Spooky and spellbinding
Though this was outside of my normal scope (I tend to gravitate towards contemporary romance) this book was a delightfully dark and twisty surprise. With sisterly relationships and all the spooky season vibes, this book is perfect for anyone looking for the book version of Practical Magic. Lovers of autumnal vibes and all things witchy and murderous will devour this one.

Thanks so much for approving me to read this! I love witches, mysteries, and haunted houses, so this felt right up my alley. I really enjoyed the writing especially; Morgyn's prose brought the house to life and fit the atmosphere perfectly. It was lyrical, lovely, and she drew descriptions together in a way that made me want to jump into the book.

However, I felt like this was juggling a little too many things for me to really dive in and enjoy the plot. The mafia plotline? The complex family lore? The book builds slowly and lays a lot of breadcrumbs, but the magic system is never fully realized. It felt like wading upstream as I tried to stay invested in the book. I feel like tension was already built in to certain aspects – the sisters are estranged, and should struggle to reconnect. Cordelia could feel conflicted over jumping into a new romance after previous heartbreak, but she goes from being critical of him to liking him with little transition. These are unrealistically easy, and the author creates other confusing tensions instead. I think this is also why I struggled to connect with the characters.

The final battle/unraveling was the most exciting part of the book, and I really enjoyed the final confrontation as it all came together. But everything leading up to it lacked the same excitement and pacing, so while I was intrigued and excited to solve the mystery, I wasn't too invested either.

This book had some gems and some potential, but overall I probably wouldn't recommend it. This was more like a 2.5, but rounded up for the system.

The plot was good but the authors style of writing at times made me cringe. Especially some of the dialogue between the two sisters. Her loins? Seriously?
The witching part was good and the ending okay.

I started recommending this book to others before I even finished it. If you are looking for a book with spooky vibes to read in the fall, this is it. In The Witches of Bone Hill, Cordelia and Eustace find out they are Nordic witches after their aunt dies and they jointly inherit her house. It is a bit gory in a couple of spots but isn't going to force you to sleep with the lights on.

The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgyn
Releases September 26th
Genre: Family Drama with horror elements
Overall (out of 5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Prose⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing(1=slow 5=fast)⭐
Character Development ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scary (1=mild 5= terrifying)⭐⭐💫
Gore (1=clean 5=splatter)⭐⭐
Atmosphere⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Library or Buy-worthy: Buy-Worthy
Similar vibe:The House on Tradd Street by Karen White, The Whispering Dead by Darcy Coates, Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

***Caution Potential Spoilers Follow***
This story has it all: sister witches, a family mystery, haunted Victorian Gothic Revival style manor, light romance, horror elements and a shady mafioso.

Eustace and Cordelia are estranged sisters drawn together to parse out a deceased relatives estate. Cordelia's situation with her failed marriage were so relatable, it instantly drew me in. The author's writing is nicely descriptive. This is one of those gothic books where the house itself is a main character. You can feel the chill, imposing dread of it jumping off the page. It reminded me of Home Before Dark by Riley Sager and a little of Stephen King's Rose Red or The Haunting of Hill House, without all the horror. Although there is a constant creepy atmosphere, I wasn't scared at any time so I'd say 'The Witches of Bone Hill' falls into a dark/cozy mystery category. In short, I really loved this book. To me it was a much better developed and written version of Home Before Dark by Riley Sager. I loved the witches so much. I'll definitely be preordering a signed copy.

"In the blood dripped and spattered across the opposite wall, righted only by the reversal of its reflection, one gruesome, gut-twisting word had formed. Witch."

3.5 stars Sisters, Cordelia and Eustace Bone, inherit an old Victorian mansion in a small town in Connecticut. This comes at a great time, as Cordelia is going through a messy divorce and Eustace is battling health concerns. A caveat regarding living in the home comes with the inheritance and the sisters find out they're witches, from a long lineage of witches, and all while finding out what truly became of their mother. Major Alice Hoffman vibes with this one.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-arc.*

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Ava Morgyn for allowing me access to this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Witches of Bone Hill is about two sisters, Cordelia and Eustace. The sisters are reunited after many years of no contact, upon discovering that they have inherited their ancestral estate. Neither of them were previously aware of their extended family, or of this property, as their mother was deeply secretive about her past. Cordelia has recently been the victim of grievous dishonesty and betrayal, and Eustace has faced a gauntlet of medical trauma. Brought together by the promise of a new beginning, they begin to uncover their legacy--the good, and the bad. What follows is a discovery of their history, their power, and the potential for a very unexpected future.

