CHRIS HARRISON

In the shadows of the past, a witch’s curse is reborn.

In the aftermath of their harrowing escape from Crooked House, Kane and JJ return home to a hostile reception: accused of perpetrating a town-wide hoax, their dreams of online stardom are shattered. Now, alongside Zach, Meridia, and Izzy, they endure the ridicule of St Swithun’s school, trying to rebuild shattered lives.

But looming over them is a greater threat—an ancient prophecy portending apocalypse. With paranormal expert Peter Higginsworth now teaching at their school, the group stumbles upon dark secrets in Cold Christmas, awakening an ancient evil within Crooked House.

Meridia, plagued by terrifying visions, grapples with a newfound, chilling power. As nightmares bleed into reality, they're drawn into a deadly game with the malevolent Cold Christmas witch. With an enigmatic priest hunting a missing boy, they confront the sinister forces of Crooked House once more.

In the second book of the Crooked Tales series, the five friends face a supernatural entity hunting them from beyond the grave. As darkness descends, who will survive the night of the witch?

Some spirits never rest...

⭐️ REVIEWS ⭐️

Firstly thank you to Chris Harrison and Wicked Ink Publishing for this early ARC in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved Night of the Witch, the second book in the series of Crooked Tales by Chris Harrison where we return to the dark magic, hair-raising evil and horrifying secrets lurking in The Crooked House! I find Chris's writing style so engaging and his descriptions paint such a vivid picture that you feel like you are actually alongside these teenagers on their scary battle against evil and I think these stories would make an amazing and spine-chilling Movie. I feel his books are particularly strong in the area of character development, as we follow the original characters as they learn more about the history of Crooked House and especially Meridia as she tries to get to grips with her newfound gift of powerful visions as a Seer. Also we get more background on some of the other original figures and their families along with some new ones that join the fight against ancient evil. My only negative is I now have to wait to read the next three instalments! If you enjoy reading mysteries or supernatural horror you need to dive into this thrilling and creepy series. I assure you, you won't be disappointed!”

“I could not put this book down! The author definitely delivered with a darker creepier story in the second book of The Crooked Tales. I loved the witch element in this story and how we got more back story into the past. The vivid imagery the author leaves you while reading the story , makes you feel as if you are part of it. I am looking forward to the third book!”

“This second chapter of the Crooked Tales Series will absolutely grip you as you wait to see what happens to our group of seekers. Along the way we’ve added some new heroes to the story. Each one is complex and revealing more of themselves as we go on. I love how… flawed each is. And the internal story is relatable. People going along a path they have no choice but to walk along. Trying to be brave. And yet, at moments, failing. Showing there is no such thing as a perfect hero. Beginning to end this one had me in its grip, thirsty for more of the story. The ending had me internally screaming on behalf of our heroes.”

“Mr. Harrison has done it again, with his second book of the “Crooked Tales Series”. All the main characters he’s expanded on & you’ve grown even more fond of them. The way he’s spun more of the second book is creepier & nail biting. Like the first one, it grabs you from the beginning & you don’t want to put it down. I so can’t wait for the next instalment, you know how to keep a reader enthralled!!”

“Chris Harrison's "Night of the Witch" is the second entry in his Crooked Tales series, a trippy and hugely enjoyable, upper young adult, serialized horror story! Centered on the so-called Crooked House, an abandoned hotel unlike any haunted place seen before, it features a group of kids who love adventure and honestly care for each other, trying to resolve the sinister secrets of Crooked House with the aid of a paranormal expert (and local teacher).

The book is in no way a standalone, since it builds on everything (literally everything!) that's gone before. Despite its being written for a sophisticated young adult audience, it's quite entertaining for adults too - at least I for one found the fast-paced story, full of non-stop action and cinematic visuals, extremely satisfying, everything I want from a supernatural tale. Harrison should be praised not only for the intricate plot, but also the wide-ranging disturbing imagery - from hordes of roaches attacking people, and towers of dead bodies melting into each other, to post-apocalyptic sequences of devastation, and haunting visions of Hell!

This volume introduces new characters (both heroes and villains), adds on the story of previously seen ones, increases the tension around the mystery of the hotel's haunted rooms, and, though ending on a rather upsetting cliffhanger, manages to deliver a well-rounded story of witchcraft and demonic possession! At the same time, the author drops some great scenes of an emotional nature: a mother and daughter going for a pizza, a heart-warming family gathering around the TV, several coming-of-age situations, and even a case of a victim of domestic violence facing her abuser. Although the Witch of the title is no doubt a central figure in the story, and apparently the driving force of the plot, it could be argued that the real power to make things happen lies in Meridia, the girl who's just discovering her psychic gifts. Unlike the first book, then, this one is a girl's story, and could be appreciated for being a tale of relentless confrontation between two female characters: one who gave in and turned to evil (the Witch), and one who's still fighting for herself, and still awaits her moment of self-discovery (Meridia)! Can't wait for the third volume! Let's see where Harrison's planning to take us!”

