4.5 stars
The Bane Witch, by Ava Morgyn, is a richly imagined twist on the traditional witch/magical powers story. The combination of a good thriller about a woman evading her abusive husband, and the startling drama of said woman discovering her fate as a “bane witch” makes for a compulsively readable story.
Main character Piers is a likeable young woman desperate to leave her manipulative, wealthy, physically abusive husband. In a series of sometimes implausible scenes, she fakes her death and flees Charleston, S.C. She lands in a rural berg in upstate New York, where she becomes, reluctantly, immersed in her extended family of “bane witches.”
The plot lines of Piers/Acacia’s induction into the Venery (collective) of witches with similar toxic powers and the hunt for a local serial killer are exciting, as they cleverly intersect. There is plenty of foreshadowing and an overarching sense of foreboding throughout the novel.
The characters, especially Piers and her Aunt Myrtle, are vibrant and compelling. The prose is intelligent, incisive, and compliments the intensity of Acacia’s personality, as her first-person narration provides great insight into what she “sees” and feels. She is a wonderful main character!
Readers who enjoy witch stories, magical realism, and thrillers will find an attractive, tense and intelligent novel here.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Book review: 4/5 ⭐️
Genre: magical realism
Themes: abusive relationships, hunters, serial killer, control, female empowerment
📖 Read if you like: Weyward

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book.

This was a dark earthy tale of witchery and death. One for all the women who have been rendered helpless at the hands of a controlling man, those that couldn’t fight back and paid in blood for one wrong decision. This may be triggering for anyone who has been abused and can be tough to read at times, but the darkness in this narrative only added weight to this very real problem in society. To this is the added an element of magic. It takes the form of a venery of witches who can consume poison and turn it towards all the hidden villains. Women who become the hunters and protect the innocent. Who can see what has passed and has the power to ensure it does not do so again.

This was certainly not for the feint of heart, but it was an absorbing read. It follows Piers Corbin, a once successful interior decorator trapped in a controlling relationship. Forced to fake her own death as a means to escape her rigid husband, she seeks the only family she has left. A once met aunt who resides in the remote mountains of the north. Once there her proclivities to poisonous plants only grow, as do her memories. The habit she is ashamed of and an a vague recollection of a man in the woods are things she has been taught to hide, yet this is the very legacy of her people, a source of strength. A hunger to punish those that want women to feel helpless is the cornerstone of the Bane Witches, the poison eaters.

The premise and the storyline started off so well I was really loving this book. Half way through though there was a litany of odd choices. Piers became contrary vacillating in her opinions and judgements once she discovered what she was. It seems she finally understood only to them once again reprimand her aunt, to admit a change in circumstance only to fall back into an old pattern.

Then there was her relationship with the sheriff. It was hard to believe someone in an abusive relationship for two years could so easily trust a stranger not just with her body, but the truth, even if that meant risking her family. It made her an unreliable hero, even before she made a fatal mistake in choosing the sheriff over her aunt, which really sealed my opinion.

Then there was the Charleston detective who was a really interesting contrast to how the men in blue are conventionally portrayed. His story was endearing and raw, so it was difficult to believe he would take evidence of Piers’ survival directly to her abuser. Not to mention when he finally locates her chasing a man that clearly looks like a serial killer in his latex onesie he tackles her and not the perp.

There were to many of these coincidences that were out of carefully crafted characters that made the culmination of this story rather predictable and harder to read. Still, it was well-written and the elements of female empowerment, family drama and secrets were well executed. I couldn’t understand a lot of the decision making in the latter half of the book, and wasn’t overtly fond of the insubstantial romantic relationship, but this incited my female rage. Don’t be fooled by the cutsie cover, this is a dark magical thriller.

This was my first time reading this author but definitely won’t be the last! The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn was a fascinating read for me. It’s a story of dark magic that centers around a coven of sorts of women who are all related and have the sole purpose of bringing justice to life’s evilness. It’s a story of magic where poison is consumed and used to off their prey. I loved that the story takes place in Upstate New York which is where I live. The description of the small town and of the surrounding wooded areas all sounded spot on for what it’s really like in this area. The authors writing made me feel as if I was right there experiencing everything the characters were going through. The main character, Piers, is an abused wife who must do the unthinkable just to escape the hands of her demented husband. By faking her own death and using an alias she attempts to start her life anew but the life she finds is anything but normal. I loved that this story displayed how family sticks together and it was nice that there was a little romance added in to add to the excitement. The 2 law enforcement officers and their connection to Piers really added to the story. I must admit, I enjoyed this story much more than I anticipated I would and it’s a book I would definitely recommend to others. I would like to thank Kejana Ayala, Marketing Coordinator @ St. Martin’s Publishing Group for inviting me to be an early reader and NetGalley for the arc. I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and anticipate reading more by this author very soon!