The premise of this book was excellent, and I went in very intrigued. I had heard praise of the magic system in the book, and of the relationship between the two sisters. The magic system is certainly not like anything I've found in any other book, and it was interesting to see the details of that unfold over the course of the story. The descriptions of the environment were lush and detailed, and I was able to develop a very specific mental picture of the house, which I appreciated. I love when stories get into the history of a family, and I enjoyed seeing them go through ledgers, old photos, and furniture to investigate a legacy they previously knew nothing of.

I thought that the two sisters could have been developed more fully as individuals outside of their hardships. I didn't feel that I got a clear enough view of them as people. The male supporting character felt more fully fleshed out to me as a real person than the sisters did. However, his introduction featured some elements that were so stereotypical of a romance novel that it almost made me quit on the book when he first arrived. Ultimately, those elements petered out and the descriptions of romance involving him became a little better integrated into the writing.

The greatest disappointment of this book is that it had all the elements of a really exciting story, but they were presented in such a predictable way that not one single thing ended up surprising me. Every single twist in the plot was telegraphed many pages in advance, and I predicted the ending beat-for-beat, which was extremely frustrating. Watching the main characters make "shocking" discoveries at a glacial pace made for a boring experience. After setting up a foundation of rich and unique narrative components, the plot developed with a level of simplicity that I usually see reserved for juvenile fiction. I wish that I could recommend this book to others, but I unfortunately will not be doing so.

The Witches of Bone Hill was a surprisingly dark, spooky book that I ended up loving.

I will admit, the first 15% really didn’t grip me, so it took a while to get into, but I needed up falling for this book. The story follows two sisters who have no idea their legacy, so they’ve got to unravel the mystery of their heritage and the strange gifts they have inherited.

I enjoyed how rooted this novel felt. The characters and the setting had a fullness to them made the story come to life. Cordelia and Eustace and Gordon are all great characters. I feel like the sisters have the dynamic of Grace and Frankie—affectionate and chiding all in one. And they enable one another’s shenanigans. That said, I don’t remember how old they were supposed to be. I read them as being like in their 30s or 40s. Regardless, I really enjoyed their relationship.

The story explores themes of legacy, generational curses (literally and figuratively), and breaking cycles. I thought it did so very effectively, and in interesting ways.

What most (pleasantly) surprised me was how far the book leans into the paranormal. With the beginning, I really wasn’t sure, but if you’re looking for interesting witchcraft based in Viking lore, then you’ll probably enjoy this.

I will admit, the villain is pretty predictable, and at times I was just astounded at the density of Cordelia and Eustace. This novel keeps the reader as in the dark as the sisters, and yet it was still obvious to me from context. Though, I will admit that the twist is much less predictable.

There’s also something like a 3rd act breakup that really annoyed me, because it was too contrived. I don’t see why the involved person was so mad. But it resolved in a decent way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

SPOILERS:

I could also do with the random mobster. His inclusion was largely unnecessary to the story, and the second Cordelia’s husband returned to their Texas home, it shouldn’t have been an issue for her anymore. I think the book would still resonate just as well, if not more, if that subplot were excluded.

I think the only reason it’s probably still in the book is to act like a red herring of sorts. After all, he serves as a possible antagonist. Only problem is that they never entertain him as a serious threat anyway, so he’s just kinda there in the background.

A Spellbinding Tale of Family, Love, and Redemption - 5 Stars!

"The Witches of Bone Hill" by Ava Morgyn is an enchanting masterpiece that effortlessly weaves elements of the supernatural, family secrets, and heartwarming romance together. From start to finish, this novel captivated me and left me craving more of the mystical world it brought to life.

