In The Haunt by SamiJo McQuiston, we step into the quirky, supernatural world of Hecate Grimm, the sharp-tongued witch who owns a bookstore that’s definitely not your typical neighborhood bookshop. With her darkly humorous narration and utter disbelief at her customers' obliviousness, this novel delivers an entertaining twist to the paranormal. Thank you to SamiJo McQuiston for the book and my honest review. The book tour is hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. My full review is below along with a fun giveaway!
My Review
Hecate Grimm runs a bookstore called The Haunt—a fitting name, given that the shop is literally haunted. But despite her best efforts to tell people she's a witch and her shop is crawling with supernatural energy, her customers chalk it all up to special effects and clever tricks. Hecate is frustrated, and rightfully so. Between dodging stupid questions from patrons and dealing with her own magical responsibilities, she’d much rather be curled up with a good book.
As strange happenings escalate, the gap between the magical and the mundane gets even weirder, and Hecate's patience is pushed to its limits. The story strikes a fine balance between comedic exasperation and mystery, with plenty of witty banter.
The Voice That Hooks You In
McQuiston's biggest strength lies in the voice of her protagonist, Hecate. From the first page, her biting sarcasm and deadpan humor jump off the page. She’s snarky, sharp, and unapologetically over it, which makes her a refreshing narrator. There’s something utterly relatable about a character who just wants to enjoy her quiet life with a good book but is constantly interrupted by chaos.
Hecate's running commentary on the stupidity of others is hilarious and drives much of the book’s humor. You can feel her eye rolls through the pages, and her frustration with her clueless customers gives the story a fun, edgy tone that keeps you hooked.
What I Liked
What stood out the most in The Haunt was the main character’s snarky personality. Hecate’s sarcastic, witty voice pulls you in, making you laugh even during some of the book’s more serious moments. I loved how she constantly breaks the fourth wall with her remarks and isn’t afraid to call out the absurdity of her situation. The humorous tone blends well with the paranormal elements, creating a story that’s both spooky and hilarious. It reminded me of books like Good Omens or Practical Magic—light, fun, and magical without taking itself too seriously.
What I Didn’t Like
While Hecate’s voice kept me engaged, I found myself a bit lost when it came to the actual magic system. The book doesn’t fully explain how magic works in this world, leaving me with more questions than answers. For instance, there’s a part of the plot that involves Hecate making a significant choice about living with people she doesn’t like—potentially for eternity. This felt a bit underdeveloped; I didn’t quite understand the motivation behind it. A deeper explanation of the magical rules and stakes would have helped ground the story and clarify some confusing moments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of snarky, quirky protagonists and enjoy a good laugh with your paranormal reads, The Haunt will be right up your alley. SamiJo McQuiston has crafted a fun, supernatural romp filled with ghostly hijinks and a witch who’s both magical and magnificently grumpy. While the plot could have benefited from a bit more clarity around the magic and its consequences, the sharp writing and Hecate’s delightful sarcasm make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, witty paranormal story with a side of sharp-tongued humor, be sure to check out The Haunt!
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