Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing the ARC for an honest review. Outside of Goodreads and major online book retailers, my review can be found on my insta, the.alis.trials. Reviews will be posted within 24 hours.

Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a haunting and thoughtful short novel that blends historical horror with psychological fantasy in a compelling and unexpected way. Loosely based on the real 1697 Bargarran Witch Trials, this 170-page story draws deeply from fact while weaving in fictional elements to flesh out the narrative with emotional depth and historical atmosphere.

Victoria Williamson captures the chilling core of these events through the eyes of Christian Shaw—both as an 11-year-old girl central to the witch accusations, and later as a haunted adult grappling with guilt, faulty memories, and unraveling sanity. The inclusion of historical details—like Christian’s role in accusing 35 people of witchcraft, seven of whom were executed, and her later success in thread bleaching—grounds the story in reality. At the same time, the author cleverly introduces invented characters and fantasy elements that add tension and mystery.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its psychological exploration. Christian’s mental decline is portrayed with grace and intensity, and the writing style shifts just enough to reflect her fractured state of mind without confusing the reader. The dual timeline is handled effectively, and the fantasy-infused ending was unexpected but satisfying.

This book leans heavily into themes of purity, blood, and femininity, with repeated references to menstruation, bleeding, and the symbolic soul cleansing through thread bleaching. It’s a motif that works well for the story’s tone and themes but may not appeal to every reader. The focus on female bodily experience makes this novel particularly resonant for a female audience, though anyone interested in historical horror or feminist gothic fiction will find something to appreciate.

My only reason for holding back the fifth star is that while the writing is solid and evocative, the story occasionally felt like it could’ve benefited from just a bit more development or character expansion, particularly in the adult timeline.

Overall, Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a well-crafted, eerie, and poignant tale that lingers after the final page. A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy short, unsettling stories that blur the line between history, horror, and fantasy.

An effective horror novella about Christian, a woman slowly sinking into madness. When she was a child and had her first period, Christian had a bit of a … break. Slipping into fear, paranoia, sleepwalking and religious fervor, she ended up accusing several women in the area of witchcraft, of killing newborn children and cursing her with a sickness. As an adult, she still has periods of lucidity but the specter of her past, her terror of blood, her fear of her own periods borders on body horror. She looses time, slipping back and forth from the past to the present with nothing but fear to keep her company.

It’s moody, atmospheric, and effective. This will make a perfect re-read come Halloween. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to review.

Paisley, Scotland 1697. What a read! Based on the true story of the Bargarran witches who were tried, hanged and burnt at the stake when 11-year old Christian Shaw accuses 7 people (one who was a servant) of bewitching her. The storyline of this book though fictionalized is a haunting read of Christian, now an adult who is continually tormented by the memories of the innocent people she accused during her relentless pursuit of becoming a successful manufacturer of thread. Interspersed with episodes of madness, Christian cannot at times discern what is real or what are the crazed images she sees usually involving black ravens flying outside her windows. Told through flashbacks as a child and the events leading up to the mass execution of those seven this was a gothic, haunting,spellbinding read. The history behind this book actually angered me to know that Christian Shaw went on to become a successful businesswoman seemingly getting away with blood on her hands and what about the families she destroyed? According to the author's notes at the end there is a campaign to clear the names and formally pardon those accused and convicted of witchcraft. That should be of utmost importance in my opinion. Recommended.

Big thank you to author Victoria Williamson for a tremendous book and NetGalley for a copy of this in an exchange for my honest opinion, all thoughts on this are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for this free copy of "Red Runs the Witch's Thread."

This novella was based on the true story of Christian Shaw, who was highly regarded as the founder of the thread industry in Scotland. But as a child, she was the main accuser of the Bargarran witch trials.

This creepy book opens 25 years after the witch trials. We live in Christian's madness as she remembers events that drove her to claim that she was being attacked by the witches.

Hauntingly atmospheric!

I loved the historical aspects of this book and the fact it was inspired by the last witch burning in 1697. The multi timeline was written perfectly.

Overall this was a great quick novella that you can read in one sitting. If you’re looking for a witchy book with gothic vibes and set in Scotland… that is perfect for you.