One of the standout features of this book is its perfect balance between the eerie and the horrifying. Morgyn's ability to create a palpable sense of unease without diving into gratuitous horror is commendable. The atmosphere she crafts in Bone Hill is tinged with just the right amount of creepiness to keep you eagerly turning the pages without needing to hide under the covers.

But what truly sets this book apart is its portrayal of the bonds between women, both living and dead. The sisters, Cordelia and Eustace, are complex and relatable characters, and their journey of discovery and reconciliation is heartwarming and empowering. The themes of female solidarity and the strength that can be drawn from generations of women coming together to protect one another are beautifully explored throughout the narrative.

The romance between Cordelia and the enigmatic groundskeeper adds a layer of passion and depth to the story. While it may seem fast-paced initially, their connection is palpable. As a reader, I found myself cheering them on, hoping for their happiness amidst the supernatural chaos surrounding them.

As for Eustace and her gifts, I would have loved to delve deeper into her character and abilities. Nevertheless, the story maintains a compelling balance between the different narrative threads, leaving readers eager to explore more of this fascinating world.

The build-up to the climax is intense, and Morgyn expertly keeps the suspense at a fever pitch. You'll find yourself holding your breath as the secrets of Bone Hill unravel, and the resolution is nothing short of redemptive and heartwarming.

In summary, "The Witches of Bone Hill" is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a tale of family bonds and self-discovery. Ava Morgyn has crafted a spellbinding story that will enchant you from the first page. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of witches, family secrets, and the enduring power of love and sisterhood. Five stars don't do it justice; it's a literary gem that deserves all the praise it receives.

Story of 2sister who inherited a old estate from an Aunt.
They discover that there is a lot happening on the estate.
Mysteries,magic,witches,,great characters and romance.
A great witch magic story.
Volunrarily reviewed.

Overall, this book was not a favorite. I feel like the sister relationship was a bit too trite. I liked the concept of the book, but I found parts of it to drag too much (there is no reason why it should have been 416 pages). I also was confused by the plot.

Again, I liked the sisters as characters, but there were just too many other pieces of the book that I did not enjoy.

Honestly when I requested this through NetGalley, I was not expecting it to be as gory as it was in some places. I thought it was a witchy romance and while it is, that's a subplot really. I didn't hate the book by any means but I have a hard time with animal death for the sake of advancing a plot. I guess in this case it made sense but I still had a hard time with it. I thought the magic was great and really interesting. The relationship between the sisters was great and I loved the house as a character. I just don't think I was prepared for it to be more on the horror side of things than the cozy book I was expecting.

The Witches of Bone Hill is a spooky, witchy tale of two sisters discovering their family’s secret and just how powerful they are. It has elements of a slow burn romance which compliment the story without overshadowing the girls journey, and was one of the more unique witch stories I’ve read recently!

Cordelia and Eustace’s journey starts completely in the dark - separated by their mother from their family’s estate, and then estranged from each other, each sister brings their own set of traumas and problems to the Connecticut manor where they are summoned back to. As the plot unfolds, we’ll see the sisters find their way back to each other, and with the help of spectral ghosts, a fox, and WikiHow - they find their way back to their roots as well. It was just spooky enough to keep the suspense of the plot without being out right terrifying, and the pace was slow enough to follow every detail of the many layered story.

Overall I thought this was a super fun read - once it got going. The slow pace did have some hiccups for me, I was ready for the action to get going about three chapters before it did, but once the plot starts rolling, the pages started flipping for me. This is a great addition to anyone’s spooky list for Halloween season if you’re looking for a story of family, trust, and findings one way- with a smidge of kissing tossed in.

A perfect fall read! It has a bit of everything:

sisterly love, ghosts, witches, mystery, light romance, murder

Cordelia is going through a divorce and Eustace is having health issues when these two sisters find out they’ve inherited an estate. They learn quickly that there’s more to their family than they thought and someone doesn’t like that they’re back.

I loved how the house is its own character. It was a central, intriguing, and fun part of the story.

The romance is on the lighter side but it offered just enough for those who prefer romance. I’d definitely say this is more women’s fiction/thriller but it was fun and a perfect read for this time of year (fall).

