How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather - ESSENTIAL

Mather, Adriana How to Hang a Witch, 350 pages.  Knopf (Random), 2016.  $18.  Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (mild sexual innuendo); Violence: PG (bullying, danger).

With her father in a coma, Samantha Mather is forced to leave New York City move back to his hometown of Salem with her stepmother to save money.  As soon as she arrives in town, she attracts the ire of The Descendents, the five students who are direct descendants of families whose ancestors were killed for witchcraft back in the 1600’s.  Then people start getting hurt or dying and Samantha finds herself the focus of the blame.  Samanatha is going to need help, not only from her hot next door neighbor and his mother, but also from the ghost Elijah, who was present before the Trials and who has key information Sam needs if she is going to break the 300+ years old curse on herself and the town.

Mather (yes, she is a descendant of Cotton Mather) skillfully weaves a tale of centuries old grief and anger.  She doesn’t make anything easy for main character, not even romance.  Whether you are a fan of the Salem Witch Trials or just like a good haunting mystery, you will enjoy reading this.

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher