In the misty isles of Orkney, where ancient stones whisper secrets and the sea churns with untold stories, C.J. Cooke weaves a tale that bridges centuries and blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. “The Book of Witching” is a haunting tapestry of historical injustice and modern-day mystery, a story that will leave readers spellbound long after they’ve turned the final page.
Cooke, known for her atmospheric gothic novels like “The Lighthouse Witches” and “A Haunting in the Arctic,” has outdone herself with this latest offering. It’s a book that demands to be read by candlelight, preferably with a storm raging outside your window and the smell of woodsmoke in the air.
A Tale of Two Times
The novel seamlessly intertwines two narratives: the heart-wrenching story of Alison Balfour, a 16th-century healer accused of witchcraft, and the modern-day tale of Clem Woodbury, a mother desperately trying to unravel the mystery surrounding her daughter’s tragic accident.
Echoes of the Past
In 1594, we meet Alison Balfour, a skilled spaewife (healer) living on the fictional Isle of Gunn. Alison’s life is upended when she’s accused of attempting to murder the Earl of Orkney through witchcraft. Cooke’s meticulous research shines through as she paints a vivid picture of life in 16th-century Orkney, from the oppressive rule of Earl Patrick Stewart to the complex dynamics of clan loyalties.
The historical sections are particularly gripping, offering a raw and unflinching look at the witch trials that plagued Scotland during this period. Cooke doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of torture and execution, but she balances these horrors with moments of tenderness and resilience that make Alison’s story all the more poignant.
A Modern Mystery Unfolds
Fast forward to 2024, and we meet Clem Woodbury, a woman grappling with her own mortality as she faces a heart transplant. When her daughter Erin is grievously injured in a mysterious fire on the Isle of Gunn, Clem’s world is turned upside down. As Erin wakes from a coma claiming to be someone named Nyx, Clem is drawn into a web of secrets involving an ancient clan called the Triskele and a mysterious book with black pages.
Cooke expertly ratchets up the tension in the modern sections, blending elements of psychological thriller with supernatural horror. The result is a page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Themes That Resonate Across Centuries
At its core, “The Book of Witching” is an exploration of motherhood, sacrifice, and the bonds that tie us to our ancestors. Both Alison and Clem are driven by an fierce maternal love that transcends time and logic. The parallels between their stories are subtle but powerful, highlighting how the echoes of the past continue to shape our present.
The Power of Words and Memory
The titular Book of Witching serves as a fascinating plot device, blurring the lines between history and myth. It’s a repository of dark magic, yes, but also a keeper of memories and truths that refuse to be silenced. Cooke uses this concept to explore themes of legacy and the power of storytelling to preserve the voices of those who have been unjustly silenced.
Justice Delayed but Not Denied
The novel also grapples with themes of justice and retribution. Alison’s story is a stark reminder of the very real historical injustices perpetrated against women accused of witchcraft. Through Clem’s modern-day quest, Cooke suggests that while we cannot change the past, we can work to right its wrongs and honor those who suffered.
A Master Class in Atmosphere
One of Cooke’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to create atmosphere, and “The Book of Witching” is no exception. The Orkney Islands come alive on the page, from the windswept beaches of Fynhallow to the ancient standing stones that dot the landscape. You can almost taste the salt in the air and feel the chill of the North Sea wind as you read.
A Dialect That Sings
Cooke’s use of dialect in the historical sections adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. While it might take some readers a chapter or two to acclimate, the rhythms of 16th-century Orcadian speech soon become as natural as breathing.
Characters That Linger
Both timelines are populated with richly drawn characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Alison Balfour: A Woman Before Her Time
Alison is a triumph of characterization. She’s strong-willed and compassionate, a woman whose faith in both God and her own abilities is tested to the breaking point. Her journey from respected healer to accused witch is heart-wrenching, and her ultimate fate will leave readers both devastated and inspired.
Clem Woodbury: A Mother’s Determination
In the modern timeline, Clem is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey from skeptic to believer is believable and compelling. As she races against time to save her daughter, readers will find themselves cheering her on every step of the way.
Supporting Cast
The supporting characters are equally well-realized. From the enigmatic Edina, leader of the modern-day Triskele, to the conflicted David Moncrief in the historical sections, each character feels fully fleshed out and integral to the story.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While “The Book of Witching” is a triumph overall, there are a few minor issues that some readers might find distracting:
- The pacing in the middle section of the book occasionally lags, particularly as Clem pieces together the mystery.
- Some readers might find the supernatural elements in the modern sections a bit jarring compared to the more grounded historical narrative.
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels a bit rushed in the final chapters.
However, these are small complaints in what is otherwise a masterful work of historical fiction and supernatural suspense.
In the Company of Giants
“The Book of Witching” stands proudly alongside other works that blend historical witch trials with modern-day mysteries, such as “The Witch’s Trinity” by Erika Mailman and “The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane” by Katherine Howe. Fans of authors like Diane Setterfield and Susanna Kearsley will find much to love in Cooke’s lyrical prose and deft handling of dual timelines.
A Spell That Lingers
C.J. Cooke has crafted a novel that is both a love letter to Orkney’s rich history and a timely exploration of how the past continues to shape our present. “The Book of Witching” is a spellbinding read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, supernatural thrillers, and anyone who loves a good story well told.
With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and haunting atmosphere, this is a book that demands to be savored. It’s the kind of novel that you’ll want to discuss with friends, poring over its twists and turns long into the night.
Final Verdict
“The Book of Witching” is a triumph of storytelling, a novel that entertains, educates, and leaves readers with plenty to ponder. C.J. Cooke has established herself as a master of the modern gothic, and this latest offering only cements her reputation.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist
- Readers who enjoy dual timeline narratives
- Anyone fascinated by the history of witch trials
- Those who love atmospheric, character-driven stories
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Readers who prefer their historical fiction strictly grounded in reality
- Those sensitive to depictions of torture and execution (though these scenes are not gratuitous)
- Fans of fast-paced thrillers might find the pacing too slow in places
In the end, “The Book of Witching” is more than just a novel—it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of the power of stories to connect us across time and space, and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of injustice. Clear your schedule, brew a pot of tea, and prepare to be enchanted.
