The Witch by Freida McFadden

The Witch by Freida McFadden Book Review, Ending Explained, FAQs & 3 More

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Gram reaches out to grip my arm in hers. “I told you not to move them, Julia. Caroline doesn’t like it when you do that.”
“Who?”
“Caroline Eldridge,” she clarifies. “The witch.” – The Witch by Freida McFadden

Format : 400 pages, Hardcover

Published : July 17, 2025

Genres : Mystery, Thriller, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Adult, Contemporary, Suspense

Tropes : Strong fmc, solving her own murder, childhood best friends, partners in crime, dysfunctional family, secrets, small town, halloween, murder mystery

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About The Witch by Freida McFadden/Summary

Set in Massachusetts, the book unfolds across dual pov and timeline slowly connecting the past and the present.

The first one begins in 1600 from Caroline Eldridge, a young wife living in a mansion – Pemberton, with her merchant husband Archie and a maid Molly living her normal life which soon becomes a nightmare as Caroline herself is caught up in a series of unfortunate events. 

The 2nd timeline is set 300years later, from Julia a great great great etc children of the Archibald family. (you will understand this reference when you read the book). Who decided to move into her grandmother’s house, which happens to be the Pemberton after she got laid off from her job.

As soon as she slowly settles into the mansion, spooky things start to happen, a lot similar to her childhood memories revolving here. And, as that unfolds she discovers more about her ancestors and the dark history surrounding the mansion.  

My Review on The Witch by Freida McFadden + Favorite Quotes (Spoiler Free)

“But I never expected to be slaughtered in Town Square. And certainly not for being a witch.”

– Well… I didn’t expect that at the very beginning then again it’s a Frieda Mcfadden book so. I am not even surprised. I was having some tough time understanding the timeline at first. Then understanding Caroline’s character. I can’t even explain why.

I probably couldn’t have continued if this book wasn’t dual pov. Also, the setting and trope is so unique and felt so refreshing. It’s been a while since I read something like this. Also the witch trope really made me keep going. And let me tell you a good time

“The only thing worse than moving into a haunted house is having to talk about my love life.”

– I love Julia already. And also love the fact that frieda has kept her classic sarcasms which I find really relatable at times. But this one has to be one of the top.

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Yes…” “Would you like me to kill him?”
I stare at her, not sure if I heard correctly. “What?”
“I could kill him for you if you’d like,” she clarifies.

– I cracked on this so hard. Literally laughing my a off. This is so cute. I lost both my grandmothers at a young age but I know if they were alive today they would have said something like this. I also love Julia and her grandmother’s dynamic. I lived for their conversations throughout the books and the ending made it more perfect!

“They’re witches’ stairs, Julia. They were built in houses during the seventeenth century in Massachusetts. They’re supposed to ward off witches, because witches can’t climb these kinds of stairs.”

– I learned so much from this book. I grew up watching this stuff but never was interested enough to know facts like this. Also, the seventeenth century Massachusetts and Salem witchcraft. I really got to know.so many things from this book alone.did some more research too. And I really want to read some more books set in that timeline and location to be honest.

“It almost feels like this house is trying to tell me something. That there’s some message that only I can hear.”

The writing in this book was so fine. I think it was a lot different from other Frieda mcfaddens books I have read. And it’s also one of the reasons why I genuinely loved this book. Also after this line I started to read carefully and tried to decode messages and little things so I can unfold the mystery with Julia.

“Gram reaches out to grip my arm in hers. “I told you 59 not to move them, Julia. Caroline doesn’t like it when you do that.”
“Who?”
“Caroline Eldridge,” she clarifies. “The witch.”

– Well, that was creepy. And kinda spooked me but also confused me too at the same time. Because the dual timeline and pov are so different. Every time I read about. caroline they give chills and wonder what’s actually up with her.

Then when I get to her chapter told from her pov it feels so different and kinda opposite. I kept on 2nd guessing and waiting for something wrong to happen till the end of the book. Because with frieda mcfaddens books you should always stay careful for a plot twist till the last line.

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