4.0 (3 ratings)
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
"Superb ... a perfect horror for our imperfect age.” – The New York Times
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER
They were never girls, they were witches . . . .
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, to give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.
Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, frightened, and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who plans to marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by the adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid . . . and it’s usually paid in blood.
In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER
They were never girls, they were witches . . . .
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, to give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.
Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, frightened, and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who plans to marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by the adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid . . . and it’s usually paid in blood.
In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).
Pages: 496
ISBN: 9780593548981
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4.0
3 ratings
Michele M.
Apr 12, 2026
This is my first G. Hendrix book. I thought I was going into a generic horror story about teen witches but what I got was so much more. I was hurt, mad, touched and stunned in some places and as a mom I was broken in others. The author did such a good job putting this together and the ending was great. Now I feel the need to look into these "homes" further.
Amber W.
Mar 15, 2026
"Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" is a deeply layered narrative that reflects on the historical context of how women have been perceived as inferior. Hendrix excels in his use of imagery and effectively builds tension throughout the story, drawing readers into an emotionally charged experience. The ending is particularly satisfying, leaving a lasting impact. However, I did find the pacing to be a bit slow at times, with some parts feeling elongated. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and evocative read that highlights important themes while showcasing Hendrix's talent for storytelling. 3.5 out of 5.
Rachel B.
Feb 8, 2026
“Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix is dark and haunting. Set in a Florida maternity home in the 1970s, it blends historical horror with the supernatural to explore shame, power, and survival. The atmosphere is heavy and unsettling, the friendships between the girls are heartbreaking yet full of resilience, and the witchcraft adds a chilling twist. It’s emotional and suspenseful.