Cackle

A darkly funny,frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be truefrom the author of The Return. All her lifeAnnie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriendAnnie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy toominus the oddly persistent spider infestation. Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautifulcharmingmagnetic Sophiewho takes a special interest in Anniewho wants to be her friend. More importantlyshe wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophiewanting to spend more and more time with herdespite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And likeokay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and agelessher mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthlyand she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?