Wow, what a first chapter reel-in. The story continues in such a gripping way that you have to know what happens next. But then, it feels like the whole story falls off the rails. The characters felt flat and there was not a lot of character development. The plot becomes very messy towards the end and needs more concise storytelling.

There were a LOT of trigger warnings in this story to make sure to find those before embarking on this absolute wild journey.

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.

Piers, now “Acacia” is on the run from her abusive, dangerous husband. “Henry will kill me. In a week. In a year. He’s been working up to it. I see it glinting behind the dark centers of his eyes…one hand at my throat.” So she makes a plan to fake her own death and leave him for a new life with the only family she has left, an aunt she only met once, who lives somewhere in upstate New York. She thinks she also struggles with “pica, an eating disorder characterized by the desire to consume substances with no nutritional value.” Except the things she craves eating are poison, berries, mushrooms, things that would kill a normal person, which somehow don’t affect her. And they’ve even saved her life. Her body seems to crave the poison and she feeds anytime an abusive killer, or soon-to-be-killer crosses her path, and she’s able to use it on him, to save his future victims. She can also feel how some victims died. She is a bane witch.
And when she arrives at her aunt’s cabin, she finds out there is a strangling, rapist serial killer on the loose, killing more and more women. And she is craving a feeding.

This book is for anyone who’s ever felt frustrated by the unjustness of rapists and serial killers and abusers “getting away with it” or living long lives without consequences. It’s for anyone who lives a little magical realism mixed with their crime fiction. It’s for women who wish they could fight back with a little magic of their own. Although this book isn’t without a little tragedy,it proposes a morally gray answer to the question of what should be done about rapists and serial killers? It would be a good book for those who wish to discuss these heavy topics in a group or among friends.

Trigger warnings: physical abuse, strangling, near-rape, poisoning, killing.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are solely mine and do not reflect the author, publisher, or affiliates.

This is a much different take on witches, that it took a little while to fully get behind them. Piers grew up in a difficult relationship with her mother and the guy she was with. After getting away from her mother and making a better life for herself, she ended up in an abusive marriage and after two years, decided to fake her death to get away from him. She has a memory of an aunt visiting once and finds her way there and learns about the family history that her mother never told her about. In the end, this is a really good book that keeps you reading to find out what happens next.

This is not for me. I struggled from the beginning, with the opening chapters describing domestic abuse and on to the darkness of the rest of the story. Readers who enjoy dark and rather sick stories will likely enjoy this. Just not me.

“A very little poison can do a world of good.”

You guys. This book was fantastic and wholly unexpected. I have two words for you: FEMALE RAGE. It was a mixture of Gone Girl, Practical Magic, and an episode of Criminal Minds. It blended fantasy with a murdery thriller, and I couldn’t put it down.
It was eerie, twisty, full of revenge, and witches with dark magic. I absolutely devoured it. I had a great time with it, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend it!
🍄
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍄
Read if you like:
▫️witches who ingest poison and hunt men
▫️female rage
▫️she fakes her own death
▫️police investigations
▫️serial k!ller
🍄
Thank you to St. Martins Press, Ava Morgyn, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Bane Witch was a dark, witchy read perfect for the fall season (even though it comes out in March). I don’t think the comparison of Practical Magic meets Gone Girl is very accurate though. I get the Practical Magic comparison, but Gone Girl makes you think it’s going to be twisty, which it’s not.

Piers Corbin has always had a thing for poisonous things. From the pokeweed berries she consumed that lead to man’s death at age five to an abusive monster of a husband hiding dark things. Hoping to escape, Piers fakes her own death and makes her way to an estranged great aunt in a small mountain village. Here she learns she is from a long line of poison eaters, or Bane Witches, who use their immunity to poisonous plants to exact revenge on those who deserve it. Between a burgeoning flirtatious friendship with the local sheriff and learning what she can from her aunt, Piers tries to move on with her life. But when she catches the eye of a serial killer operating in the area she must earn her place in her family.

This is the second book I’ve read by Ava Morgyn and I gotta say I kinda enjoy the ways she does her magic systems. They seem a lot more natural, just kinda turned up a bit. I really admire Piers. The tenacity she had to leave her monster and make her way to Aunt Myrtle was so good to see. And finding herself as a witch and rediscovering herself with the sheriff just showed how strong she’d been the whole time. That being said I kinda think the end fell flat. After everything the Stranglers identity didn’t even matter and honestly I remember the other death that happens more than his. But that one was more cathartic. Overall this was a good read and I can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next.

