Cackle
A darkly funny, frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be true, from the author of The Return.
All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation.
Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. More importantly, she wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?
- Pages
- 291
- First published
- October 5, 2021
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ebook
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Shelved by 10 Litcadians
Reviews
Finished October 6, 2025
*“What is it about a woman in full control of herself that is so utterly frightening?”* What I loved: ✿ cozy horror ✿ blend of modern and fantasy themes ✿ best witches choosing each other Rachel has impressed me again! Although she always manages to blend modern day themes and mental illness with paranormal/fantasy scenes so well, this definitely had more of a cozy, heart-warming vibe to it compared to some others that I've read. Often in my book community I find that so many books have a romance at the heart of the story, and I LOVED that this book had a different kind of happy ending. The main character suffers low self-esteem and is a major people-pleaser, and to see her grow and find her sense of self and happiness by the end made me love this so much more. Trigger warnings: Alcohol, Body horror, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Bullying, Vomit, Death of parent, Infidelity [✿ Connect with me on instagram ✿](https://www.instagram.com/literarily_laurynn?igsh=aTh6eTZ6dGwxMXpy&utm_source=qr)
Started September 12, 2025 · Finished September 16, 2025
I can't quite give this a 4 rating, I love this author but this wasnt my favorite. I think it was missing a villain and some kind of near end climax. Great characters, fantastic audio, but the fmc being her own worst enemy with a bestie who is a little too attached had so much more potential for that. There were quite a few side characters that just kinda existed and I would have loved more back story on Sophie. I will still be reading more Rachel Harrison, she has a great way of blending horror in modern fantasy. Also Ralph really stole the scenes he was in, what a good boy 😂
Finished April 18, 2026
Finished November 10, 2025
Started October 9, 2025 · Finished October 20, 2025
Started September 4, 2025 · Finished September 4, 2025