pickSanctuary, a small town in Connecticut, is shocked by the death of Daniel Whitman, star of the local college football team. Initially thought to be an accident during a party, rumours begin to circulate that he was killed by his ex-girlfriend, Harper Fenn, who was also at the party. Harper's mother, Sarah Fenn, is a registered witch & although Harper is said to have no magical powers whatsoever, gossip & paranoia begin to spread. (continued)
#TBRPile 📚 “Our moms were drinking champagne when Daniel died. Sipping on bubbles as Beatriz screamed outside the burning party house and I was loaded into an ambulance.”
pickThis one really surprised me! I didn't expect to enjoy this so much but #Sanctuary had me hooked from the start and kept me up way past my bedtime. Dealing with some dark themes (e.g. rape, victim blaming), this book was hard to read at times but it's a real page-turner. The murder mystery with all its twists and turns was so well plotted and the setting was incredibly atmospheric. I also loved the diverse cast of characters and the magic element.
so-soI don‘t know whether I‘m just in a blah kind of mood or this just didn‘t resonate much with me. Usually I love witchy books but this was a bit depressing honestly. Maybe it‘s because it turns into a modern day witch-hunt with the villagers bringing out the pitchforks & torches, but I just couldn‘t get into it. Apologies if you loved it, it just wasn‘t for me. Maybe it‘s because I just watched Marianne on Netflix, bad witches done French🤷🏻♀️
I was halfway through The Truants before another headache from a flare hit and I had to spend last night in a dark room. Now I can‘t sum up any enthusiasm for it, so I‘m starting another library book before their due date of the 28th rolls around. This one is a murder mystery with witchcraft, suits both this time of the year and my current mood. There are many times lately that I wish I was a witch!🧙🏼♀️
Sanctuary | 
This is set in the real world but one where magic is an accepted part of everyday life & a metaphor for misogyny, both overt & internalised. It was chilling to see how quickly the townspeople could be whipped up into hatred & mob violence by Abigail's machinations & the parallels with 3mo
The short chapters cycle between the points of view of Abigail, Sarah, & the detective brought in to investigate the case (Maggie). It was a strangely compelling read yet I found it difficult to like Sarah & Harper or understand their actions at times. I will definitely read the sequel at some points. 3.75🌟
TWs: misogyny, sexual assault, religious bigotry. 3mo
Read 14th-18th July 2025
#ReadAway2025 @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES 3mo