The Bewitching is a creepy, slow-burning horror novel that follows three women in three different time periods (1908, 1934, and 1998) as they face strThe Bewitching is a creepy, slow-burning horror novel that follows three women in three different time periods (1908, 1934, and 1998) as they face strange disappearances, eerie signs, and possible witchcraft. Each timeline centers on a different woman, but all are connected through blood, books, and something dark lurking in the shadows.
In 1998, Minerva is a grad student researching an obscure horror writer, Beatrice Tremblay, whose only novel, The Vanishing, might not be entirely fictional. As she digs deeper into the mystery of Beatrice’s vanished college roommate, she starts noticing strange things happening around her. Interestingly, some of them echo the ghost stories her great-grandmother Alba used to tell. Alba’s story from 1908 is another key piece of this puzzle, where curses, disappearances, and eerie nighttime happenings plague her family’s Mexican farm.
If that sounds like a lot to juggle, well, it is. Happily, Moreno-Garcia handles it with ease. Each storyline has a different mood: Gothic academia in the 1990s New England, haunted romance in the 1930s college life, and Mexican folklore-laced horror in the early 20th century. The three timelines work as separate (but connected) stories, even though similar events take place in each.
Minerva is an enjoyable lead - bookish, guarded, and determined. Beatrice’s chapters are bittersweet and melancholic, filled with old-school spiritualism and unrequited love. And Alba’s storyline explains the roots of the curse and brings in elements of Mexican folklore - teyolloquani witches, protective amulets, and more.
That said, not every timeline is equally gripping. Minerva’s story has the most momentum, while Alba’s is quieter and more atmospheric. Beatrice’s voice is beautifully written, but since we already know how parts of her story end, the suspense there is a little muted. The final reveal also wasn’t jaw-dropping after all the buildup. Honestly, you’ll probably guess the villain a few chapters early, but the payoff is still satisfying. It ties the timelines together well.
A few pacing hiccups pop up, especially in the middle when the story slows down to repeat a few clues one too many times. And some of the side characters, particularly in Minerva’s timeline, felt like they were there to serve the plot more than to truly matter. Still, these are minor issues in a book that’s otherwise smart, spooky, and immersive. The Bewitching is an atmospheric novel that takes elements of Gothic horror, Mexican folklore, and academic mystery and turns them into one eerie, intergenerational story.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. It has everything I look for in fiction: relatable and memorable characters, twists that twist previous twis4.5/5
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. It has everything I look for in fiction: relatable and memorable characters, twists that twist previous twists, and an exciting genre mashup. Which subgenre does it fit into? Well, it could fit into quite a few. Think of it as a comedic gaslamp fantasy-horror murder mystery set in a pseudo-Victorian world.
As a fan of Agatha Christie’s books, I appreciated how well Morgan Stang incorporated the best elements of her work and mixed them with the supernatural. “Murder on the Lamplight Express” pays homage to Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” but with a fantastical twist. Like poltergeists, an axe-wielding puppet, a levitating head, and the looming threat of a good old-fashioned train crash. Oh, and did I mention decapitation?
Isabeau Agarval and her team are called to action, tasked with boarding a train to ensure everyone’s survival. The story opens with exciting action and never slows down. Instead of delving into the plot and major reveals, I’ll focus on things that make it a pleasure to read.
Firstly, the characters are all well-rounded, likable, and memorable. Isabeau is a Huntress and her path is a solitary and dark one, but is it really? Her team thinks otherwise and joins her on adventures. Constantly inebriated, Mr. Homes may be of little help, but Penny (living doll) and Evie have their own standout moments.
Secondly, the murder mysteries (yes, plural) in this tale offer no easy answers, and Stang excels at keeping readers guessing, guessing again, and still being wrong. I appreciated how every character had a motive to murder someone and how unclear it was who actually did it.
Stang’s writing is sharp and witty, balancing the horrific with moments of wry humor. A sort of humor that isn’t forced, and that lightens the narrative without softening the underlying existential message. I appreciate that.
“Murder on the Lamplight Express” is a fantastic sequel - it builds on the first book, and finds a perfect balance between humor and horror, fantasy and murder mystery elements. With its well-paced plot and intriguing characters, it’ll keep you guessing. A must-read for anyone who loves a gripping and original story. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
I'm shallow. I judge books by their covers. I didn't expect to enjoy Lady Vago's Malediction, but I was wrong.
The titular Lady Vago is a banshee. BefI'm shallow. I judge books by their covers. I didn't expect to enjoy Lady Vago's Malediction, but I was wrong.
The titular Lady Vago is a banshee. Before turning into one, she had a good life - she caught the eye of a charming baron who married her despite their class differences. Her husband was not only handsome but also wise and good to everyone; he wanted nothing more than to improve the lives of his subjects. Rovena's keen mind and insights helped him make bold decisions that brought satisfying results that did not please everyone at court.
The first few pages of the book leave the reader with no illusions - everyone dies, and everything ends badly. The question the book tries to answer is how and why they all got there.
The story alternates between Rovena's tragic now, her fulfilling past, and the events that ruined her life. Although the plot is relatively predictable, the authors seed it with intriguing revelations that would be spoilers to list. Good pacing and Rovena's character depth are strengths; she's relatable and likable. I also enjoyed secondary characters and found them well-rounded and believable. Sure, Rovena's late husband was a tad too perfect, but maybe she just idolized him in her memories?
As you probably guessed, I liked this one. It's well-written, atmospheric, and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here....more