Red Runs the Witch’s Thread

Gothic, chilling, haunting, gripping, shocking, dark, atmospheric, and brimming with atmosphere! Red Runs the Witch’s Thread was inspired by the final witch burning in Scotland in 1697. The burning is known as the “Paisley Witch Trials”. The condemned were said to have bewitched eleven-year-old, Christian Shaw. I love books that are inspired by real events, real people, and historical events. Red Runs the Witch’s Thread cast a spell on me as I was bewitched by Victorian Williamson’s writing.

1722. Christian Shaw is determined to get her thread as white as possible. One might say that she is obsessed with bleaching the thread to get the perfect shade of white. She wants to raise money for her family and to find redemption for herself. When Christian was eleven years old in 1697. seven people were strangled and burned at the stake for bewitching her. Twenty-five years have passed since the witch burnings, and ravens are now gathering, and Christian’s memories are bubbling to the surface.

I was mesmerized by this book. As I mentioned, I am a fan of books that are inspired by true events/people. I loved the historical events/aspects of this book. I thought the author did a wonderful job with describing the way of life during the two timelines (“Weft” and “Warp”) in this book. The dress, the social divide, the treatment of women, the medical practices, the superstitions, and viewpoints on witches.

I also enjoyed the blending of superstitions, mental health issues, ignorance, innocence, and fate. This book is brimming with dread and unease. Christian is an interesting character. She is unreliable, unlikeable, and stern. Many of the other characters tend to tip toe around her but who could blame them? The one constant in Christian’s life, is her faithful servant, Meg! Although Christian is not very likeable, I felt for her and those in her life as she began to unravel and memories of the past and her actions began to weigh on her. This book gives new meaning to hanging on by a thread!

This novella can easily be read in one day/sitting. I was instantly gripped, intrigued, and swept away to a dangerous time for both men and women. I loved the dread, the atmosphere, the gothic vibes, and the unsettling feel of the book. This book may have readers looking at the colors red and white in a whole different way moving forward.

Thank you to Silver Thistle Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.