Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce Book Review

As a first-time reader of Harriet Tyce, I went into Witch Trial expecting a solid thriller, but I was completely blown away by the sheer atmospheric depth and psychological grip of this novel that I am going to share with you for this book review. Scheduled for release in September 2026 from Harper Perennial, this book delivers a dark, nerve-wracking, and alarmingly current blend of legal procedural and psychological terror that kept me glued to the page.

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The story centers on the shocking murder of 18-year-old Christian Shaw in an Edinburgh park. Two of her closest friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, stand accused of the crime. As headlines scream for justice, what begins as allegations of intense high school bullying rapidly devolves into something far more sinister with whispers of devil worship, ritualistic obsession, and dark pacts gone wrong.

Meticulous Legal Detail Meets Gothic Dread

What makes the story so uniquely gripping is how seamlessly it balances harsh reality with eerie, occult themes. Tyce, a former criminal barrister, uses her legal background to construct an authentic, meticulous look at Scottish courtroom proceedings. Yet, she places this rigorous legal framework alongside deeply unsettling, gothic elements. The subtle inclusion of tarot cards, Ouija boards, and secretive rituals creates an eerie atmosphere where logic and public frenzy constantly collide.

The story’s emotional heart lies in its protagonist, Matthew Phillips. A respected heart transplant surgeon, Matthew is reluctantly called for jury duty. You initially expect a surgeon to remain an anchor of cool rationality amidst the court’s drama. However, as the trial unfolds and the defense reveals a strategy no one saw coming, Matthew finds himself questioning everything—the motives, the evidence, and his own judgment.

Soon, Matthew begins to experience strange, terrifying visions—hallucinations he frantically tries to convince himself are just stress. After all, magic and rituals belong in fairy tales… don’t they? In a courtroom filled with conflicting stories, no one is above suspicion, and trusting anyone becomes impossible. Watching his composure unravel while he attempts to weigh the evidence adds a terrifying effect and intimate layer to the entire proceeding. The big question remains: what actually took place in that park that night?

Social Commentary and Modern Hysteria

Beyond the central murder mystery, Tyce weaves in brilliant social commentary that makes the story feel frighteningly contemporary. The narrative dives deep into the volatility of teenage girl friendships, exploring how intense intimacy can curdle into toxicity.

Equally compelling is the book’s examination of modern witch hunts. As social media explodes with theories, the public quickly abandons nuance in favor of sensationalism. The story shows how easily prejudice and fear can manipulate the justice system, proving that human judgment is often far more flawed than we care to admit.

My Final Verdict

With a jaw-dropping ending that delivers an unexpected twist, Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce is a brilliant, razor-sharp thrill ride. If you love complex thrillers that challenge public perception and keep you guessing until the final sentence, put this at the absolute top of your reading list! This psychological thriller will haunt you so check it out.

Thanks to Harper Perennial and HarperCollins for this #gifted book for this review.

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