Wow, what a ride! Up and down, all around, this book took me through it.
It kept me on my toes, thats for sure. I wasn't sure where it was going, until we got there and then it all came together so very well.

The first thing that caught my attention in A Spell To Wake The Dead was the gorgeous cover. I'd give it five stars just for that!

However, the book felt a bit slow at the beginning, and by the time I reached the end, everything seemed to happen too quickly. Some parts of the plot didn’t make much sense to me, and others bothered me a little — especially Nora’s actions.

I couldn’t really feel a genuine connection between the two protagonists. Nora always seemed to look down on Mazzy and her more cautious nature, while Mazzy seemed to tolerate Nora, probably because she thought Nora was cooler and more popular. Their friendship felt more like a convenience than a true bond, which became clear in several situations throughout the book. But that didn’t stop me from continuing because I was really curious about how the story would unfold.

As for the romance, I don’t have much to say. It was cute, but it’s not the main focus of the book, which I liked. The romance and the protagonist’s feelings didn’t get in the way of the plot, which made the reading experience lighter and more enjoyable.

Overall, it’s a good book. I’m a big fan of YA stories with supernatural themes, mystery, and suspense, so A Spell To Wake The Dead managed to bring together everything I love in one book.

Best friends Mazzy and Nora are amateur practioners of witchcraft, with the disbelieving third of their friend trio, Elliot, often along for the ride. It's an occasion just such as this that a spell goes wrong, setting a chain of events into motion that has far reaching, and sinister consequences. After discovering a body on Mayflower Beach, and somehow unintentionally tying themselves to its spirit, this trio races against a cult of sinister witches, a detective who may not be on the side of good, and an out of state stalker to solve the mystery of who "May" was, and what got her killed. Set in the spooky, atmospheric Cape Cod in its off-season, this novel gives creeps, chills, and thrills almost from start to finish.

What kept this from being a five-star read for me was the fact that I feel like so many elements were added to the plot of this book that we didn't really get a satisfying resolution to several things. With less elements, additional focus could have been put on developing the character arcs (as we see resolution on the romance arc by the end of the novel, but no growth or resolution really on some of the things that were hurting Mazzy and Nora's friendship).

A Spell to Wake the Dead will leave you hooked from its atmospheric opening to its spell-binding conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam Sons for providing me with an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nicole Lesperance sets up a delightfully eerie premise—witchy teens, ominous omens, and bodies washing up on shore like some kind of morbid beachcomber’s jackpot. There’s a spellbinding (literally) mystery at its core, but getting to the real action feels like wading through knee-deep seaweed. Then, just as you’re finally about to confront the creepy villain—boom—you’re hit with a tidal wave of plot resolution that’s over before you’ve even adjusted your goggles.

Also, there’s a love story? I suppose there is. It’s there, much like that random driftwood on the beach—present, but not exactly necessary.

All in all, the book has great atmosphere, solid supernatural elements, and some genuinely creepy moments. But if you’re looking for a page-turner, just know that most of those pages will be turned at a leisurely pace until you reach the last bit—at which point, you’ll be flipping like you accidentally set your Kindle on fire. 3.5 stars!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books, for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest review. While this one didn't hit the spot for me, maybe her next book will!

4.75 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for me! This was just the right amount of creepy and thriling for YA magic/horror with the tiniest pinch of romance. I will definitely be recommending this for October reads!

A Spell to Wake the Dead follows Mazzy and Nora, two teenage girls who just lightly dabble in witchcraft. And they've had some success with minor spells, so why NOT do a spell on the beach that uncovers hidden things? You never know what you'll end up finding....even if it's a dead body :) With this one spell, the girls and their friend Elliot are thrust into the world of the occult, based on Egyptian mythology.

•Definite witchy magic happening - things that can't be explained
•Strong female friendships
•Family ties

Man, this freaked me out and had me jumping at every noise when I was home alone. I LOVED that it wasn't just like a Mythbusters type situation and there actually WERE creepy things happening. Mazzy and Nora's curiosity is so on point as teenagers - would I have been scared to death if I were in their situation? Yes, but I probably would have done the same thing too. Their unwavering belief in each other was perfect for the story. I am no expert in witchcraft, but it also seems like the author took care to research it as a focal point in the story, which I appreciated.

Nora was reaaaaaally frustrating to me as a character a lot of the time. In the end, I understood why she was acting that way, but I really didn't like her at points.

Best friends Mazzy and Nora sneak down to the beach one night to cast a spell. They are not prepared to find a mutilated body washed ashore, missing hands and teeth. This grisly murder is something that wouldn't happen in their small town. The girls can't shake the eerie, supernatural pull they feel to the victim; they turn to spells and divination to uncover the truth.

They unravel a series of disappearances spanning years and start experiencing disturbing occult visions and ghostly whispers. Nora finds a second body and starts receiving eerie directions to more. The girls are caught in a race against time to discover the killer's identity before the police or before they become the next victims.

The gloomy, claustrophobic atmosphere of foggy nights and dark woods enhances the sense of danger lurking at every turn. The supernatural and occult elements create suspense and eerieness. This YA book blends dark magic and a murder mystery to keep you on your toes. It had some genuinely unsettling moments that were exciting. The friendship between Mazzy and Nora is fiercely loyal, but dangerous secrets surface, which strained their relationship. The pacing is fast, making it impossible to stop reading. Some key revelations dropped so quickly that the ending lacked some emotional impact that the rest of the story builds toward. A few more chapters to unpack the aftermath for the friends would have made for a more satisfying conclusion.

The characters and story created a bewitching thriller that had a grip on me that just never let up. The supernatural elements were witchy and creepy, which I am 100% here for. I loved the story of friendship between the two girls and the weight of it. It made the relationship more real. The twisty plot made it a satisfying journey overall.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group, Young Readers Group, and G.P. Putnam's Son for Young Readers, for the opportunity to review the ebook and provide my honest feedback.

4.5/5

This was an absolute spellbinding, spooky, and thrilling read. Mazzy and Nora are two teen witches that attempt an unfamiliar spell only to be met with its dire consequences. It doesn’t slow down from there. This book takes absolutely no time in throwing you into the deep end and taking you along for the ride and I was here for every second of it.

Lesperance manages to blend great thriller elements (perfect timing of plot twists and reveals) with YA elements, like the realistic viewpoints of being a teenager (the awkward, naive, and everything in between).

This was a great read and I cannot wait to see more of what Lesperance has to offer in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and Nicole Lesperance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was engrossed from the first chapter till the very end. Everything from the teen witch coven storyline to the small seaside town murders to the budding romance was just absolutely *chef’s kiss*

Fun read and engaging story! I loved the witchcraft and relationship between the main trio of characters! Just spooky enough to freak me out a little bit too lol.

A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance is a delightfully eerie, witchy thriller that blends occult mystery with spine-chilling suspense. From the moment Mazzy and Nora stumble upon the mutilated body on the beach, the novel weaves a dark and atmospheric tale filled with spellwork, ghostly whispers, and gruesome discoveries. Lesperance masterfully balances the horror elements—missing hands and teeth, occult visions, and creeping dread—with a YA-friendly approach, making it unsettling yet never overwhelming. The mystery unfolds at a gripping pace, and the supernatural elements feel both haunting and immersive. Perfect for readers who love dark magic, small-town secrets, and a touch of the macabre, this novel is an unputdownable, spine-tingling read.