“Night of the witch is a fantastic follow up to the brilliant The rising. Still reeling from the events at the Crooked house JJ Zach and the gang return to face a new darkly powerful threat. Chris has a fantastic way of weaving a story full of action horror and nail biting tension I highly recommend this and the first book to all horror fans young and old.”

“So happy that this is a series because after reading “The Rising” I was hungry for more in such a good way. I love that we get to grow with this group of friends and watch as they face new chilling challenges within “The Night of the Witch” thus building upon what we already know about their story. I was excited to return to Cold Christmas and the Crooked House even if it left me questioning every creak and squeak outside my bedroom door at night. Such a fun and spooky read, perfect for the season.”

“Wow 🙌🙌🙌 What an introduction to what is another masterpiece in the 5 book series, Crooked Tales collection by Chris Harrison. As soon as I was given this ARC, I had to drop everything I was reading to pick this up and read it. This next instalment continues to deliver on the suspense, the horror, and all the supernatural intrigue that we were accustomed to from the first book. Once again, Chris absolutely killed it with this absolute page turner of a sequel, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its fast pace, to it's highly vivid descriptions and intense action sequences. This is a sequel you won't want to turn your back on. One of the major strengths with Chris's work, with this and his previous novel is the character development and in night of the witch, chris once again expertly weaves his tale of terror introducing us to a whole host of characters, whose lives all intertwine, bringing us that - "Aha!" moment, when the light bulb in our brain finally goes off.

What truly sets this book apart is outstanding character development. If you thought the first book was good, Night of the Witch takes it to a whole new level! It's like peeling back the layers of an onion-each layer, revealing more depth and bringing unexpected twists that completely took me by surprise! Familiar characters like Kane, JJ, Izzy, and Meridia (who became my firm favourite) return, with Meridia stepping into her new powers in a way that's both exciting and unsettling The addition of new characters, like the mysterious Father Alexander and the enigmatic and mysterious Peter, adds even more tension, keeping you guessing about their true intentions.

If you've read Chris's first novel, The Rising, and loved it, then you won't want to miss The Night of The Witch as it is yet another spine-chilling ride that leaves you questioning everything and thinking about the story long after you've finished the final page. Thank you, Chris Harrison and Wicked Ink Publishing, for this ARC. Bring on Book 3, I'm ready!!! LETS GOOOO 🙌🙌”

“This is the second book in The Crooked Tales series and I've been waiting to read this one for a while! It definitely helps to read the first book in the series just so you can get an insight into some of the characters and have an understanding of some of the references throughout. The story is everything I love about horror/supernatural. It's fast paced with non stop action and jam packed with all things spooky and gruesome. Loved the ever increasing tension around the haunted hotel rooms. Although this book is aimed at YA, I definitely feel that adults would equally love this book, especially with the style in writing. It's so atmospheric and each scene is well written and detailed, so it feels like you are in the story. The perfect Halloween story, bring on the next book!”

“This is the second book in the Crooked Tales series, and I have been desperate to read it ever since I finished book one, The Rising. I was not disappointed. I was immediately gripped by the prologue and knew I was in for another thrilling read. It is one of those books that you want to saviour and read slowly, but you can't put it down, so it's over too soon! Chris is fantastic at getting you to become emotionally attached to his characters, and he is not afraid to put them through awful and horrifying situations. I still haven't gotten over Archie's story in book one! We are back with the gang Kane, JJ, Zach, Meridia, and Izzy as they try to save the world for the foretold apocalypse. It is a fight for survival, and nobody is safe. This book is focused more on Meridia as she tries to understand her gift as a 'seer' to thwart the evil of the witch who plagues her dreams. It was great to get to know another member of the gang in more detail, although all the characters are well developed. The story is atmospheric, and Chris has a way of describing each horrifying scene, in such detail, you can picture one horror after another... the loft scene would probably have finished me off! The Crooked Tales series is written for older YA, but it is so sophisticated that it is equally perfect for adults. Chris doesn't hold back and isn't afraid to break your heart! You also can't trust anyone as again Chris will spin things around and give you the unexpected. The ending... what can I say? I need book three already! It's an excellent read, and I can't wait to see what comes next.”

