The Witches of New York
CBC Books | CBC | Posted: March 9, 2017 7:33 PM | Last Updated: September 29, 2017
Ami McKay
The year is 1880. Some 200 years after the trials in Salem, Adelaide Thom opens a tea shop with another young woman who feels it's finally safe enough to describe herself as a witch: Eleanor St. Clair. All is well until one bright September afternoon, when Beatrice Dunn arrives at their door seeking employment.
Beatrice soon becomes indispensable as Eleanor's apprentice, but her new life with the witches is marred by strange occurrences. Eleanor wants to respect the magic manifest in the girl, but Adelaide sees a business opportunity. Amidst the witches' tug-of-war, Beatrice disappears, leaving them to wonder whether it was by choice or by force. As Adelaide and Eleanor begin the desperate search for Beatrice, they're confronted by accusations and spectres from their own pasts. (From Random House Canada)
From the book
In the dusky haze of evening a ruddy-cheeked newsboy strode along Fifth Avenue proclaiming the future. "The great Egyptian obelisk is about to land on our shores! The Brooklyn Bridge set to become the Eighth Wonder of the World! Broadway soon to glow with electric light!" In his wake, a crippled man shuffled, spouting prophecies of his own. "God's judgement is upon us! The end of the world is nigh!"
New York had become a city of astonishments. Wonders and marvels came so frequent and fast, a day without spectacle was cause for concern.
New York had become a city of astonishments. Wonders and marvels came so frequent and fast, a day without spectacle was cause for concern.
From The Witches of New York by Ami McKay © 2016. Published by Random House Canada.