The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (HarperCollins)

Salem, USA. Today. Not in the time of witches burning at the stake, although witches are here.

These black-clad ladies sell crystals and oils and are occasionally pursued through town – on the hour – to excite the tourists.

But some still have the gift of ‘reading lace’ by staring at the design until an image appears and, from this, are able to read people’s lives.

Towner (real name Sophya), from a family of lace-readers, returns to Salem when her aunt disappears, creating a story of lies, deception and mixed identities.

The author makes witchcraft and second sight believable attributes, as the bizarre story of Towner and her twin sister is finally untangled.

It’s a fascinating book, part thriller, part history with a nudge of romance. 

Share this article