The Witch of Willow sound

The Witch of Willow Sound by Vanessa F. Penney is an unexpectedly sad, sweet, and at times funny, feminist gothic novel complete with witches, ghosts, and asylums.

The book opens with a dark, disturbing, almost grotesque prologue involving a nameless ole woman trying to cover up a death (murder?) by destroying a body by fire.

Then we are introduced to Fade, a young woman living out of her car. Her (mostly) estranged mother calls her to tell her that her sister, Fade’s aunt, whom she hasn’t seen in over 20 years, since she was a child, is missing, and that she needs Fade to go check on her and find out what’s going on.

When Fade arrives, she finds her aunt’s house has indeed been missing, but that no one in the hamlet she lives near is inclined to help because they all think (literally) that she’s a witch, and they fear and distrust her and, by proxy, Fade.

With the help of one of the few people in town who isn’t afraid, a visiting historian called Nish, Fade uncovers family - and town - secrets that some would wish to stay buried, and looking for her aunt may put her own life at risk.

Stray thoughts:

• This is why they don’t want us to have pockets.

• “This means I had been welcome all along.” Why don’t you just stab me in the heart, Ms. Penney?

• I need that purple cabinet.

• Best dialogue: “I’m sorry I’m yelling right now, but I am freaking out!”

Thank you to NetGalley and  ECW Press for the advance copy for my honest review. Pub. date: 9/30/25

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