Rating 3.5 stars

THE BANE WITCH by Ava Morgyn

Witches ingesting poisonous plants to lure and ensure their “marks” suffer an excruciatingly painful death?! Honestly, what’s not to like? Who wouldn’t want the power/ability to enact vengeance on those who continually and egregiously harm others? Love that! That’s the kind of vigilante justice I’d sign up for.

While some parts felt a bit bogged down with too many details, as a whole I loved this. The history/lore of the venery, and the unique twist of their magic system was very well developed. The characters were complex, had depth and were memorable. Shout out to Bart, for being such a good boy!

A story of self discovery, female empowerment and feminine rage with a dark magical twist. Highly recommend, but check trigger warnings.


Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️

Pub Date: 03.18.25

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & StMartinsPress

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book for review.

"A very little poison can do a world of good."

This book was such a fast paced, dark thriller with elements of magical realism. I loved that it touches on themes of power and control and offered a magical twist as a way for women to take back control in their lives. Who doesn't love it when evil men get what's coming to them and justice is served. Definitely check your trigger warnings concerning SA, abuse, and murder.

I liked that it’s an actual well written story. The author took her time with this one and it was very enjoyable. I love that we didn’t figure everything out from the start

The main theme of the book is that there’s a criminal on the loose. A serial killer who strangles women and then assaults their corpses (necrophilia) and that’s how we go on Piers’s journey while she discovers her ways and wonders

The plot felt unique to me. Witches with unique powers and different vibes than what we usually read. It might feel like two completely different storylines but honestly once you start getting into it you’ll understand that one cannot go without the other

I loved the self discovery on Piers’s own journey. Figuring out she has magic and how to use it botanically, which is why I said the setting of the book is so unique

This book has a lot of important topics like domestic violence and sexual assault so please be careful before you read. But also know that it’s a great representation. It’s not about female victimisation either. It’s so empowering towards women and it literally gives badass women vibes and I loved it

It was such a beautiful compelling fall-y vibe book that just kept getting better and better. Please read it!!!

There are a lot of triggers in this story so I’m giving you a heads up. There are many attempts at rape and rape on the page. It’s not overly graphic, but it’s there on the page. There are also conversations about incest, pedophilia, killing people, abuse, and suicide. It’s important to Piers’ story and to those around her and it is real-life unfortunately. Huge hugs to anyone who reads the book and needs it.

The Bane Witch is A LOT (chuckle). It is a mix of Sleeping With The Enemy (Dir. J. Ruben, 1991) and pick a mafia movie. Follow the rules or you die whether you are with your husband or in the safe bosom of your “family”. Whew, sooooo glad I’m not in their family (chuckle).

Ava Morgyn gives us a dark fantasy this time around. I can’t even really call it a romance because there is nothing romantic about this story. Yes, there is a romantic interest but believe me he is so far down on the list of things that Piers has to think about that it’s kind of funny. I will say this for Regis though, kudos to him for falling for her because everything about the situation says: “Danger Will Robinson! Danger!” (chuckle).

Another thought I kept having is: “It’s not like the movies.” I kept shaking my head at all of the mistakes that Piers made in trying to escape. Some things she did were diabolical and I was like…”Okay, you go girl.” Then there were other instances where I was scratching my head saying, “Seriously? You thought that would work?” I will say Piers did not watch enough Lifetime movies before attempting her escape from her husband (chuckle).

I liked the story. Some parts of it had me thinking…ummmm I don’t know if this really works. Other scenes you could see coming a mile away. So the story is predictable, but I still liked it. I think that’s because in the end, I like Piers. I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Piers and Regis be a series. I think Piers is still growing and how everyone is so ominous about her powers, I want to see what they grow into. Plus there are plenty of secondary characters Morgyn can kill off (I have some faves from the “family” (chuckle…just kidding jeesh)).

I was surprised that Bart didn’t leave with a certain visitor.

In the end I decided that The Bane Witch needs to be a series and the mysteries need to keep coming. I want to see who else has what powers and how Piers and Regis grow together. Pretty please.

Thank you NetGalley, Ava Morgyn, and St Martin's Press for the E-ARC of this book.

To me this book is a 3.5 star rating. The cover gives very cozy vibes, but the story is dark with content referenced to abuse, murder, sexual assault, and rape. I find the idea of poison "black widow" style witches intriguing, but maybe the execution fell a little flat for me. A lot of this book paints men as evil uncontrollable creatures and these bane witches as the vigilante saviors. Police learn to look the other way and there are a few times, that "not all men" concept comes up. The pacing is fast throughout, but feels jumpy at times. I guess the ending ties up too nicely for me.

