The Near Witch - BookReview

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Originally released via Hyperion Books

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The Disappearance of a child leads to mystery and suspicion

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When a young boy, Edgar, vanishes from his home and a stranger who was seen the night before is blamed, locals start a search for them both. Sixteen year old Lexi Harris isn't so sure; for she has met the newcomer and, though he has secrets of his own, it doesn't seem likely that he is guilty of abduction. But what are the voices that speak to her young sister Wren? The fear felt in the village intensifies when a second child goes missing.

I enjoyed reading The Near Witch, the debut novel of author V.E. Schwab. It has a beauty all of its own, and a richness of characters. First up is Lexi, a confident young lady who is more comfortable wearing her father's hunting knife and actually getting involved in the search for missing children than living up to other people's expectations. She lives at home with her young sister and mother. Since the death of her father, she's clearly been "guided" by her Uncle Otto, though she prefers to follow her intuition than be told what to do. She is definitely her father's daughter.

Then there are witch sisters Magda and Dreska Thorne, who are clearly older than anyone else in the village with knowledge and memories that span more time than is possible. But they've lived, and seen things. They're also loners, which makes them suspects of concealing the stranger. If he's not found in the village then where else can he be?

And then there is the stranger himself, just a boy but one whose real name and motives are a mystery; to the villagers and Lexi, at least. But the disappearance of children began when he arrived, so what more evidence do people need to accuse him? If he is indeed being protected by the witches then perhaps they need to be dealt with, too?

I love the themes of isolation and fear, difference and suspicion.

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Returning To The Beginning...

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When it comes to books, I know what I like and rarely deviate - which isn't exactly a good thing because there is such richness out there in the publishing world. But from the moment I read the first few pages of The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney, I was hooked. It was the same with Harry Potter, and Burning Issy by Melvin Burgess. The Near Witch did exactly that, a page turner and an obsession, a wanting to solve the mystery and find out the identity of the stranger; I was Lexi's companion, accompanying her as she resolved to find clues and clear his name.

But what if he is responsible?

Interestingly, this book was first published in 2011. As the author says of its original existence, "...though I tried to shield the fragile candle of its life, it was only a matter of time before the wind of publishing blew through, and snuffed it out". Thankfully she persisted, writing a further fourteen novels in seven years, and the time of The Near Witch came about once more thanks to the team at Titan Books. In March 2019 it was republished, in hardback, with a short story 'The Ash-Born Boy' and an introduction from V.E. Schwab. Now it is available in paperback, and I am glad.

For existing fans of the author it's a real treat to get hands on a fresh copy of this remarkable story. And, like me, if you're new and eager to learn more about this talented writer, then it's certainly a good place to start. I've also been reading Victoria's official website at veschwab.com; and enjoying the blog, which I hope remains intact at wordpress.com and is never deleted - it is such a lovely place to wander and spend time exploring, reading up on the beginnings of The Near Witch's first publication and book signings etc.

I now have a favourite new book, and author.

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The Witches (1966) - FilmReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"Throw in a satanic ritual and you almost have just the right ingredients to keep this Hammer film from falling foul of its own black magic."

There is much to thank Hammer Films for. Not only has the studio enriched British cinema but its influence continues to cast a spell to this present day. Growing up in England, I first discovered Hammer while watching one of the Dracula films starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. I was mesmerized by powerful performances, vivid texture and haunting colour. Close to where I lived there had been a history of death, leprosy, plague, civil war and witchcraft, so I was in good company with local ghosts of the past, inspiring a fascination with the supernatural. Movies satisfied my hunger.

Though three decades old (at that time), the production of "Dracula" felt fresh and alive with purpose. I have been a fan ever since. Over the years I have enjoyed various titles, though I must admit I am far from seeing them all. It is hard to believe that this production company was founded in 1934 by William Hinds. Then known as Hammer Productions Ltd., Hammer's first production was "The Public Life Of Henry The Ninth", that very same year. And though many associate Hammer with horror, it is interesting to know that the studio has produced movies for various genres, including comedy. For some years after its final steps into mystery and suspense, there was a hiatus. However, a return with vampire horror "Let Me In" (2010), a remake of 2008 Swedish feature "Let the Right One In", spoke volumes: Hammer Films was back with a vengeance...

In 1966 director Cyril Frankel gave us "The Witches", a horror featuring what was to be actress Joan Fontaine's last big screen role. Restored and beautifully presented, StudioCanal has chosen wisely with its blu-ray and DVD combos, and this is no exception! Telling the story of Miss Gwen Mayfield's arrival in the quiet English village of Walwyk as new head teacher at the local school, "The Witches" for the most part works well as a British thriller, featuring an excellent cast. The sense of paranoia that permeates through the plot feels as stalking as the black cat (owned by the mysterious Granny Rigg) that creepily happens to keep a rather close eye on Gwen.

Fontaine as Gwen Mayfield could not have been better cast, her performance is grounded as a woman encountering a mystery who steadily unearths a devilish plot involving witchcraft. Those familiar with British sitcoms might just recognise the faces of Rudolph Walker ("Love Thy Neighbour", "Eastenders"), Leonard Rossiter ("Rising Damp"), and a young Michele Dotrice ("Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em"). No stranger to Hammer Films, actor Duncan Lamont also plays the role of butcher Bob Curd; I remember Lamont mostly for his performance in the 1974 Doctor Who serial "Death to the Daleks". Kay Walsh, too, is cast as Stephanie Bax, a very rich and influential lady; Walsh can be seen as Nancy in David Lean's 1948 masterpiece telling of "Oliver Twist", adapted from author Charles Dickens' classic tale.