“As someone who typically doesn't read YA these days, I found this series fairly enjoyable. It's a quick read, and I love the found family friend group dynamic. The small town setting is somehow cozy and creepy, with its nosy neighbours and their twitching curtains who somehow just don't care enough to step in and ask questions. Harrison's background in film is obvious. The imagery is really well done, with scenes written out in a way that I can absolutely visualize on a screen. Meridia's dream sequences are especially eerie and cinematic, and I really enjoyed them as a plot device. My only real issue is that the story doesn't really fit into one age range. The younger kids feel more middle grade, and the older kids are more YA, but they all talk and act like new adults. I'd forget, then get a little shock when someone would mention their age or that they were in Year 6. I can't help but feel like if they were all in the 14-16 age range, it would come across more believable (or as believable as a YA horror can feel). Both books begin with a more mature character POV and I found myself thinking that it felt more natural with Harrison's writing style. Thank you for including me in the arc team. I was able to read the two Crooked Tales with a group of friends, and it's convinced me to pick up some more YA horror in the future.”

“Thanks to Wicked Ink Publishing!! I Truly loved this second instalment to the Crooked Tales series. From the subtle pop culture references to the homage to nightmare on elm street and to main villain and interesting plot twist on the reveal on their identity. It really had me thinking in one direction and then another up until the end. Chris Harrison really made me think of my old childhood when reading this and the all of the neighbourhood trouble I would get into. This is a must read for any fans of horror and suspense. Recommend A+++ Can't wait for the next one!”

“Chris Harrison's Night of the Witch, the second book in the Crooked Tales series, kept me on the edge of my seat. The book was both thrilling and terrifying, holding my interest from start to finish. The blend of suspense, horror, and supernatural themes in this story created a chilling and fast reading experience. Returning characters are back, and new ones are introduced in storylines that will hopefully carry over to the next book in the series. I hope that the next is coming soon.”

"But as the great Sherlock Holmes often says: when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

The Crooked house is ever daunting. The souls within stirring and haunting. It continues to unleash its wickedness that lies within. This time a malevolent soul, an ancient witch even more sinister of all that came before. Hunting for the soul of the one that is desired. A force so evil it takes the strong might of all to overcome its wrath. The mystery of "The Crooked House" and its haunted rooms continues to reveal its dark and sinister secrets. The "Night of the Witch" has begun.

’In the shadows of the past a witch's curse is reborn...’

Meridia's visions are becoming stronger and frightening. She sees that which is occurring and what is to come if she and her friends do not stand strong and fight for their very souls. The events that pull them into the darkness of all that has happened in the past and of that which is yet to come is far more frightening than what they have already battled. Peter, Meridia, Izzy, Kane, JJ, and Zach and their new friend, Father Alexander must solve the mystery of why the witch has appeared and who she is. Continuing from the first book "The Rising", we learn so much more about the characters. each of them has their own strengths and endearing qualities. Even through the most challenging times, they are a strong unit. They must trust each other to make the right decisions to protect each other. To overcome the evil that has entered their world. What they come upon as they search for answers is pure corruption and black as pitch. So much sadness and truly fear inducing. The imagery is so descriptive and unsettling as it gives glimpses into futuristic desolation and into the darkest evil places. "Night of the Witch" is disturbing and chilling as the horrors are much more sinister, and the witch is malefic and hostile. Leaving us with an open ending, building up the anticipation of what is yet to come in the next installment of this series, I can only imagine what kind of horrors, thrills, and chills there will be.

Chris Harrison is truly gifted and one to keep an eye on as he continues to give us exciting and horrifying stories!”

“What a great sequel in the Crooked Tales series this was! Full of action and fast paced, but with also enough space here and there for the reader to get a breather from all of that the characters are put through! There’s a lot in this story, witches, demons, ghosts, cults and more! I knew I was going to love Night of the Witch, as I was amazed by Chris Harrison’s vivid and cinematic writing style when I read The Rising (the first book). I was eager to experience that visual writing again and see what perils awaited the protagonists. This second book was a bit darker, which I loved, and the characters had to face even worse evil than before coming left, right and centre! Needless to say, I was so happy to have found the group of friends still going strong and I enjoyed witnessing their development from the first book. We also find several new characters and new plot lines, preparing the reader perfectly for the next book in the series (which I’m hoping is coming soon!). Although described as YA, this series can be enjoyed by adults as well in my opinion. I’d recommend starting with the first in the series if you want to jump on this ride, so you can fully enjoy the references and characters’ development.”