This is based on real events- ive never read or tried anything quite like it. Its a dark but short read so its worth a try.
I didnt really like the writing style..the cover drew me in first but the story and writing style wasnt my vibe. Im sorry. Thank you you for letting me read this.

The book has a really witchy vibe with strong female empowerment undercurrents. However, I felt like this book was a bit hard to follow and did not keep my attention. The story building did not pique my interest and I struggled to finish the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for giving me a copy of the book to read!

Darkly twisted, historically witchy, semi unreliable narration: overall this story totally messed with my head!

I loved the setting: a combination of late 1600s, early 1700s.

Was blown away by the plot: a young woman is deeply traumatized and accuses a bunch of local villagers of witchcraft. Years later she’s trying to find her niche in the world as a widow and there are weird things going on!

I kept trying to get a grasp on what was going to happen next, and each time something crazy would swoop in out of left field and destroy my hypotheses!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Silver Thistle Press for a copy.

This was a shortish book with a dark tone but not really my cup of tea .
I like the idea of this genre but this book wasn't really my vibe .

I think I’m just not the best intended audience for this book. I enjoyed the premise, it being based on real events, and the heavy use of symbolism/etc. But it felt like something was lacking so it just fell flat for me.

Maybe if the story was longer to really expand on the concepts presented and fix some pacing issues, I would have enjoyed it more.

It could also use another round of editing to fix some grammatical errors, at least for the copy I was provided.

All that being said, I’ll definitely enjoy critically analyzing and delving into some of the symbolism presented (the color red, blood, womanhood, etc). It was the most intriguing part of the book!

I think this book would be best for those who enjoy a quick, dark, vibe-y story.

4.5 Stars
One Liner: This was so much (in a good way)!

Paisley, Scotland, 1697
An eleven-year-old Christian Shaw’s accusation of witchcraft led to the death of thirty-five people.
Bargarran House, 1722
Christian returns home, intent on perfecting the bleaching process to revive her family fortune. She also hopes her attempts will purify their past sins. However, with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the witch hunt approaching, Bargarran House seems to have become a center of dark forces. This affects her sanity and safety to the point where she wonders if she can get what she wants. And what cost?
The story comes in Christian’s third-person POV in 1722 and first-person POV (in present tense) in 1697.

My Thoughts:
I remember my friend Rosh reviewing this book last year. Later in 2024, I read and enjoyed the author’s MG Dystopian Adventure. When this was available on NetGalley, I didn’t even think and requested it right away.
This is a novella of 185-195 pages that packs quite a lot. Almost from the beginning, I disliked the MC (there’s a strong reason for it). As the book progressed and more details were revealed, I couldn’t stop reading even for a breather. This was intense in many ways.
I wanted a certain ending but felt unsatisfied with how it was resolved. However, the author’s note at the end explained the reason. The MC is based on a real person, so the author couldn’t deviate from the overall trajectory. Still, a part of me feels assured that the future wasn’t easy.
The atmosphere gets 100/100. I love it! The ravens, darkness, madness, the house, and just about everything add to the narrative.
The way the narration spirals aligns with the character development. Quite a few dark themes are used but without making things unnecessarily graphic.
My heart bled for the witches. But then, this is just one story. The reality was a thousand times worse. All of it was presented in these few pages – Christian domination, pagan hatred, suppression of women, class differences, social hatred, and much more.
What do I even say about the MC, Christian? Man, I tried my best to feel sorry but… Her obsession with perfecting the bleaching process to get the whitest thread is much more than entrepreneurship.
The side characters, be it the family or the dutiful Meg, are so well developed within the limitations. Terrific!
The title and the cover are clever. I love the title a lot more (wish I was this talented in naming my stories). If only the ending was a wee bit more detailed. I can see why it ended that way, I do! But I also want a little more from it. What happens doesn’t feel enough considering the events.

To summarize, Red Runs the Witch's Thread is a gripping, dark, and atmospheric novella about witch hunts. It is best read in a single sitting (you can finish the book in 60-80 minutes). That said, the writing style may not work for everyone.
Thank you, NetGalley, Silver Thistle Press, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This psychological horror was a disturbing and compelling read. This story would make for a fantastic book club pick and would lead to a deep discussion on the story but also the event that inspired it. Great read for any one that enjoys gothic horror.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this as an e-book.

Red Runs the Witches Thread by Victoria Wiliamson is an interesting read, because I haven’t read anything like it before. It is a horror based on real life events, specifically, the last witch burnings in Scotland and the accusations put forward by eleven-year-old Christian Shaw.

Dealing with the aftermath of what she has done, Red Runs the Witches Thread is brimming with madness, confusion, shame and wrongful interpretations. The story itself was immersive and easy to get through. I would definitely recommend to those who are interested in the witch trials, and books that don’t shy away from mental undoings.

This is the story of the madness of Christian Shaw, the girl at the center of a real life historical event where young Christian Shaw accused 35 people of witchcraft, resulting in the execution of seven people. The book starts at Christian’s adult life, as she is working to start a thread and textile company, which the real life Christian Shaw also did, but in the story, she is obsessed with bleaching threads of purest white as if that will clear her family’s name and bring them in better societal standing. But as the 25th anniversary of the executions is approaching, Christian’s hold on her sanity is deteriorating, and she is spiraling as the truth of her real sins are resurfacing. In the end though, she has to face the truth of what she did and can choose to either continue with her evading and false piety, or she can embrace it and relinquish her soul to its darkness. This is a historical literary horror, with a lot to unpack under the surface. The messaging is heavy with themes of internal misogyny and fear of sin, all of which would have been perpetuated by the adults in Christian’s life, pressuring her to hide and cleanse what she perceived as sin: her burgeoning womanhood, and carnal relations. It’s a short read, but the depth of it kept me coming back to see how Christian Shaw’s descent into madness would end.

[I will also being including this book in a video essay on YouTube to be released next month alongside 2 other historical fiction horror books What Moves the Dead and Unbury Carol. Here is the text copy from the script. A link is not provided since it is not published yet.]

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson
This is the story of the madness of Christian Shaw, the girl at the center of a real life historical event where a young girl accused 35 people of witchcraft, resulting in the execution of seven people. The book starts at Christian’s adult life, as she is working to start a thread and textile company, which the real life Christian Shaw also did, but in the story, she is obsessed with bleaching threads of purest white as if that will clear her family’s name and bring them in better societal standing.

As the 25th anniversary of the executions is approaching, Christian’s hold on her sanity is deteriorating, and she is spiraling as the truth of her real sins are resurfacing. And the more she seems to remember, the deeper into her insanity she descends, resulting in the return of some violent behavioral patterns from the past. She starts seeing things that aren’t really there, like her bleaching threads covered in gore and viscera, and a fire, not unlike that which claimed the life of those she accused, engulfing her home. All the while, ravens begin descending on the home, their screeching acting as the soundtrack to her descent into madness. The last half of the story is wild, with gore, deeply repressed carnal desires, and a flaming raven. In the end though, she has to face the truth of what she did and can choose to either continue evading and clinging to a sense of false piety, or she can embrace it and relinquish her soul to its darkness.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread has a lot to unpack under the surface. The messaging is heavy with themes of internal misogyny and fear of sin, all of which would have been perpetuated by the adults in Christian’s life, pressuring her to hide and cleanse what she perceived as sin: her burgeoning womanhood, and carnal relations. It’s a short read, but the depth of it kept me coming back to see how Christian Shaw’s descent into madness would end.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson is a gripping tale set in Paisley, Scotland, in 1697 and 1722. The story revolves around Christian Shaw, an eleven-year-old girl who accuses thirty-five people of witchcraft, leading to the execution of seven individuals2.

Years later, in 1722, Christian returns to Bargarran House, where she dedicates herself to perfecting a thread bleaching process to restore her family's fortune. As the anniversary of the witch burnings approaches, Christian's mind begins to unravel, haunted by memories and visions2. The novel masterfully explores themes of trauma, identity, and resilience, drawing readers into Christian's harrowing journey.

Williamson's writing is both evocative and immersive, skillfully blending historical fiction with psychological horror. The dual timelines offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and present, providing crucial insights into Christian's motivations and struggles. The novel's exploration of the protagonist's mental state is particularly compelling, highlighting the profound impact of childhood trauma on an individual's psyche2.

Overall, Red Runs the Witch's Thread is a beautifully crafted and eerie tale that will captivate readers who enjoy historical fiction and psychological horror. It's a story that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Engagingly written and captivating, this is a requisite read for anyone fascinated by the witch trials and historical fiction.

Red Runs the Witch’s Thread by Victoria Williamson is a captivating blend of folklore, mystery, and dark magic that keeps you enthralled from start to finish. Set in a world where ancient curses and hidden secrets shape the lives of its characters, the novel weaves a rich, atmospheric tale that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. Williamson’s writing is evocative, painting vivid imagery that pulls readers deep into the heart of the story.

The characters are well-drawn, especially the protagonist, whose journey is filled with tension, self-discovery, and an ever-present sense of danger. The novel balances its supernatural elements with emotional depth, ensuring that the stakes feel real and personal. While the pacing is strong for the most part, some sections slow down due to intricate world-building, which, while immersive, occasionally overshadows the momentum of the plot.

Despite a few minor lulls, Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is a beautifully written and engaging read that successfully blends myth and mystery. Williamson delivers an enchanting and eerie tale that lingers long after the final page. A solid 4-star novel—perfect for those who love dark folklore and richly woven storytelling.

Rating: 4.5/5 – Brilliant!
Thank you, Victoria Williamson and Silver Thistle Press, for the advanced copy!