A Spell to Wake the Dead is the tale of besties Nora and Mazzy who live in the Cape Cod area and like to dabble in witchcraft. Mazzy tends to be more reserved in her craft and Nora is open to taking chances. Nora finds a spell on line and she and Mazzy cast it under the moon and moments later a dead body washes up on shore. The girls have no idea how this happened or what spell they actually cast. Nora starts hearing voices and then finds another dead body. The police have questions. There parents are worried. The two girls are on a path and have no idea which way they are going or what will be the ultimate outcome. Big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book. Its a great YA book and a fun journey on witchcraft and what can happen when you play with magic.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nicole Lesperance’s “A Spell to Wake the Dead” is an atmospheric, eerie YA thriller that focuses on witchcraft and murder. Set against the haunting backdrop of Cape Cod, this novel follows best friends Mazzy and Nora, two amateur witches whose late-night spellwork leads them to a horrifying discovery—a woman’s mutilated body on the beach. What starts as a grisly murder mystery soon spirals into something far more sinister as the girls uncover a dangerous occult society, the Hand of Nephthys, that thrives on dark magic and human sacrifices.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its chilling ambiance. Lesperance creates a setting that feels alive with secrets, from the whispering marshes to the cold, shifting tides. The supernatural elements are seamlessly woven into the story—ghostly visions, vanishing evidence, and an unseen force pulling Mazzy and Nora deeper into a conspiracy that defies logic. As Mazzy begins to experience hauntings tied to the dead woman, the book raises an unsettling question: Is she solving the mystery, or is the mystery consuming her?

Mazzy, our protagonist, is both relatable and frustrating. Her dynamic with Nora is compelling but flawed—Nora’s reckless nature often puts them in danger, and Mazzy’s admiration for her friend sometimes blinds her to the risks they’re taking. There’s a streak of immaturity in Mazzy’s jealousy, particularly when she resents Nora for receiving attention after a traumatic event, but this trait feels authentic for a teenager struggling with self-worth. Their friendship is tested as the danger escalates, leading to a well-earned character arc for Nora, who matures by the book’s end.

The romance between Mazzy and Elliott, a boy who remains unwaveringly on her side, adds a tender counterbalance to the book’s dark themes. Their slow-burn connection feels natural and provides a grounding presence amidst the chaos. Elliott’s steadfast belief in Mazzy, even when others doubt her sanity, makes him a standout character.

While the book delivers a gripping mystery, the climax is somewhat chaotic, weaving together multiple threads that can feel overwhelming. Some elements—like the background of the Hand of Nephthys—could have been expanded for greater impact, as their sinister presence remains somewhat underexplored. Still, the book’s conclusion is satisfying, tying up loose ends while allowing its characters to move forward.

Overall, “A Spell to Wake the Dead” is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers. With its blend of witchcraft and atmospheric horror, it offers a chilling, fast-paced ride that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group for YA Readers, for this ARC.

This book was a pleasant surprise, blending themes of friendship, mystery, and coming-of-age. Throughout the story, we follow Mazzy, Nora and Elliot joining them to form an engaging friendship trio.

The book has a strong sense of mystery, occultism with mythological (specifically Egyptian) elements woven in. The atmosphere is immersive, and the tension builds as our main characters stumble upon a dead body on the beach, leading them to uncover gripping secrets.

The reason this is a 4-star review instead of 5 is that some parts of the plot felt weak or underdeveloped. Most of the action takes place toward the end, and I wish there had been more time dedicated to exploring the cult—delving deeper into its role and how it ties everything together.

That was my only concern because this book has everything—from the occult and mystery to friendship and the challenges of being a teenager. Overall, it was a great read, perfect to finish in a day!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the witchcraft and the mystery. I felt like there a few parts that didn't flow as well as it could have, I was left rereading sections to see if I could figure out how the author got from point A to point B. Overall, I felt like it was a solid read.
Mazzy and Nora are best friends and their passion is witchcraft. No really understands their interests but everyone assumes they will grow out of it. They decide to do a full moon ritual to reveal hidden things on the beach with their best friend Elliott present, only the spell doesn't go as planned. At the end of the ritual, they find a dead body on the beach. Mazzy and Nora feel connected to the woman and they want to help her. They begin to investigate this murder on their own, but pretty soon they find a second body. They're pretty it has something to do with the occult and they're pretty sure they're in danger now, but they can't stop now.

