I really wanted to love this one because of themes of the witch burnings, the gothic nature of the story and the unsettling vibes.

But I’ll be totally honest, I found it really hard to discern what was happening between the two time periods - in the way that it wasn’t obvious to me at first that it was the same person - but combined with the historical fiction style of writing, it was just a hard one for me to get through.

That’s not to say the content wasn’t interesting, it was, I just don’t think this one was for me personally.

Thanks so much to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this early copy

Gothic, chilling, haunting, gripping, shocking, dark, atmospheric, and brimming with atmosphere! Red Runs the Witch's Thread was inspired by the final witch burning in Scotland in 1697. The burning is known as the "Paisley Witch Trials". The condemned were said to have bewitched eleven-year-old, Christian Shaw. I love books that are inspired by real events, real people, and historical events. Red Runs the Witch's Thread cast a spell on me as I was bewitched by Victorian Williamson's writing.

1722. Christian Shaw is determined to get her thread as white as possible. One might say that she is obsessed with bleaching the thread to get the perfect shade of white. She wants to raise money for her family and to find redemption for herself. When Christian was eleven years old in 1697. seven people were strangled and burned at the stake for bewitching her. Twenty-five years have passed since the witch burnings, and ravens are now gathering, and Christian’s memories are bubbling to the surface.

I was mesmerized by this book. As I mentioned, I am a fan of books that are inspired by true events/people. I loved the historical events/aspects of this book. I thought the author did a wonderful job with describing the way of life during the two timelines (“Weft” and “Warp”) in this book. The dress, the social divide, the treatment of women, the medical practices, the superstitions, and viewpoints on witches.

I also enjoyed the blending of superstitions, mental health issues, ignorance, innocence, and fate. This book is brimming with dread and unease. Christian is an interesting character. She is unreliable, unlikeable, and stern. Many of the other characters tend to tip toe around her but who could blame them? The one constant in Christian's life, is her faithful servant, Meg! Although Christian is not very likeable, I felt for her and those in her life as she began to unravel and memories of the past and her actions began to weigh on her. This book gives new meaning to hanging on by a thread!

This novella can easily be read in one day/sitting. I was instantly gripped, intrigued, and swept away to a dangerous time for both men and women. I loved the dread, the atmosphere, the gothic vibes, and the unsettling feel of the book. This book may have readers looking at the colors red and white in a whole different way moving forward.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson is a dark and disturbing novella inspired by real historical events, namely the Paisley witch trials of 1697 which saw eight people condemned to death when they were accused of witchcraft by an eleven year old girl. This girl, Christian Shaw is the central character of our narrative when we meet her twenty five years later, now a widow who is attempting to perfect a linen bleaching process that could turn around her family's fortunes. Christian Bargarran as she is now known is determined to rise above her past but it seems like events are now conspiring against her as she finds herself increasingly lost in her memories of those dark times and becoming a danger not just to herself but to those around her. Will her delusions destroy her?
This is an incredibly intense read, completely trapping the reader in the darkness and delusions that Christian is experiencing as we learn that the determined business woman that we first meet has a very disturbing past. The use of flashbacks throughout the book to reveal just how terrible the tragedy and madness that engulfed her was is very well done, and I loved the motif of warp and weft used to delineate the timelines. There is a strong thread of feminine rage running through the book and I think the author did an incredible job of depicting the harsh and hard life experienced by women during that time period. I really enjoyed this author's writing style and particularly her use of imagery to elevate the horror and supernatural elements of the story, it really felt like every page had a memorable description or vivid image that stuck in my mind. This is a small book that packs a big punch and I feel like I will be thinking about it for a long time to come.
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Red Runs the Witches Thread by Victoria Williamson is probably my favourite book I've read in a while.

I'm a sucker for fiction based on true stories or those that find influence from real historical events. This book just seemed to adapt a faster pace to a narrative that otherwise wouldn't have been as scary, if it was slower paced.

The repetitive words, the flashbacks, the main protagonist being a questionable character etc. The vibes are equivalent to Edgar Allen Poe with hints of Stephen King; giving the reader a fresh perspective on horror / thriller.

I think having a female author write about the female descent into madness is a main reason as to what makes it work so well. Female rage runs through all of us and although the ethics of Christian are doubtful from the beginning; you can't help but be supportive of her sometimes.

I cannot wait to get a physical copy of the book and I'm excited to read more from this author!

The choices you make may shape your own life, but what if you made those choices at the age of 11 and cost 8 people their lives? They deserved it, though... didn't they?

While I'm trying to be a more well-rounded reader, horror has my whole heart, and books like this one remind me why. Not only is this an amazing take on psychological horror, but the author has skillfully interwoven a historical element, using the 1697 Paisley witch trials as the inspiration for this story. ((There is a great author's note about this at the end that added a whole other layer to the novella.))

Red Runs the Witch's Thread is packed with masterfully layered symbolism and is more than what the story appears on the surface. The deeper you get into exploring these dual storylines ((cleverly titled "warp" and "weft")), you find yourself twisting and crawling through the gaps and deceptions ((intentional or otherwise- I'll let you be the judge)) inside of Christian's mind. You get to piece things together alongside of her... and perhaps succumb to a bit of delicious madness along the way. If you know me as a reader, you know that I'm a sucker for an unlikable character, and did Victoria Williamson ever deliver here. Endings are also make or break for me, and this one hit the sweet spot dead on.