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley.

This was a slow burn read that had a spookier vibe than expected, and I liked it. It did tend to drag a bit, but overall a sold read for this time of year.

Such a great witchy, modern gothic mystery!
This story had me hooked about two chapters in, as I'm a sucker for a sentient house, shrouded in death.
It also felt as though there were small nods to the Owens' sisters, a plus for me. Cordelia and Eustace are both likeable characters. I wanted to know who they are, who their misterious family were, and the secrets hidden within the Bone Estate. The Witches of Bone Hill gives you plenty of thrill and magic laced with Nordic mythology, AND a bit of horror and romance.
I wouldn't hate it if this were to become a series.

Cordelia is under a lot of pressure: her estranged, cheating husband used her identity to rack up debts (including to a murderous mobster), and she’s losing her home and probably her real estate business. Then her estranged sister Eustace (“I told you so about Jack”) calls with news that great-aunt Augusta of Connecticut, someone their deceased mother specifically escaped from, has died and left them a Victorian mansion called Bone Hill. Cordelia wants to make a quick sale, but as what happens with haunted inheritances, according to the will, someone from the family must always live in the house to appease the ghosts. So much for a quick sale to pay off the mob guy and stop the foreclosure on her Dallas home and business.

The sisters agree to check out the mansion and also try to determine some of their late mother’s quirks — her fear of cemeteries and music, her war against roses, her constant headaches, her death (officially an aneurysm) which included someone cutting off her weird tattoo as she died. There are secrets in this house (and a sexy caretaker) and the sisters decide to stay long enough to uncover them. This is an emotional story, too, about sisters rediscovering each other and embracing their inner witches.

Ava Morgyn has an engaging plot and two wonderful main characters (maybe three with the hot groundskeeper). I was engrossed from the beginning and needed to find out the secrets of Bone Hill as much as the sisters did. Warning: there is some disturbing animal cruelty in the plot.

4 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO But what’s up with Gordon’s amber and cognac eyes?
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES The overgrown wild garden of Bone Hill is particularly spooky, but there still shouldn’t be dogwood blossoms in autumn. Marigolds and hydrangeas, yes.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Do you ever have a book come into your life at just the right moment? The stars align and it ticks all the boxes of what makes an amazingly entertaining read. One that you cannot put down no matter what you do. Ava Morgyn drew me into this fantastic setting of a moody, atmospheric mansion, which is so much more than it appears. There are ghosts, witches, curses, family history, a dark mystery, family drama, new love, affairs, and the list marches on. The characters are phenomenally written and draws you into their lives. I felt myself watching everything unfold from the corner of the rooms. Trying to decide exactly what was going on and why.

Cordelia Bone is getting a divorce from her miserable husband. Who not only cheated on her, but he is also wiping her out financially. She is desperate to find money to clean up his mess. Her sister Eustace calls with the news that their great aunt has died and they must head to Connecticut for the reading of the will. Both girls are dumbfounded. Their mother never mentioned any family. She moved them constantly and had a string of horrible boyfriends. She died a tragic death a few years ago and the girls are still trying to figure out what exactly occurred that night. When they pull up the long driveway and catch a glimpse of a hauntingly beautiful Victorian mansion, they are left wondering what their mother was running from all these years.

This book starts out with a bang and does not let up. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish and finally put to rest what this family has been experiencing for centuries. It will leave your heart racing, your mind spinning, and the hair on the back of your neck will rise. You will question going into any dark rooms, and the basement is a no go for at least the next few days. This is a perfect spooky season read that I will be recommending to everyone. Thank you to Ava Morgyn and St. Martin Griffen for this enchanting tale.

The cover of this book fools you into thinking you are going to read cute autumn witches well… in the beginning it kinda is..

The deeper you read the darker it gets.

Great story! I enjoyed the read. Must add to TBR if you have a spooky list.

- Family secrets
- Sister witches
- horror
- Romance but not spice
- Spooky elements

A compelling portrait of the strength of family and sisterhood and of witches. My favorite character was Eustace, who I thought was fantastic.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.