This book was phenomenal! I loved so much about it that I just can’t put into words. It had everything; mystery, humor, horror, romance, the supernatural, friendship, and suspense. It had me so enthralled that I read straight through until it was done! I adored Mazzy, Nora, and Elliot. They made the story. The plot was twisty and fantastically written. Kudos, can’t wait to see more from this author!

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD by Nicole Lesperance
Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the earc (Aug26)

Mazzy and Nora dabble in witchcraft. One night, after completing a spell/ritual, they discover a dead body. Then Nora finds another. They know it's greater than real life, it's supernatural. Together, they work to sever the connection before they are next.
Okay, I really liked this book. It was two genres that I enjoy reading---mystery and fantasy---all rolled into one. There's magic, pining, and m*rder. It's like the best of al worlds.
This book drew me in almost instantly. After the first spell was completed, and the body was washed onto shore, everything that happened after was a whirlwind. It was like a spell was cast over me, enticing me to solve the mystery. I found this book to be thrilling, and I really loved the dramatics.
A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD is easily devourable and the a-ha moments really worm they're way into your mind because though early on we know who is responsible, we don't actually know who is responsible until BOOM, everything falls into place. This is definitely a must read for mystery and magic lovers.

First off I would love to thank the author Nicole and GP Putnam for sending me this arc! I had such a blast reading this!

The story was so hauntingly captivated and I was hooked from the very beginning at Mayflower Beach. I loved trying to solve the mystery along side the characters and eating up the lingering looks between Mazzy and Elliot. I actually connected with Mazzy quite a bit and really related to her inner thoughts and struggles a lot. I thought the different levels of the mystery was so exciting! What started as a murder turned into a full blown witchy sacrificial cult and I loved every bit of it. I thought the author captured a different side of the cape that was really cool to read about. The marshes and beaches definitely have some secrets to hide and I loved the setting a lot. Even though i’m biased because my family is all from there. Really enjoyed this! 5 stars!

Mazzy and Norah like to practice witchcraft, often performing simple spells that have a variety of success. When the girls sneak out to the beach to perform a spell, they find a woman's body that is missing their hands and teeth. There seems to be something supernatural about the woman's death and when the girls start to investigate, they find a pattern of local disappearances linked to a secret society. Both of the girls start to have visions and when a whispering voice leads Norah to a second body, the girls realize they might be next.

If you love a combination of murder mysteries and supernatural, I will highly recommend this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I loved the creepy atmosphere of the occult and secret society. I would have enjoyed a little more focus on the background of the Hand of Nephthys and the secondary characters that were involved in the mystery, but still really enjoyed this book overall.

A Spell to Wake the Dead is out August 26th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review A Spell to Wake the Dead. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this story! Our heroine, Mazzy, is a casually witchy teen along with her best friend, Nora. While going to the beach to watch the moon, they stumble across a body with no hands or teeth and are drawn into a murder investigation. The odd Detective Huld seems suspicious, and the girls don't feel comfortable sharing their concerns. As Nora and Mazzy delve deeper, spurred on by the ghost of the dead woman in Nora's head, they become entangled in the web of the Hand of Nepthys, a VERY dangerous cult. As the bodies keep piling up, Nora and Mazzy have to race against time to find justice for the dead girls, but not everything is as it seems. The characters are compelling, the story is suspenseful, and I did not see the end coming! I wholeheartedly recommend this for fans of the paranormal and YA.

This was a very fun and spooky time, I immensely enjoyed reading this. The main characters are relatable and well written, it was great to follow them around.  But it would've been nice if we learned more about the occult world. 
One thing that bothered me was when our main character got weirdly jealous of her friend after something bad happened to her because of the attention this came with. I don't think the character really overcame this thought and we just moved on. 
Nevertheless, this is a highly recommendable read.