A historical psychological thriller featuring late 1600's witches? Say less!

This was my first dive into a Victoria Williamson book and it won't be my last! this book would be perfect for fall or halloween but I started it on a dark rainy day and it was just everything I needed. I loved the inspiration of this book and the atmosphere the author was able to portray was amazing. If your a fan of the supernatural or the witch trials this book will not disappoint!

This was very twisty turny for such a short story. I wasn't sure there would be any resolution, but there definitely was. I also thought the description of the book might have been misleading, but it definitely wasn't. This is a pretty dark read, but I was hooked all the way to the end. The only thing I found a bit irritating was the repetitive use of using words or short phrases three times in a row. It had the intended effect in some places, but in others it was just too much.

A true psychological horror, Red Runs the Witch's Thread has a very gothic vibe that is perfect for horror readers!

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson is a beautifully written fantasy novel that skillfully blends magic, mystery, and emotional complexity. Set in a world brimming with atmospheric detail, the novel follows its characters through a journey that is both enchanting and dark, offering readers a rich, immersive experience.

Williamson’s world-building is superb, with vivid descriptions and a well-crafted magic system that feels unique and immersive. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with moments of tension and unexpected twists that keep the story engaging from start to finish. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their personal growth and relationships are the heart of the story, adding emotional depth that makes their challenges and triumphs feel meaningful.

While the novel is deeply engaging, there are a few moments where the pacing slows, and some readers may find the narrative a bit predictable in parts. However, the strength of the character-driven story and the atmospheric world Williamson creates more than make up for these minor flaws.

Overall, Red Runs the Witch's Thread is an enchanting and emotionally resonant read, perfect for fans of fantasy that mixes magic with real human struggles. Victoria Williamson has crafted a story that is both magical and grounded, leaving readers with much to reflect on long after the book ends. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, well-crafted fantasy tale.

Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a book based on an 11 year old Scottish girl named Christian Shaw that accused 37 people of witchcraft who were subsequently killed.

The book follows her through the downward spiral of her grief and the insanity that follows.

I went in not knowing anything of the witch trials the book was written for or what to expect. At times the book was captivating and I enjoyed the dual timelines as they lent ambiguity to the story. The obsession with thread makes sense after the afterward, which gave background information on Christian and her thread business and knowledge that bolstered the Scottish market in the early 1700s. However, I didn’t feel connected to the characters, and I found myself not feeling as on edge as I normally do when I read thrillers and horror stories. I don’t know exactly what I needed, but something just wasn’t there for me.

I loved the symbolism of the crows, the red red red rope that she wore on her wrist, and the way guilt spun her into a black hole.

Overall the book was good and it took about an hour and a half to read. While not the scariest or suspenseful of books in this genre- it is a rich story that allows you to look into the past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for the ARC and privilege of leaving an honest review

I never would've thought a psychological thriller set in the 1600-1700s would be quite so enthralling! This is a very dark and unsettling book that is just very well written. This book is on the top of my favorite for 2025!

4.5 stars

“I know her curse can’t touch me, as I’m a woman now, so i’m already damned”

This entire book can be summed up as a girl traumatized by her period, so she goes on a killing spree to keep it a secret (yes queen), only to be confronted with her actions 25 years later.

Red runs the witches thread is a quick read, but with all the gothic elements present. A witchtrial, an unreliable narrator and the horrors of womenhood. It follows a girl named Christian who goes through many lenghts to keep her monthly bleed hidden as to avoid being a “woman”. She does things unimaginable, but her mind is such a blur, she doesn’t remember a thing.

I really enjoyed reading the confusion with which Christian deals, and the inpact the past has on her present. Her slow decent into madness is written perfectly, and kept me hooked until the end. Recommend!

Red Runs the Witch’s Thread immediately catches the eye of the reader with its premise, being a story inspired by a real historical event that has long fascinated me: the witch trials. In this case, the 1697 Paisley witch trials. The book interprets these events by focusing entirely on the psychological horror experienced by a protagonist deeply marked by guilt.