"The Witches" is a feature that feels Hitchcock-esque in style and yet, fails to deliver an ending that compliments the film as a whole. There is less horror than you would expect, although as a thriller it is less needed. The mystery surrounding schoolgirl Linda Rigg (portrayed by Ingrid Brett, also known as Ingrid Boulting) remains the focus of the plot, as locals are determined to keep her away from a young village boy, who unexpectedly falls into a coma. Later, a missing doll is found - headless - and there is a death. Throw in a satanic ritual and you almost have just the right ingredients to keep this Hammer film from falling foul of its own black magic. Sadly, the ritual itself does not work so well, those actors involved in the ceremony looking more like locals from a dancing school with a choreography that is simply far too long and strange to be of any value.

Adapted from a 1960 novel "The Devil's Own" by Norah Lofts (published under the pseudonym Peter Curtis), the climax could have been better handled by Frankel and writer Nigel Kneale, though it has been purported that the latter (known for other hits including "Quatermass and the Pit") was unhappy with the final result, having included more humour in his script than was finally shown. Personally I am glad that "The Witches" remained serious, even if it delivered a far from satisfactory conclusion. On the balance, this is one film that was enjoyable, beautifully shot and, looking back, a reflection of quintessential England in a bygone era. Just one question, why is there a doll of singer/songwriter Paul McCartney in the movie poster pierced by pins? Perhaps the witch's power reaches beyond Walwyk?

In addition to the film, on the Blu-ray you will find a new documentary "Hammer Glamour", which takes a look at the Hammer girls through the years. Mixed in with classic footage, there are interviews with glamour girls Caroline Munro, Madeline Smith, Jenny Hanley, Valerie Leon, and Martine Beswick. It is a delight to hear their opinions of the show, and memories of working with other cast. One complaint, especially from Hanley, was the need for nudity in the Hammer movies - revealing too much flesh is something that actress Smith certainly seems to now regret (she starred in 1970's "The Vampire Lovers", opposite Ingrid Pitt), stating that she was young and naive in those early days of her career. In all, a rather intriguing forty-two minutes spent. And Munro looks as good as ever...

Purchase The Witches from the Store:
Blu-ray + DVD combo - Feature running time: 90 minutes

Or perhaps purchase the paperback - Publisher: Hammer

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The Sookie Stackhouse Novels: Dead to the World - BookReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


"My gran had always told me that a woman - any woman worth her salt - could do whatever she had to." ~ Sookie

Four books in, and the best has arrived! There has always been a steady pace to The Southern Vampire Mysteries that has kept it even and entertaining, a world of vampires as telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse faces the usual perils and excitement of events that materalise in the fictional Louisiana town of Bon Temps. Eric Northman, Vampire Sheriff of Area Five, has always been the smart, ruthless and enigmatic Viking (yes, he really is that old!) who had spent every book in the series so far desiring to bed Sookie. However, after a spell cast by a witch called Marnie "Hallow" Stonebrook reduces him to a confused and vulnerable state, much changes between the Merlottes' waitress and charismatic Sheriff.

His life in danger, the vampires ask Sookie to be Eric's guardian. There is also concern when Jason, Sookie's brother, disappears, leading to an investigation and fear that the witch coven responsible for Eric's reduced condition might have either taken or killed Jason. As with previous installments, there will be deaths, though no spoilers here...

Familiar faces such as werewolf Alcide Herveaux, Pam Ravenscroft, Bubba (Elvis Presley in vampire form), and the vindictive Debbie Pelt (Alcide's interest) also return; sadly, Bubba is still not growing on me in the same way that he does for other readers (you know who you are) - there could have been so much potential in resurrecting the "King of Rock and Roll" as a vampire, instead we are left with a "Lennie Small" (see Of Mice and men) with no real contribution to any plot other than gathering information and killing...

"Oh, God, puppy dog eyes.
From a six-foot-five ancient Viking vampire."
― Sookie Stackhouse

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Though little is explored with Hallow (perhaps Pam's means of persuading the witch to reverse the spell on Eric should have been witnessed by Sookie?) there is no doubt that author Charlaine Harris has enriched her tales with witches, Weres and other beasts - this is no ordinary book series, there remains hidden depths that are gradually unearthed, piercing the imagination as surely as a stake through the heart. What I like about the use of witches is the revelation that some of them are also werewolves (twice the danger!) and this idea is fully explored during the final part of the novel when Sookie and her friends (vampires and Weres) engage in a bloody battle against the witch coven.

As always, Bill Compton's involvement is little more than a brief appearance; as Sookie's "first", I sometimes wonder why he has been sidelined in this way - perhaps that is the greatest Southern Vampire mystery of them all...

The love story between Sookie and Eric is the true reason for Dead To The World, a "will they or won't they" scenario that steps on the platonic doormat for a brief second before engaging fully in the actions of a couple mutually attracted to one another, both mentally and physically; Eric's changed personality is clearly the catalyst for what follows - the waitress' attraction to the vampire has always been present, so she was already half way there. But the true surprise is just how thoughtful and gentle this new Eric can be while around Sookie, a complete contrast to the manipulative and cold-hearted vampire who owns Fangtasia.

That said, it is inevitable that the vampire's true nature be restored or the balance of the tale be forever changed. But exploring a side of Eric never seen before is intriguing and delightful, as it is for Sookie.

The presence of the ever delightful Debbie Pelt ("delightful" as in bitch) leads to a shock ending, and one that will surely have ramifications in future books. The event also further develops Sookie's character, as did previous installment Club Dead; how far will author Harris take this, I wonder...? This is where The Southern Vampire Mysteries works well, taking every possible scenario and turning it upside down.

Jason's predicament is another example of just what might change as, at full moon, he is destined to be transformed into a werepanther. This is to be the plot for next novel, Dead As A Doornail.


Review summary

The best in the series to date.


REVIEW RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆
Dead to the World publication date: 2004

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