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Wit & Travesty

Book Review: The Hex Next Door

BOOK REVIEWS
the hex next door by lou wilham book review by wit and travesty

Are you surprised that I’m back with some thoughts about Lou Wilham’s recent release? That’s right—The Hex Next Door just recently came out during October. It’s perfect timing for those of you who love a good fall read. Without further ado, let’s chat!

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis

What’s a little necromancy between family?

For the Crow Witch, Icarus “Rus” Ashthorne, Moondale seemed the perfect hiding place. But like they always say, you can’t go home again, and Rus finds out quickly that nothing is how she remembered, while at the same time very little has changed. Then she comes face to face with the only woman she’s ever loved, Az Elwood, and… well, things get messier than she thought they ever could.

The Elwoods are a staple of Moondale, respected, feared, powerful, and Azure Elwood was always happy with her place amongst them. Happy to play the part of the good little witch, until Rus Ashthorne. Eleven years ago, Rus got on a bus and left Azure behind, but she’s back, with two little girls trailing her like ducklings, and enough unspoken things between them to drown the town.

Now witch hunters are knocking at their proverbial door, the council of magic is being a real pain in the ass, and Rus wonders how much magic it’ll take to protect the people she loves from herself and the danger following her.

What I Enjoyed

I really like Wilham’s take on “cozy hometown” fiction. I’m sure this book is going to really speak to folks who love shows like Gilmore Girls—the local gossip or busybodies are annoying but it’s hard to consider any other place home.

Wilham also does it again with creating realistic characters and relationships. Rus, Az, and other adult characters talk and act like people I know in real life. They felt real and so easy to root for.

The worldbuilding is also incredible. The town is divided into covens; readers can find the list of covens, as well as their functions, in the back. It was delightful to find witches, druids, necromancers, and other types of roles in Moondale.

My Final Thoughts

If you need a cozy novel with some action and inclusive representation, I’d recommend this read. There is some action and some potentially triggering moments (kidnapping) but Wilham guides us to a cute ending. The main “fault” of this book is that it ended a bit too soon for me. I know a sequel’s coming but I hoped a bit more would find resolutions at the end of the story.

Hopefully, I shared enough to pique your curiosity. Want to get reading? If so, I highly recommend you look up Lou Wilham on social media:

  • Website
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If you want to see all our other book reviews, check out our Book Reviews tab. If you’d like me to review your book, you can contact us.

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Jonathan Baker
Whitney and I worked together in a writing feedback group some years ago and have remained in touch since then. From the beginning, I was struck by her absolute responsibility as an editor. Even in the capacity of a group member, not even being employed or contracted by me to edit my work, Whitney was unerringly punctual, thorough, and accurate with her feedback. Her advice is genuinely insightful and I believe the marketability of my work was noticeably increased due to her guidance. I so value her skills that I still turn to her as a resource after three years of working with her in-person have passed.
Angelika Offenwanger
Whitney did a copy-edit on my third novel, Checkmate. She was a pleasure to work with, and helped me give my novel that final polish that it needed before publication. Put her on your list for editors that help your work shine!
Rachel Barnard
I won a contest via Wit & Travesty in the summer of 2017. The prize was a professional edit of the first 100 pages of a WIP. My middle grade fantasy was only 90 pages, so she read the entire manuscript. She was communicative and positive about the project. Her edits markedly polished up my manuscript and were easy to understand.
Jessica Frazier
Whitney McGruder has created a vast and imaginative world in Destiny Seeker with surprises to delight the reader at every turn. Readers can settle in to devour the diverse and ingenious magic Destiny Seeker has to offer. I highly recommend it.
Jessica Thompson
Whitney was great to work with. The whole experience was professional, yet flexible. Helpful, yet kind. My manuscript improved so much through Whitney's guidance that I received my first book deal!
Brittany Olsen
Whitney helped me with two short projects written for children, and she was very pleasant to work with. She has an eye for detail, helping me with small grammar errors as well as insights about adding scenes that would enhance my story. Her turnaround time was extremely quick, which I really appreciated when on a deadline!
Tori Nix
Working with Whitney was a breath of fresh air! I enjoyed every minute of my experience with bringing my book to life! Whitney not only did an exceptional job, she is also a very kind, patient, and I hope to continue to do business in the future!
Remember how I said I wanted to help more authors this year? I started 2023 by accepting a role at @swordandsilkbooks, a small, fierce publisher. I'm now their marketing manager. As you can tell by this graphic, we have very similar taste in vibes. I can't wait to help the authors of Sword & Silk reach wider audiences and meet some major author goals. It's a tulle skirt. Finally, I have a pink layered tulle skirt. And y'all, I got the most dramatic one yet. Join me on my quest to visit every locally-owned bookstore in my state. Let’s visit @kingsenglishbookshop. Which bookstore should I visit next? #utahbookstore #utahauthor #indiebookstore #shoplocal #shopsmall #localbookstore #localbookstorelove #thekingsenglishbookshop #thekingsenglish A weekend selfie to remind myself that sometimes my bangs do what I ask. 😂🥰 Most of my selfies include a big “American smile”—so here are photos of my other expressions.😚 We regularly work with ✨incredible✨ authors. So when do we get to work with you? Thank you so much to the authors who've already booked with us through early May. Wer're excited to see who we can work with over the summer and the rest of 2023. Last Saturday, I went to a grand opening event for @jessakae and had a ball! You know I love a beautiful dress—I can’t wait to show off what’s in my bag. Join me on my quest to visit every locally-owned bookstore in my state.😍 We’re here at @undertheumbrellabookstore ! Which bookstores should I add to my list? #undertheumbrellabookstore #undertheumbrella #utahbookstore #utahauthor #indiebookstore #shoplocal #shopsmall #localbookstore #localbookstorelove Yesterday, I stopped by @poppybookssf to see my books in person! They have this corner dedicated to local authors.😍 All my books are signed!