Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was so good and so insanely timely! If you are feeling feminine rage this is the book for you. It’s a little long but it is so so worth it. These characters and this story are going to stay with for a very long time! ”

— Tyler • White Rose Books & More

Bookseller recommendation

“An interesting plot while also offering a critique of societal expectations of young mothers. ”

— Sophie • Viewpoint Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Nothing is more horrifying than how out of control you are of your own body during pregnancy. Well, except for being a pregnant teen with no control of your life.”

— Melissia • Viewpoint Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is classic Grady Hendrix—darkly funny, sharp, and just the right amount of creepy. Hendrix has a gift for taking everyday fears and twisting them into something both terrifying and wildly entertaining, and this book is no exception. The story blends supernatural chills with biting social commentary, exploring themes of rebellion, belonging, and the price of power. The characters feel real and raw—flawed girls finding strength in unexpected places—and you can’t help but root for them even when the witchcraft takes a sinister turn. What makes this book stand out is Hendrix’s ability to layer genuine horror with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. One page has you unsettled, the next you’re smirking at the sly wit. It’s a wild ride, and once you start, you’ll find it nearly impossible to put down. If you love horror that doesn’t just scare you but also makes you think—and laugh nervously along the way—this is a must-read. Fans of My Best Friend’s Exorcism and How to Sell a Haunted House will feel right at home here.”

— Karen • Second Chapter Books

Bookseller recommendation

“What is truly horrifying about this novel is the world the unwed teenagers were living in at a time before Roe (take heed) and the lack of power they had in saying what they wanted for themselves and their bodies. Hendrix does an excellent job of showing how terrible the power systems were for these girls. I was intrigued enough to listen to the end, but found some parts of the book too graphic and felt that certain characters and storylines were left hanging in an unsatisfactory way.”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).”

— Joy • Stardust Books

Bookseller recommendation

“So, I’m not at all a horror person. If you’re not either, be warned that there is some body horror in this, but the most horrific aspect is simply the reality of being a girl in 1970. Through the eyes of Fern, Zinnia, Holly, Rose, and Hagar, we see a hopelessness, desperation, and rage that resonates all too strongly today. A great book club pick for discussion!”

— Saskia • The Book House

Bookseller recommendation

“This story takes place in the south during the 1970s and it is centered around un-wed pregnant teenagers that are sent off to a "home" to give birth. The characters were complex, dynamic and morally grey. The plot was quick paced with plenty of looming tension and dread. The BEST part of this book though was its strong feminist message. Also, a witch who moonlights as a librarian.. I just really loved this!”

— Keri • Tide Turners Books & More

Bookseller recommendation

“This is not usually a genre I read but I’m glad a took a chance on this title. There is a lot of heart in this book and that got me through the grittier segments.”

— Melissia • Viewpoint Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A slow ride into the dark side of teen pregnancy in the 50’s. The lengths young women will go to in order to feel a modicum of power in a world where their every move is controlled and the consequences that follow. I was horrified, thrilled, heartbroken and terrified. ”

— Emily • Rainy Day Reads

Bookseller recommendation

“This book made me grieve for the girls who were never believed or were misunderstood. I felt so much for these teenage girls, who had to turn to the occult in order to feel in control of their own lives. I wished I could have seen a little more development of the girls' characters after childhood/who they were outside of the home, but I loved this glimpse of their lives. Not a super scary book by any means, unless you consider the blatant sexism horrifying, which I do. ”

— Riley S. • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“My first Grady Hendrix book. Nothing like I expected. Not very scary, in a horror sense, but certainly scary in a societal aspect (and can I say something that women are still terrified about everyday. Like, body autonomy, overturning of legislation to protect women, etc.) What young unwed girls went through when sent to homes for “wayward girls” was horrific. There is some body horror in the book but nothing overtly scary. I was unsure what to expect as I began especially with author being a male and writing from the young girls perspective but I think he did a good job not putting to much of a male gaze and instead focuses on the important topics and centres the story around the experiences of the girls and their specific injustices. The connection to the witches and the full circle moment at the end was great. A fairly enjoyable read. I wish there was a bit more witchcraft in it but I understand that maybe Hendrix didn’t want that to really be the focus of the book.”

— Kandice • The Book Loft St. Jacobs