It is obvious that the author put significant effort into researching and accurately portraying the historical context, creating a dark and oppressive atmosphere in this short novel. The story unfolds across two timelines: one following a young Christian Shaw as she becomes involved in a witch trial where she herself accuses several people, and another depicting an adult Christian, now consumed by the guilt of her past actions.

Although the novel had a promising premise, I found the narration confusing and somewhat difficult to follow. The writing style felt too ethereal for my taste and repetitive. Christian’s disturbed mind seeps into the prose, effectively portraying her psychological state but at the expense of the reader’s experience. Additionally, the story is so focused on the protagonist’s internal anguish that it leaves little room for the development of secondary characters, who could have added depth and nuance to the narrative. I would have liked to understand her family’s motivations better and, most importantly, to see some exploration of the victims of her accusations.

Another aspect that made my reading experience challenging was the pacing. Despite being a short novel, it felt longer than expected because the plot advances in a somewhat repetitive manner, making it difficult to stay engaged at times. I wouldn’t say it’s a bad book, but it definitely requires the reader to be open to an introspective and psychological narrative rather than a story full of action. Normally, I would consider myself the kind of reader who enjoys that, but apparently not in this case, as I found it quite difficult to stay interested.

Red Runs the Witch’s Thread presents an intriguing concept and a well-crafted atmosphere, but its narrative style and lack of secondary character development kept me from fully enjoying it. I think it could be an appealing choice for those looking for a short story with an eerie atmosphere and a deep dive into the mind of a tormented character. However, if you prefer novels with a more dynamic pace and well-developed characters, this one might not be for you.

Based on a true story psychological thriller surrounding the last witch burnings of Paisley Scotland - this little novella was engaging the whole way through and did a great job navigating a slow descent into religious psychosis/madness. The repetitiveness of certain words/phrases did get a bit annoying at times, and I would have loved to have this fleshed out a bit more, but overall I really enjoyed reading this story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC book early and share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials! (NetGalley, Goodreads, Fable, IG)

Victoria Williamson’s Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a haunting, atmospheric blend of historical fiction and psychological thriller that grips readers from the very first page. Set in 18th-century Scotland, it weaves a chilling tale of guilt, ambition, and the supernatural, all revolving around a deeply flawed yet fascinating protagonist.

A Haunting Premise
The novel follows Christian Shaw, the infamous child accuser whose testimony led to the execution of alleged witches in 1697. Now, twenty-five years later, she is a woman consumed by her past, throwing herself into the perfection of the thread bleaching process that she believes will cleanse not only linen but also her own sins. However, as the anniversary of the witch burnings nears, strange occurrences, eerie visions, and an overwhelming sense of dread begin to unravel her already fragile mind.

A Complex and Unreliable Protagonist
Williamson crafts Christian as a deeply compelling and psychologically tormented character. Guilt and ambition are at war within her, making her an unreliable narrator whose perception of reality is constantly shifting. The question of whether her visions are supernatural punishments or the product of a fractured mind adds a layer of eerie suspense that keeps the reader unsettled throughout.

A Richly Evoked Setting
The novel’s historical backdrop is meticulously researched, immersing readers in the superstitions, fears, and rigid social structures of early 18th-century Scotland. The grim legacy of the Paisley witch trials lingers over the story like a ghost, and Williamson masterfully blends history with gothic horror, making the past feel vividly alive—and terrifying.

Themes of Guilt, Power, and the Supernatural
At its core, Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a meditation on guilt and the cost of ambition. Christian’s pursuit of success is intertwined with a desperate need for redemption, yet the forces she has set in motion—whether psychological or otherworldly—may not allow her to escape so easily. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about justice, belief, and the lengths people will go to in order to silence their demons.

Final Verdict
Darkly lyrical and deeply unsettling, Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is an unforgettable tale of deception, madness, and the ghosts of the past. With its gripping narrative, rich historical detail, and psychological depth, this book is perfect for fans of gothic fiction, supernatural thrillers, and unsettling historical mysteries.

I read this book in 1 day.
This book has a dual time line that works well in showing the characters motivations and lore as it flashes back to when the currently 37 year old MC is 11 in the run up to the last witch trails in Scotland.

This book is considered a psychological thriller/ horror that is based on real historical events. It didn’t come across as a thriller/horror, more of just a bit odd. That is however, what made it more believable. The panic Christian feels when Isabella is talking is palpable!

This is definitely an easy quick read and definitely something I would suggest to get someone in to historical fiction.

I will admit, I didn’t see the twist coming

My only technical critique is that the repeating words make sense in the flashbacks and when she is deep in the thralls of her ‘illness’ coming back. Other than that it’s just annoying and makes it loose its effectiveness.

The mind is a scary place to be. Williamson proves that fact in this story, showing us what a broken, shattered psyche trauma can leave us with. This book was a quick and enthralling read that kept me turning the page again and again.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson is such a cool book. This author is a genious! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

A gripping historical horror story based on Europe's last mass witch burning, <i>Red Runs the Witch's Thread</i>, is told through an unreliable narrator who weaves dark imagery throughout.

The earlier timeline occurs in 1697 the year of the witch trials in Paisley, Scotland where Christian the main character accused thirty-five people of witchcraft when she was eleven years old. Eight were convicted seven were burned. The second timeline occurs in 1722 when Christian is an adult after her father's death she as the eldest daughter is tasked with financially supporting her family. Her main skill lies in dying and weaving thread. Her ultimate goal is to find a bleaching process that will produce the whitest thread in her village and fetch a fair price. Her high standards prove difficult to attain as she finds batch after batch subpar. As the twenty-fifth anniversary of the burnings approaches, Barragan House is inundated with ravens that make Christian uneasy. A haunting tangle of memories begins to surface. The chapters from both timelines are titled weft or warp, weaving terms which I thought was an intelligent touch given the subject matter.

Will she be able to sus out a thread of truth or is her mental state unspooling?

This was my first time reading Victoria Williamson and I was impressed with her vivid yet succinct prose. The way the paranoia was brought to life felt true. I would've liked a bit more information about Meg, Christian's maid and the attachment between them. However, leaving that character open to interpretation worked also. The author's note has a lot of interesting facts about the "real" Christian that the story is based on so stick around for that.

The story is well-written horror and as such contains heavy themes and elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.

"Red Runs the Witch's Thread" by Victoria Williamson is a haunting story inspired by the 1697 Paisley witch trials in Scotland. The narrative alternates between two timelines: 1697, where eleven-year-old Christian Shaw's accusations lead to the execution of seven individuals for witchcraft, and 1722, where an adult Christian strives to perfect a thread-bleaching process to provide for her family and piece together their sullied reputation. As the 25th anniversary of the witch burnings approaches, Christian is plagued by visions and memories, leading her to question her sanity and the choices she made in her youth.

Williamson delves into Christian's psychological turmoil, portraying her mental deterioration with vivid and unsettling imagery. The dual timeline plot device enriches the narrative, providing some context for Christian's character and all of the bizarre incidents she experiences. RRTWT also explores interesting themes of trauma, guilt, and the niche societal pressures of 18th-century Scotland.

While the novel effectively creates a haunting mood, the descriptions of Christian’s visions and paranoia feel repetitive. The "red, red, red," and other 3-word repetition phrases grew old quickly; it was more annoying than jarring or immersive in Christian's descent into madness. Christian is also not emotionally complex or dimensional. I think she could have benefitted from more nuanced emotional development. Protagonists of course don't need to be likeable, but I had a hard time caring what happened to her or what decisions she made.

Also, the novel focuses almost exclusively on Christian’s internal struggles, leaving her family members and other important supporting characters underdeveloped. Why should I care about Elizabeth? What's her damage? What's the mom's deal? What are ANY of these side characters' motivations and thoughts. What about the victims of Christian's accusations and their families? What are they going through, and what is Christian's relationship like with those people in the 18th century timeline? ANY degree of exploration of those around her—especially the families affected by the 1697 executions—could have provided a more balanced and logical narrative. Christian's perspective is the only one we get, and I did not love that narrative choice.

"Red Runs the Witch's Thread" is a compelling blend of historical fiction and psychological horror, offering a fresh perspective on the repercussions of mass hysteria and the personal demons that linger long after. It's a thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind, especially for those interested in the darker facets of history and human nature.