The witch in the well

It's been years since Elena and Cathy last saw each other. The summers they spent as children at Elena's uncle's home are a distant memory, and their love and affection for each other have been replaced with anger and hatred. Elena is the successful author of a self-help book and has returned to her hometown to sell her uncle's house. Cathy never left and, intending to write a book, has spent years researching the town legend: the story of Ilsbeth Carter, a woman whom the townspeople drowned in a well after she was accused of being a witch and killing several children. When Elena feels a connection to Ilsbeth and decides to write her own book about her, Cathy's rekindled ire toward Elena unearths dangerous and frightening mysteries that, eventually, they both wish had stayed buried. Fans of mysteries told via unreliable narrators will love that this book has three, with each one given a distinct voice. Some will love this creepy, folklore-inspired tale with its touch of horror, while others will struggle with the unlikable protagonists and epistolary format.

Set in a town referred to only as F--, this disappointing paranormal thriller from Bruce (In the Garden of Spite) is told from the perspectives of three characters--two childhood friends who later become rivals and one ghost. In 1862, suspected witch Ilsbeth Clark died when a fearful mob threw her into the town well, where her spirit remains, yearning to be free. In more recent times, Cathy Evans shares her secret of how to see Ilsbeth's ghost with her friend Elena Clover, who ends up running away and abandoning Cathy. Years later, Cathy, now the town lunatic, believes that Ilsbeth belongs only to her and becomes unhinged when Elena, now an author and social media influencer, returns to F-- and willingly becomes the human vessel for Ilsbeth's seemingly benevolent spirit. Unbeknownst to Cathy and Elena, Ilsbeth also serves the Beast, an evil entity associated with the well. Tragedy ensues. Convincing characters and vivid prose make up only in part for the excessive time Cathy, Elena, and Ilsbeth spend lamenting their respective fates. Even the lesser characters are miserable, and the ending fizzles. Bruce has done better. (Oct.)