go at her previous book Parting The Veil, and I have to admit, that The Witch of Tin Mountain is much stronger and better crafted case. There's some history behind the story (author kindly offers explanation on what is fiction, what inspired her to write this book), there's also a supernatural which is perfect for me to read anytime (and great for seasonal Halloween readers), there's drama and there's also LGTBQ coverage. It's subtly written, not overly sweet (however, at times bordering) and most importantly, well balanced story. Kudos for not shying away from certain sensitive topics (not going to mention them here as they might be considered as spoilers).
Written in two storylines set in different centuries, the story has a rather slow start but lifts off into a good pace and ties in very nicely.

This surprised me - I actually really enjoyed the historical aspect of this and the overall story. And the ozarks……I mean perfect!!