Witches have long captured the human imagination—both feared and revered, cloaked in myth and mystery. From the cauldron-stirring hags of folklore to wise women persecuted for their power, the figure of the witch has evolved across centuries and cultures. This carefully curated selection of books by the LoveReading team explores witches in all their forms, through the lens of fiction that enchants and terrifies, and through non-fiction that unveils the real histories, spiritual practices, and cultural significance behind the myth.

The word witch may conjure images of cauldrons, cackles and broomsticks, or witch-hunting trials and persecutions of women, or even modern witchcraft, a contemporary religion based around a reverence for nature. So what do you think of when you hear the word witch?

For me a whole variety of images and thoughts sit in my mind's eye. Witch is still used as an insult today, usually against women, should it be?

Witch-hunt, again is a term still in use, tens of thousands of people were executed for the crime of witchcraft, and the history of witch-hunting still fascinates us.

Whatever it means to you, we hopefully have a book in this list that will appeal to you. One of my favourite characters in fiction is Granny Weatherwax, she of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fame, Granny is smart, complex, and totally fabulous!

This list of books featuring witches, has a non-fiction book about modern witchcraft, and a history of witch-hunting in 17th century Massachusetts, a number of wonderful novels are also included from historical, and fantasy fiction, through to young adult novels too.

Non-Fiction Books About Witches

If non-fiction is more your thing, you must grab a copy of The Ruin of All Witches by Malcolm Gaskill. A LoveReading Star Book, take a walk into the past in this compelling, readable and thought-provoking book that examines the history of a witch-hunt in 1651.

How to Kill a Witch arrives at a bookshelf near you this May. Fierce and fascinating, chilling and yet compassionate, this investigation into the 17th century witch trials highlights the dangers women can still face today. Written by two ‘quarrelsome dames’ Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, this non-fiction slice of fascination opens up the Scottish witch trials, asks all manner of intelligent questions, and provokes a whole host of reactions. This book may be fierce and powerful, yet compassion and empathy, and wit and wisdom thrum through the pages. There is a perceptive and far-sighted strength on offer so it just had to be included as a LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month too. At a time when it feels as though we are at a tipping point in the world, when hatred and injustice threaten to overwhelm, this visit into the past acts as a timely warning. Fascinating and provocative, How to Kill a Witch is a necessary, relevant, and important book, and comes as highly recommended by our team.

In The Witch's Workshop, bewitchingly presented as a large format, fully-illustrated hardback, Melissa Jayne Madara sets out to help practitioners of witchcraft — here defined as “the art of green magic” — create the tools of their trade, so to speak. Boasting 60+ projects, all of them accompanied by context and detailed step-by-step instructions, it’s the perfect practical primer. A Star!

Fiction Books Featuring Witches

This list also features Juno Dawson's incredible Star Book, Her Majesty's Royal Coven, the first of a series with a diverse cast of powerful women, this is a world of witches I want to exist in. For Gaia's sake, get me a spot in this sacred sisterhood. The final book in the trilogy Human Rites, which followed book 2, The Shadow Cabinet arrives this July. Whoop.

Stacey Halls' debut The Familiars deserves a mention. It's a powerful yet stunningly beautiful read set at the times of the Pendle witchcraft trials.

The King's Witches by Kate Foster is a fascinating and enthralling tale focusing on three women and accusations of witchcraft during the royal union between Denmark and Scotland in 1589. 

Scroll below to see the full selection, and enjoy!