A Lullaby for Witches

The spirit of a vengeful witch haunts a young woman in this captivating paranormal fantasy from Fox (The Orphan of Cemetery Hill). Everything changes for Augusta Podos when she lands her dream job as collections manager at Harlowe House, a historical property in Tynemouth, England, that belonged to a wealthy seafaring family in the 19th century. But from the moment she steps inside, she gets the eerie feeling that someone is watching her. Despite this uneasy sensation, she’s excited to create an exhibit around 19th-century women in Tynemouth—and she’s particularly interested in learning more about Margaret Harlowe, a mysterious, forgotten member of the family. But as she probes Margaret’s history, she begins to hallucinate Margaret’s tortured past as a witch. Augusta realizes it’s Margaret who’s been watching all along and now she’s forced to relive Margaret’s bone-chilling memories. To avoid becoming a pawn in the witch’s sinister game, Augusta must discover how to lay Margaret’s spirit to rest. Fox balances Augusta and Margaret’s stories with an expert hand, giving both characters depth. With unexpected twists aplenty, this is sure to keep fans of paranormal fantasies turning the pages. It’s a multilayered, haunting tale. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Feb.)