Now, let's chat about what didn't work for me. There are a few specific words and phrases that are repeated in various points throughout the story. Repetition absolutely has its merits, but the phrases themselves weren't my favorite to read once, let alone on recurring basis. I'd have also loved to see some characters a little more fleshed out- which, arguably, isn't always easy to do in a novella format.

That all being said, let's get to the main point: if you're in the mood for a dark iteration of a historical event, ripe with unlikeable characters and a touch of the supernatural, pick up this horror ASAP. It was my first by this author, but I can guarantee it will not be my last.

((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Silver Thistle Press, and Victoria Williamson for this complimentary copy.))

I cannot read this as intended as NetGalley will not allow me to open it up on my Kobo and I refuse to use Amazon for anything.

An unsettling and intense gothic horror story inspired by real-life witch trials in Scotland in the late 1600s. I really enjoyed Victoria Williamson's earlier historical novella 'The Haunting Scent of Poppies' and this has a similarly strong central idea. In real life, the accuser, who was only a child at the time, went on to be successful in the textile industry. This story chillingly imagines her troubled mental state, years later, haunted by her culpability for the gruesome executions of those she accused.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I went into this read expecting a tale of Witches but did not expect for it to be so dark! Which was honestly 100% my vibe. Williamson did such a great job in capturing the FMC's mental state, to the point where I can almost feel her emotions and despair. The story was so captivating, addicting, so dark and twisty. It left me wanting more. For it being such a short novel, it packs a big punch.

Great read for those who love historical fiction with dark elements.

Thank you SilverThistlePress and Netgalley for providing this ARC for an honest review!

This is a great read! Reminded me why I love novellas and short stories. Short on words but long on details.

Also reminds me why I LOVE historical fiction. Learn something new in an entertaining way. I have heard of the Salem witch trials but never thought or read much about the European version. This novella is rooted in the last mass witch trials and executions in Scotland (1697).

However, this is not a run of the mill retelling. This is told from the perspective of the accuser, Christian Shaw, who became a very successful business woman in adulthood. At the tender age of eleven, her accusations brought about the gruesome deaths of 7 people. What would such an experience do to a child? What if that child wasn't exactly innocent herself. Sprinkle in some supernatural musings and possible mental health challenges, and you have a very interesting and DARK story. If you have a problem with blood, this book isn't for you!

This is a multiple timeline tale and we see how the actions of the child have exacted their price on the head of the ambitious industrialist.

Thanks to Netgalley and Silver Thistle Press for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and provide an unbiased review.

A wonderfully written piece of supernatural horror, based on real historical events. In the hands of a gifted storyteller it becomes a compelling read that poses questions around our fear of witchcraft and puritanical religious beliefs.

The short story is a work of two stories woven together to make the threads of the narrative stand out; enabling the reader to reflect on themes of superstition, mental illness and childhood fears.

What I found quite brilliant here was it remains a piece of fiction rather than a doctorate thesis, yet it serves the questions raised upon a longstanding injustice.

Recalling the real-life witch trials which took place in Scotland in 1697. Where seven “witches” were executed in June of that year; that proved to be the final such mass burning of witches in Europe. They were condemned for bewitching an eleven year old girl; the protagonist here, in Victoria Williamson’s engaging novella.

Indirectly it explores the issues raised for the local people and for Christian Shaw as she grew into womanhood. Never leaving that historical timeframe, its period and prevailing beliefs, capturing great set piece drama amid a dramatic location.

The events going forward would have a profound effect on a young person and the close knit community and the author through poetic prose and frightening imagery, evokes an unsettled soul through her visions and nightmares of an unforgettable time. Linking it with the girl’s on understanding and reaching puberty, allows the contrast of black and white to stand out. I loved the physical signs of mental anguish and the triple use of words to allay fears and banish the past.

What I especially liked is that the writing prompts and reasons for different ideas, allowing the natural events to take on more sinister interpretations. The lasting effect of words and curses on a sensitive mind and the complicity of loyalty and where evil can always lurk.

Yet it is as a powerful story that these characters endure and as a supernatural tale it will live long in my mind. Along with the cawing of ravens and the deep stain of blood.

Seeing Christians guilt eat her up was haunting, I have read a lot of books based on the witch trials but never on the accusers side of the story and why they did what they did. Quick read and really interesting. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Short, but to the point, this atmospheric read throws you into 1600s Scotland and into the world of witch trials.

It is quite wordy, it feels as though the author has tried to use language patterns and styles from the time the book is set, which adds to the overall feel of the work.

I’m unable to read the book in the format presented, thank you for sending me the drc. I’m very greatful but I’m unable to read on my phone

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I'm really torn about this. I love the premise and the fact it was based on a true story, but it just felt so lacking. I kept feeling like I was waiting for something, anything, to happen.
The psychological aspects of the story were interesting, and I loved the writing style, but I was just very underwhelmed.
Perhaps not the right audience for this one.

DNF at 15%

I thought this book was going to be something completely different and that is on me for not interpreting the blurb correctly. I'm not super interested in what the book is actually presenting, so I've decided to DNF.

Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Unfortunately I am unable to read this ARC in format available therefore unable to give feedback.
Thank you for allowing me to have access to this title.