13 Witchy and Bewitching Halloween Reads for Your Book Club

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As Halloween draws near, there’s no better time to gather your book club and dive into some spooky, witchy reads that will leave you bewitched. Whether you’re drawn to magical realism, historical witch trials, or tales of witches woven into modern-day life, this list of Halloween reads will give you chills, thrills, and plenty of discussion fodder.


Here are 13 witchy books perfect for your book club this Halloween season.

### 1. **"The Year of the Witching" by Alexis Henderson**
Blending dark fantasy and horror, *The Year of the Witching* is a haunting tale of a young woman in a puritanical society discovering her forbidden ties to witchcraft. Immanuelle Moore is caught between the rules of her religious community and the eerie whispers of a cursed forest that holds secrets about her past. With its atmospheric writing and themes of societal control and feminism, this book will give your book club plenty to unpack.

### 2. **"The Witches of New York" by Ami McKay**
Set in 1880s New York, *The Witches of New York* follows three women—Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice—as they navigate life as witches in a city on the cusp of modernity. Filled with feminist undertones, historical detail, and elements of mysticism, this novel brings witchcraft into the Gilded Age. The richly drawn characters and exploration of women's autonomy make this book a perfect conversation starter for your club.

### 3. **"Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman**
A classic of witchy literature, *Practical Magic* centers on the Owens sisters, who come from a long line of witches. Cursed in love, they struggle to find balance between the normal and supernatural worlds. The novel’s themes of sisterhood, love, and acceptance, along with Hoffman’s magical prose, make it a timeless pick for your Halloween reading list. Plus, you can follow it up with its prequel, *The Rules of Magic*, for more Owens family magic.

### 4. **"The Witch's Daughter" by Paula Brackston**
In *The Witch's Daughter*, Elizabeth Hawksmith has lived for centuries, hiding her true identity as a witch. Moving between past and present, Brackston’s novel explores witch hunts, historical events, and the personal cost of immortality. For book clubs, it opens discussions about the persecution of women throughout history and the enduring fascination with witchcraft.

### 5. **"A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness**
If your book club enjoys complex world-building and a mix of fantasy and history, *A Discovery of Witches* is an excellent pick. The first book in the *All Souls* trilogy, it follows historian Diana Bishop as she stumbles upon an ancient manuscript and is thrust into a world of vampires, witches, and daemons. This novel is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and intellectual intrigue wrapped up in a supernatural mystery.

### 6. **"The Witch Elm" by Tana French**
Although not strictly about witches, Tana French’s *The Witch Elm* has a bewitching atmosphere of its own. This psychological thriller is steeped in mystery and takes readers through the life of Toby, who retreats to his family’s ancestral home after a traumatic attack. A witch’s tale hidden in the family tree creates an eerie undercurrent, making this novel a haunting and thought-provoking Halloween read.

### 7. **"Cackle" by Rachel Harrison**
For something fun and quirky, *Cackle* offers a modern take on witches and female empowerment. The story follows Annie, a woman recovering from a breakup, as she moves to a small town and befriends Sophie, a charming local who may be more than she seems. With themes of friendship, self-discovery, and a dash of spooky fun, *Cackle* is a delightful yet witchy addition to your book club’s Halloween lineup.

### 8. **"The Once and Future Witches" by Alix E. Harrow**
In *The Once and Future Witches*, Harrow blends the suffragette movement with witchcraft in a story set in 1893. Three sisters, separated by years and secrets, come together to fight for women's rights—and their right to practice witchcraft. This novel is filled with rich world-building, lyrical prose, and empowering themes, making it a fantastic pick for readers who enjoy historical fantasy with a strong feminist core.

### 9. **"Witching Hour" by Anne Rice**
Anne Rice’s *Witching Hour*, the first book in the *Lives of the Mayfair Witches* series, is a classic in witchy literature. It tells the story of the powerful Mayfair family, whose lineage of witches spans generations. Full of gothic atmosphere, family secrets, and dark magic, this sweeping novel is perfect for readers who want a deeply immersive, multi-generational tale of witchcraft and power.

### 10. **"We Ride Upon Sticks" by Quan Barry**
This novel brings a unique, comedic twist to the genre. Set in the 1980s, *We Ride Upon Sticks* follows a girls’ field hockey team from Danvers, Massachusetts, as they begin dabbling in witchcraft to improve their performance. With its nod to the Salem witch trials and its witty, nostalgic tone, this book offers both humor and heart, making it a fun and refreshing read for your book club.

### 11. **"The Wicked Deep" by Shea Ernshaw**
In *The Wicked Deep*, the small town of Sparrow is haunted by the legend of three sisters who were drowned for witchcraft centuries ago. Every year, their spirits return to seek revenge by luring boys to a watery death. This YA novel is filled with mystery, romance, and a haunting atmosphere that will captivate readers of all ages. Its eerie, seaside setting and tragic love story make it a perfect read for the Halloween season.

### 12. **"Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson**
For a modern, inclusive take on witchcraft, *Her Majesty’s Royal Coven* is a fresh and engaging read. The novel follows a group of witches working for the British government to protect the nation from magical threats. With a cast of diverse characters, LGBTQ+ representation, and a fast-paced plot, this book offers a contemporary look at witchcraft in a political and personal context.

### 13. **"The Mercies" by Kiran Millwood Hargrave**
Inspired by true events, *The Mercies* is set in 17th-century Norway after a storm wipes out the male population of a small coastal village. The women are left to fend for themselves, but when a Scottish witch-hunter arrives, accusations of witchcraft begin to spread. This beautifully written novel explores the themes of power, fear, and the consequences of patriarchal control, making it a thought-provoking pick for your Halloween book club.

Whether your book club prefers historical fiction, fantasy, or psychological thrillers, these 13 witchy and bewitching reads offer something for everyone. From stories of empowered women reclaiming their magic to dark and eerie tales of persecution, each of these books will provide rich discussions perfect for the Halloween season.

For more recommendations and to connect with fellow book lovers, be sure to check out ATReads, the social media platform designed for bookworms and writers. It’s a great place to discover new reads, share reviews, and dive into deep discussions about books like these. Happy reading, and enjoy the magical chills this Halloween!

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