The Witches of New York

A Novel

By: Ami McKay

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Respectable Lady Seeks Dependable Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply.

New York in the spring of 1880 is a place alive with wonder and curiosity. Determined to learn the truth about the world, its residents enthusiastically engage in both scientific experimentation and spiritualist pursuits. Séances are the entertainment of choice in exclusive social circles, and many enterprising women - some possessed of true intuitive powers and some gifted with the art of performance - find work as mediums.

Enter Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St. Clair. At their humble tea shop, Tea and Sympathy, they provide a place for whispered confessions, secret cures, and spiritual assignations for a select society of ladies who speak the right words and ask the right questions. But the profile of Tea and Sympathy is about to change with the fortuitous arrival of Beatrice Dunn.

When 17-year-old Beatrice leaves the safety of her village to answer an ad that reads "Respectable Lady Seeks Dependable Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply", she has little indication of what the job will demand of her. Beatrice doesn't know it yet, but she is no ordinary small-town girl; she has great spiritual gifts - ones that will serve as her greatest asset and also place her in grave danger. Under the tutelage of Adelaide and Eleanor, Beatrice comes to harness many of her powers, but not even they can prepare her for the evils lurking in the darkest corners of the city or the courage it will take to face them.

©2017 Ami McKay (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Loved it!

I absolutely love this book. I love the way the writer weaved the three women into the story. Great read!

Slow burn that blazes bright

I love this book so much. Not only does the author integrate a complete, honest view of witchcraft, but the characters are so whole and lovable. The beginning was a definite slow start, but necessary in the development of the characters. I Wish i could be Beatrice and work at Tea & Sympathy!

Sequel please

I needed it to be longer. I miss them all now that I reached the end.

A little to endearing.

Women r not always that endearing to each other, even in sisterhood. The real witches here r the Bible thumping ones that pass judgement on others.

Beautiful writing, poor story

Dictation and writing were beautiful, but the story line was weak - abrupt ending and poor conclusion.

Wow! What a Reflection!

The three main characters reflect the three passages of womanhood common to our understanding. However the characters gently give us insight into the frailties of generalities. This book is long but it is worth it and do listen to the author’s note at the end.

Interesting but unfinished

There were a lot of unresolved important plot ends that needs to be tied up in an otherwise very entertaining book. Unless it’s meant to be a series. Also there were parts where words of full sentences were spelled out like “M-y-n-a-m-e-i-s” . Since this is an audiobook, it would be helpful if the words were read afterwards. I had to write the letters down in order to understand what was being said.

an interesting take on witches and feminism

I enjoyed the author's perspective on societal views of women and women's roles and the price many paid for operating outside of these conventions.

Exciting read!

Not sure how I ended up with this book in my listening cue but am happy that I found it. Fun story with a wonderful narrator. I’m looking forward to more books from this author and narrator.

A fun and thrilling story

a fun mix of mystery, history, fantasy and crime- i loved Ami McKay's deeply woven story. You won't be able to stop listening!