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.

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.