Blog Tour Review: Witch Hunt – B.D. Spargo
Witch Hunt captivated my attention for its thriller genre combined with the infamous background of Pendle Hill. I love witchcraft and leaning into the unpleasant history that goes along with the site was the perfect set up for this book.
And, the audiobook doesn’t disappoint on the atmosphere I anticipated. Whilst the plot is a little lighter touch on the history than perhaps I hoped or expected, it was an interesting touch all the same. Plus, the books surprised me in other ways. All in all, this was a fun listen and I’m glad I took the chance on a new book and author to me.
As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, B.D. Spargo for the opportunity to read and review Witch Hunt. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.
Let’s go over the book details, synopsis, (and purchase links if you want to get a copy yourself), then I can get to the fun part of the review!
Witch Hunt – B.D. Spargo
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 396 or Audio Length: 10hrs
Audience: Adult
Publisher: Howfen Press
Original Publication Date: 31 May 2025
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Murder, witchcraft, and a race against time – welcome to Pendle Hill.
A young woman is found brutally murdered and mutilated at the foot of Pendle Hill and the local police are in no doubt who the killer is. Newly released from a psychiatric unit, Will Perkins has delusions that the victim is a witch. When DCI Liam Doyle and his team are brought in to investigate, the suspect is already in custody and the case apparently wrapped up. Except for one key detail – evidence.
Is it really possible the origins to this murder lie in Pendle’s infamous past?
Recently returned to work, DS Anna Morgan is battling her own demons. The physical wounds from her last case have healed, but the psychological trauma still haunts her. When another body turns up the investigation is blown wide open and Doyle has to face up to the horrifying possibility that he could have prevented this killing.
Can Doyle overcome his own doubts and track down the killer before they strike again? Will Morgan be able to conquer her fear before it destroys her?Set in and around Lancashire’s legendary Pendle Hill, Witch Hunt is a gripping British crime thriller with dark humour and a nail-biting climax. This fast-paced novel, the second in the series featuring DCI Doyle and DS Morgan, will have listeners on the edge of their seats.
If you have enjoyed books by authors such as Val McDermid, MW Craven, JD Kirk and Alex Smith, you won’t want to miss Witch Hunt.
Purchase Links
UK Links:
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0GV51STB8
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GV4XCNLT
USA Links:
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GV5659QN
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GV59H5TQ
My Thoughts…
Plot
Whilst this is a second book of a wider series starring the protagonist, DCI Liam Doyle, I went into this book with no prior knowledge. However, that doesn’t matter in the slightest! Whether you choose to pick up Witch Hunt as a standalone or as part of the series, I feel sure you will enjoy the plot unravel as much as I did!
The storyline doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to the crimes that take place. Even from the opening pages, we are thrown into a dark narrative of accusation of witchcraft and a brutal murder. The story takes place in the backdrop of Pendle Hill, where horrendous witch trials and persecution took place. This is fitting for the story, and yet the book isn’t so dependent on knowledge of what took place there beyond the basics that the target audience of the book becomes so niche. If you enjoy police procedurals or thrillers, Witch Hunt is both an approachable and entertaining read.
The complexity of the mystery has us asking what we think we know throughout the book. I was guessing up until the very end.
As much as this book is full of high-stakes moments, there are also quiet moments where we are reminded of the humanity of the characters. Small, slice of life events like a parent/teacher meeting for Harry remind us that Liam Doyle,
Characters
If there is one aspect of this book I didn’t expect, it was that I love the representation of mental health throughout the narrative. From individuals exhibiting schizophrenic behaviour, to PTSD and children diagnosed with autism learning how to navigate their world, there’s a lot of positive rep in the book. The sensitivity with which these characters and their traits are incorporated into an engaging story is refreshing. Their diagnoses and behaviours aren’t their defining characteristics, even though at times they play a distinctly part in the wider narrative.
When I read the book, I wasn’t aware of the author’s personal history of working in mental health services. However, in hindsight, that makes complete sense. It shows in the way these characters are portrayed, and I love it! Had I read the previous book in the series, I believe some of the background of the characters would be fleshed out in more detail. However, readers of Witch Hunt don’t strictly need to read the first book for events to make sense. I certainly didn’t feel like I lost out any not having the backstory established in book 1.
Even without the backstory, we get to enjoy progression arcs for many of the characters featured. After Anna experiences a brutal attack, she has to confront her fears in a make or break moment for the case. Liam Doyle navigates a difficult dynamic with an ex-partner with whom he has a young son, Harry whilst also juggling the caseload of identifying and apprehending a serial killer.
Setting
Set in the shadow of the infamous Pendle Hill and its history, this is the perfect backdrop for the storyline that follows. Whilst the story and setting lean in to a grim portion of history, the storyline that takes place is far than outdated.
I must admit, I had hoped the witchcraft element of the storyline was going to prove a little stronger. That is entirely a personal preference, however. I love books featuring witches! Nevertheless, it is a clever book to tie together the topic of witchcraft and a brutal history with a more modern timeline.
Narrative Style
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel as part of the tour. I can confidently say that the narrative style would read as well as it comes across in audio format! The pacing at which the plot unravels it perfect for maintaining suspense up until the very moment of a twist or unveiling.
I can also attest that the audiobook is a greta way to experience the tale. The narration by Aubrey Parsons is very well done. It was refreshing to pick up a book go this genre in audio format for a change. It’s not one I pick up as often as others anyway. Even then, I tend to read thrillers. However, this particular book proves why books like Witch Hunt need to be less of an exception and more of a rule.
Summary
Witch Hunt is a fun, entertaining and engaging police procedural thriller that has us guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the historical backdrop of the book. My favourite part of all is the positive representation of mental health in the book.
Have you read Witch Hunt, or is it now on your TBR after today’s review?
Author Bio
Fast approaching fifty; without enough money for a sports car, BD Spargo decided to express his mid-life crises by turning to crime …
Thankfully for pretty much everyone this meant writing crime fiction rather than anything more nefarious. Originally from London, he spent his early career working in television and theatre including on the Ruth Rendall Mysteries broadcast on ITV.
A life changing accident necessitated retraining and a change of direction going on to work in mental health services. This culminated in ten years managing a groundbreaking forensic psychiatric service. He now lives in Lancashire with his family and is getting acclimatised to the rain.
Social Media Links –
Website: https://bdspargo.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557017745842
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDSpargo
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bdspargo.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdspargo/
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