Red Runs the Witch's Thread is a harrowing account of the life of Cristian Shaw, founder of the Bagarran thread industry in Renfrewshire, Scotland. As a child, Cristian accused 35 people of witchcraft, resulting in the condemnation and execution of eight individuals at the stake. Told through alternating timelines — from her childhood to womanhood — we are introduced to what would later become known as the Paisley witch trials. "The Paisley witch trials of 1697 were particularly brutal and are one of the most famous witch trials in Scottish history." The different timelines are easy enough to follow, with each chapter receiving a specific name and image — clever editing.

Victoria Williamson writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction, and contemporary novels for all ages. Red Runs the Witch’s Thread is her most mature work of fiction, and this is reflected in her prose, which is often poetic. "I see black on red on white, and there’s a blinding flash in my mind as though moonlight on snowfall and sunlight on water have all merged into the images that ripple before my eyes."

Now, this is a short book, so I will refrain from saying too much. There is a common theme throughout the story, ever-present and pulsating, often appearing as metaphors. The red and the thread are constants in Cristian’s life — from her menses to her thread bleaching. From the start, we see Cristian as a stern businesswoman, determined to achieve the perfect white. "The skein of thread that lay in the merchant’s beefy hand was white against his mottled flesh, the twisted fibres spun fine as silk and bleached over many months... Almost... She wanted her thread white as the first snows of winter, but this fresh batch had the pale cast of curdled milk — white, yes, but not white enough."

Williamson writes with passion and historical responsibility. Red Runs the Witch's Thread is a great addition to the growing collection of Scottish witch trial retellings, which have gained much attention in recent years. It is important to recognize and reflect on the damage the witch trials inflicted upon many women (and men). There is much to unpack in this novella: the social injustices and class differences are well portrayed, and the depiction of mental health is excellent. The characterization, the exploration of womanhood, the fantastical elements — brilliant!

Red Runs the Witch's Thread is not for the faint of heart and there are some very dark passages. "Cristian had choked on the smell of charred flesh, watching the human smoke curling to the sky and wondering if, after this day of horror, she’d feel truly free ever again." If there is one aspect I wish had been explored further, it would be the witch trial itself — particularly the confessions obtained under torture. For a more violent description of the tortures in another Scottish trial, Hex might be another great novella you can read.

Victoria Williamson did a brilliant job with Red Runs the Witch's Thread, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the Scottish witch trials and historical fiction — or just wanting to read something dark. Top-tier novella.

Ever wonder what happens to those who falsely accuse others of witchcraft? This book is a quick perfect read for fans of The Witch.

Maybe I’m fed up with the witchy stories for now, because I didn’t find this one to be very enjoyable. It’s a story about condemnation, guilt and mental struggle, which are hard themes. It wasn’t meant to be enjoyable, but still… I couldn’t connect with the main character. She was very complex and going on a spiral with her memories and fears, but I was really confused of what actually happened. The confusing part for me was how the narrative switched between first and third POV. But the story is actually very compelling and it has a lot of value, it’s short and psychological, but not exactly fitting in the horror category, it’s just a very dark tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for providing me with the ARC.

red runs the witches thread is a complelling psychological thriller about the last burning of the witches in scotland in the late 1690's. the book starts off a little slow but once it starts i couldn't put this book down.

I went into this book not knowing much, and I have to say I don't think this book was for me. It's was okay, but it didn't captivate me to the edge of my seat for a supposed psychological thriller or horror. I found some parts to be a bit boring, like the constant obsession over the thread. But then again, I didn't really know what to expect since I had never heard of this author or book before. I did like the dual timeline, though, to get a better understanding of what happened when the MC Christian was a young girl. And I liked the twist at the end, but wish there was more of that throughout.

No thoughts, just vibes. And what spooky, lovely vibes they were. I can’t explain the plot really? But I had a super fun time living in the world of the book while I was reading it.

Williamson’s novel is a compelling psychological exploration of a mind unraveling, balancing between reality and something beyond the protagonists control. Based on a true story, the premise is intriguing, but the execution feels underwhelming at times. I did find myself holding my breath waiting a shoe to drop, but again, i had to remind myself to remember that this leans more on the historical side of fiction, not fiction.

Ignoring the typos (as there were several to the point of this needs a proofread/reformatting) the writing was solid and is at times tense, vivid, and chilling, that brought Christian’s mental descent to the forefront.

I agree with a couple of reviews that if you enjoy dark, introspective stories of psychological collapse, this one is worth a read especially considering you could read this in one sitting.

This book made me feel so uneasy, but it was fabulous. This is a psychological horror inspired by the last witch burning in Scotland in 1697. Christian Shaw has apparently been bewitched by withes that spurned the "Paisley Witch Trials" where many women were condemned to die or were burned/strangled. Now in 1722 Christian Shaw is bleaching thread to get them as white as they can be. She is consumed by it, most likely to overcome the haunting memories of her past. As the 25th anniversary of the witch trials looms, and ravens are flying around, Christian wants to redeem herself and her family. She is regaining some memories. This book was absolutely captivating, horrifying, and eye-opening. Based on true events, this book threads (see what I did there?) superstition, ignorance, fear, mental health, and innocence together to weave an amazing tale.