24/09/2026
BOOK REVIEW 📚 Ahead of our event next week with Harriet Tyce, I'd love to share my thoughts on this wonderfully gripping Scottish crime novel I just finished reading! Tickets are available here:
https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-with-harriet-tyce/inverness
"Witch Trial is a unique legal thriller that blends crime with psychological horror through themes of witchcraft, obsession and trauma. It’s a definite page-turner! We follow a troubled heart surgeon named Matthew as he is called to be a jury member for a high profile case, in which two teenage girls obsessed with witchcraft are accused of murdering their friend, Christian Shaw.
The plot is intricately woven through witness accounts and court proceedings, and it was an interesting insight into the Scottish court system.
I particularly enjoyed the sense of place in this novel. Edinburgh is such a fantastic setting for a story about witchcraft with its rich history and Gothic atmosphere. There's an interesting contrast between the supernatural vibe of the occult and devil worship, and the more psychological element of trauma and delusion.
In the final act, I found the shift in the narrative quite surprising! This would definitely appeal to fans of Janice Hallett. I also enjoyed all the literary and pop culture references sprinkled throughout.
Witch Trial is the perfect autumnal crime read for spooky season! Unsettling, atmospheric and a really pacey legal thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page."
- Christina at Waterstones Inverness