THE BANE WITCH by Ava Morgyn is a contemporary, adult, paranormal, thriller focusing on Bane Witch and interior designer Piers ‘ Acacia’ Corbin.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Piers ) and third person (Reyes) THE BANE WITCH follows Piers Corbin in the aftermath of faking her death to escape her abusive and controlling husband. The only family she knows of is her aunt Myrtle, a strange woman she met only once but a woman who will reveal the reality of who and what is our story line heroine. For as long as she can remember, Piers has been drawn to plants and poisons, but more specifically the berry of the pokeweed, and in this, her need to devour and eat pokeweed is disconcerting until the arrival of her aunt Myrtle who sees more than Piers could have ever thought possible. Fast forward to present day, now working and living in Crow Lake with her aunt Myrtle, Piers, now known as Acacia, will discover she is descended from a long line of bane witches, women who consume poisonous plants and berries, using their powers to rid the world of dangerous men. As the body count increases, local sheriff Regis Brooks begins to suspect a connection to Piers and Myrtle, and the investigation into Piers’ ‘death’ arrives in Crow Lake, near the Canadian border.

The world building is detailed and complex as Piers aka Acacia learns about the family history, the legacy and the venery (practice of hunting) she knew nothing about, details hidden by her mother, a woman who denied her heritage in the wake of debilitating need and pain. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer hunting in the woods of the Adirondacks, and Piers suspects she may be a target of the Saranac Stangler.

There is a building romance and relationship between Piers (Acacia) and Sheriff Regis Brooks but a relationship that struggles in the face of the numerous murders, and the sheriff’s suspicions regarding the method of killing. Piers and Regis’ love is forbidden but Piers is determined to protect the man who has stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are limited and mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and interesting secondary and supporting characters including several members Piers’ extended family, known as the venery. We are introduced to Piers’ aunt Myrtle, cousin Azalea, Sheriff Regis Brooks, Detective Emil Reyes, Piers’ husband Henry Corbin, as well as a number of local villagers including Ed and his dog Bart, and targeted victims and abusers. I am hoping the author has plans for future story lines involving Piers’ extended family of witches.

THE BANE WITCH is a magical story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and madness, abuse and murder, family and acceptance. The premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are determined, charismatic and disconcerting; the romance is subtle.



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As others pointed out don’t let the cute cover confuse you to what this story actually is about. Piers finally gets to a point where she decides to flee her abusive husband to escape to her aunts house up North. Along the way though she ends up accidentally killing the man that tries to rape her. When she arrives to her aunts she discovers she comes from a long line of bane witches. Witches that consume poison to kill men that are monsters.
This book was a fast paced page turner that mixed fantasy, paranormal, and romance into one book. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

Wow, what an amazing book. It’s not just about witches and normal witchy books but more about self-discovery and inner female rage. I loved The Witches of Bone Hill, and when I saw this book I knew that I needed to read it. This author knows how to talk about sensitive topics like domestic violence and sexual assault. You will read about witches who use their magic to seek out hateful men, who abuse women or children, who are killers, or just angry. They use their magical skills to remove these men from the world, it’s not a book that is about bashing on males but more about the trials that some women take and the hardships that they endure.

I found the dual plot lines in this book to have really brought out a new level to this book. You will find Piers in both of the plots but one of them is about her understanding about herself and her family line. The other plot is her trying to find out who is the serial killer who strangles and rapes his victims. She has help from a man who helped her get to her aunt’s house after she escapes from her abusive husband. She finds out that he is a Sheriff in the town, and they start a friendship that leads to more. However, as a witch she is not supposed to have relationships with males due to their magical system and not knowing if they might kill their loved ones. I loved how Piers was really wanting to be close to her family of witches but she still wanted to have the life that she always dreamt of. She knows what is on the line but she also knows that she doesn’t want to be alone. I loved how she handled the situation with him and how it made them closer as well. I found her strength to leave her abusive husband. I found the pace of the book to be perfect. The mix of tension throughout the book made me want to get closer and closer to the end.

I can’t wait to see what else Ava Morgyn will write next for us.

I want to thank NetGalley and SMP for the opportunity to review this book.

A vigilante family of witches can sniff out abusive men and kill them. The thing is, it has to be done stealthily enough that suspicion doesn't fall on the family. The whole book is very well thought out and executed. It was a rather dark book but enjoyable. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC. This opinion and rating are freely given and not in any way coerced.

She’s ENTHRALLING… She’s DARK… She’s FAST PACED…. She’s GRIPPING…

Ugh I loved this book. This is my first ever 5 Star ARC read. I couldn’t put it down. It grabs your attention from the beginning and never lets up.

CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS: Don’t let the cover fool you… this covers some heavy topics, but the author (I feel) portrayed these aspects very tastefully and in a way that brings a sense of justice…

She gives Gone Girl x Practical Magic in the best way!! I will be reading more of Ava Morgyn’s works!!