Witch of the Wild Beasts
by Catherine Stine
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Pub Date Mar 11 2020 | Archive Date Aug 19 2020
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Konjur Road Press
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Description
When Evalina is imprisoned for witchcraft, will her supernatural bond with animals be her curse or salvation?
In 1854, Evalina Stowe witnesses the murder of her brother by Dr. Dowdrick, an enraged client at the tailor’s where they work. Desperate to stop him, she rouses a swarm of wasps that sting the doctor while she stabs him with scissors, and then flees. At a subsequent job when birds race to her defense, Evalina is declared a witch and sent to Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary.
While imprisoned, Evalina is horrified not only to learn that Dr. Dowdrick is still alive, but he’s experimenting on inmates. Determined to get inside his Eclectic Medical School, to expose his nefarious activities, she’s passionate about protecting fellow prisoners, especially Lewin, a child thief who knew her brother, and Birdy, a kind, resilient Welsh man serving time for a worker’s death while blasting granite for the railroad.
Evalina, her friends and her “wild beasts” work against time to unmask Dowdrick’s crimes when she participates with him in a symposium, showcasing Philadelphia’s premium doctors. If they fail, not only will the doctor’s evil deeds continue unchecked but Evalina and her crew will surely be hung.
Actual historical figures such as Dr. Thomas Mutter and Charles Dickens spice up this thriller, brimming with historical gems.
A Note From the Publisher
If you enjoy this historical fantasy, keep an eye out for Catherine's next Netgalley novel, Witch of the Cards, set in 1932 on the Jersey shore.
Advance Praise
A second prize winner in the Romance Writers of America's Sheila Contest.
★★★★★ “Adored every moment; from the imaginative, gothic plot to the compelling characters!” - Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
“Hooooo boy! I’ll tell you one thing, I did not expect this whirlwind rollercoaster when I started this book. This is only the third book in my whole life I finished in one sitting. The other two: Fight Club and Harry Potter/Sorcerer’s Stone.” – A Goodreads reader
“I enjoyed all the careful plotting and dark twists brought about to create Evalina’s story! I really liked the layered use of historical figures to help lend an even more authentic feel of times past and struggling times of the witch hunt days.” – A Bookbub reader
“We’ve read about how witches can sometimes have familiars, but what if they had connections with all animals and even those little beasties that seem “undesirable”? Birds, snakes, mice... even ants and beetles! Not only did this book include a resilient young woman fighting for justice, but it also included one of my favorite tropes; found family. We meet a cast of characters that seem to have the worst type of luck, but even in the darkest of situations they still look out for one another.” – Captivated Pages
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781733390125 |
| PRICE | $1.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Mary H, Reviewer
I have read this book in 1 sitting, which ended very late, but I could not put the book down. It is a tale of Evalina, who has parents that die of cholera, then finds herself in prison for murder, this follows a doctor's visit and his subsequent strangulation of her brother.
The story is worth all of the 5 stars given, and I recommend it as a page Turner that keeps the reader guessing until the last minute. Stunning and amazing book.
Diana (Lucretia) S, Reviewer
I cracked this book opened not knowing that I'd be so utterly gripped that I'd not be able to put it down. Evalina is the kind of character who you can feel sympathy, empathy, and adoration for. That's such a great feat to create a character that has so much inner strength yet still a vulnerability that readers can feel as well. As if watching her little brother die isn't enough, you fast get the feeling that's only the start and it is, but I never imagined the ride I'd be taken on.
The jail setting was claustrophobic and that gave me the ability to see the light along with Eva on the few outside times, and those times... that's where we meet my love, Birdy. All the secondary characters had that same rich depth that stole my heart as slowly a band of unlikely people formed into something beautiful and your heart hurt and hoped they could find some happy ending.
There were also some villainous characters who were also pitch perfect, drawing out my ire as they should, but not all of them were so black and white. I loved the way they regarded one toward the end, I can't really say much as I don't want to spoil the way things build up. They build up into a tight ball and as things reached the pivotal point my own heartbeat picked up.
Loved it! Love the wrap up as well... so much yes. So satisfying.
The magic system also had a real feeling to it, especially since it wasn't something that came easily or was thrown around as an easy solution.
If you are hungry for a character-driven, historical fiction, with a great twisty plot, and a dash of magic so well written you won't question its existence, then this for you.
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