The Witch in the Well

A deliciously disturbing Gothic tale of a revenge reaching out across the years
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( 3,607 ratings, 678 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Witch in the Well by Camilla Bruce intertwines the lives of two estranged childhood friends who become obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a mysterious figure from their past. Set in a small Norwegian town, the story explores the nature of friendship, obsession, and folklore as the two women face the consequences of delving into hidden secrets. This gripping narrative combines elements of mystery and psychological tension in a haunting exploration of past and present.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate dark and atmospheric tales woven with folklore and mystery. It's perfect for readers who are intrigued by complex female characters and enjoy narratives that explore the entanglements of past and present, with a twist of supernatural intrigue.

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The Witch in the Well

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Skin-pricklingly disconcerting yet irresistibly readable - a story of obsession, possession, and rivalry (to the death) by the author of You Let Me In - a Grimm's fairy tale for the 21st century.

Once upon a time, the townspeople of F -. did something bad...

Local schoolteacher Catherine Evans has made writing the definitive account of what happened when Ilsbeth Clark drowned in the well her life's work.

Some don't want the past raked up, but Catherine is determined to shine a light upon that shameful event. Because Ilsbeth was an innocent, shunned and ostracised by rumour-mongers and ill-wishers, and someone has to speak up for her. And who better than Catherine, who has herself felt the sting and hurt of such whisperings?

And then a childhood friend returns to F -. Elena is a successful author who's earned a certain celebrity. Now in search of a new subject, she announces her intention to write a book about the long-dead woman.

And Elena has everything Catherine has not. A platform. And connections. And no one seems to care that this book will be pure speculation, tainting Ilsbeth's memory. Catherine is left with no option but to blunt her rival's pen...

Before summer is over, one woman will be dead and the other accused of murder. But is she guilty, or are there other forces at work? And who was Ilsbeth Clark, really? An innocent? A witch? Or something else entirely?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Witch in the Well by Camilla Bruce is praised for its cleverly crafted and intoxicating tale that captures female rivalry and folklore. Reviewers highlight its original and gripping plot populated by unpleasant characters, making it haunting and harrowing yet irresistible. The book is described as a creepy read that simmers with unease and spookiness, often compared to folk horror and intriguing narratives like Janice Hallett's 'found footage' style.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781804993163

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin (Transworld)

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 209g

Pages: 304

About the Author

CAMILLA BRUCE was in born central Norway and grew up in an old forest, next to an Iron Age burial mound. She has a master's degree in comparative literature and has co-run a small press that published dark fairy tales. Her first novel was the acclaimed work of folk horror, You Let Me In; her second the historical crime novel, Triflers Need Not Apply. Camilla currently lives in Trondheim with her son and cat.

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