The spine-tingling, creepy factor kicks in immediately and becomes intense in this entertaining second paranormal thriller from Norwegian author Camilla Bruce (You Let Me In). The Witch in the Well explores the power and peril of friendship, rumors and legends, with supernatural elements casting a shadow over each theme.
In 1862, Ilsbeth Clark died after an out-of-control mob threw her down the town well; residents suspected her of being a witch who killed several children. Legend maintains that Ilsbeth's spirit remains in that well, wanting to be free, and throughout the decades, that folklore expands. As children, close friends Cathy Evans and Elena Clover knew all about the witch myth: the well was on the property of Elena's uncle. But Cathy's insistence that she knew how they could see Ilsbeth's ghost made Elena run back to her uncle's home. Approximately 20 years later, the former friends' lives are vastly different. Cathy is disliked by nearly everyone in town, mainly because of her rude behavior and her fervent devotion to Ilsbeth, whom she considers her property. Elena, now a popular author and social media influencer, returns to settle her late uncle's estate and, oddly, finds inspiration in Ilsbeth's story. Elena's decision to write a book about the so-called witch makes Cathy deranged.
Evil's influence blankets The Witch in the Well. Ilsbeth's seemingly kind spirit camouflages the violent beast also living in the well as Cathy's disturbing personality erupts. Bruce's decision to refer to the town only as "F--" adds to the sense of foreboding. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer