A Lighthouse, witches, spells and curses, but if that does not have you intrigued this book highlights historic injustices against women. Set on a breathtakingly beautiful Scottish island, The Lighthouse Witches is guaranteed to keep you reading from start to finish.

This was my first encounter with CJ Cooke and I am hooked. She writes a fascinating story that leaves you eager to race through the pages to see what is coming next. This Gothic thriller had me holding my breath in anticipation of what was to come. I loved how the book jumps between timelines from chapter to chapter, unravelling the story from various characters perspectives. The inclusion of passages from Peter Roberts Grimoire, sharing his story, made this book even more intriguing. The author managed to bring the island of Lòn Haven alive with scenic detail. I have never wished to visit Scotland more than after reading this book.

Twenty years ago, Luna Stay was left in the forest by her mother. She has not seen her mother or her two sisters since. But she has never given up hope and continues to search for them. Luna cannot remember everything that happened on Lòn Haven, yet she knows the answers she seeks are hidden there. Now, twenty-six weeks pregnant, she unexpectedly finds herself back on Lòn Haven and the secrets of the past come spilling out one after the other.

The Lighthouse Witches had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The detail about the witch hunts the author shares left the emotions running off the pages. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to watch someone burn at a stake, this book will leave you experiencing it in barbaric clarity. My heart broke for Peter and Amy.  The mysterious disappearance of Sapphire and then Clover had me enthralled, while I could not understand what had happened to Liv.

The author created an amazing group of women which I fell in love with. Olivia (Liv) is a struggling artist doing her best to cope with the demands of being a single parent to three young daughters. Sapphire (Saffy) is a teen girl who is angry at her mother and lashing out while little Luna and Clover are two little girls just along for the ride.

Witches, spells and curses are not my usual choice of reading material; however, CJ Cooke wraps it up with children disappearing, a family torn apart, and a superstitious community that do not hesitate to take matters into their own hands. I could not put this book down; I loved every second I spent reading this story. This book gets a 5-star rating. I loved it.

If you enjoy a gothic thriller this is the book for you! The author tells a gripping tale that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as you whip through time while she unravels a story about curses that started in 1667. This is a wonderfully entertaining read which I highly recommend. It’s the perfect October read!