The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a witch story that will leave you spellbound. . . . The author of the Harry Potter series may have written the world's best-selling series about wizardry, but Physick Book is a fresh and mesmerizing modern-day mystery of witches and witchcraft set in the real world — and that's what makes it so good. Once in a while, a new writer offers up a hypnotic tale of the supernatural that has the publishing world quivering with excitement. In 2005 it was Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian; in 2006 it was Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale. This summer, The Physick Book is magic.

[A] terrific debut novel. . . . A beautifully written, historically captivating thriller of the hidden powers of women throughout the centuries..

A devilishly delightful read.

Compulsively readable. . . . The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is smart, and Howe's research translates into a vividly imagined narrative. The social forces driving Deliverance's life come alive, as do the realities of the not so distant pre-Internet and cellphone realities of Connie's world. The novel is a page-turner, but the characters, not the plot, dominate.

A spooky page-turner about a modern grad student and the Salem witch trials.

Howe’s understanding of pace is admirable and she has a sixth sense for when to sprinkle a little suspense, a little romance or a little humor into the brew. . . . It makes academic research seem sexy again.

I thought I had found another Alice Hoffman as I began Katherine Howe's debut novel, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, perhaps a little practical magic overlaying a story of romance. Yes and no. It has definite Hoffman vibes, but with a little Da Vinci Code, Stephen King, and academic discourse thrown in to create a charming and different mix. . . . Howe is masterful.

A toothsome smoothie of a summer read.

A historical mystery that reads like a thriller….Some are comparing reading this book to the fun of perusing ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ but hasten to add it has far better writing.

In her provocative debut novel . . . Katherine Howe pairs a scholarly search for a missing book with the thrill of spine-tingling witchery.

Some novels weave their spell on the reader slowly, their incantatory prose administered drop-by-drop, page after leisurely page. Often, such books are written by women and concerned with the unique intelligence of women. . . . Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell come to mind. Sylvia Townsend Warner and Marge Piercy practiced the craft in the 20th century. These cunning women of fiction—and their unforgettable company of heroines—can now welcome a new voice to their choir, Katherine Howe, whose questing character Connie Goodwin must find her arduous way into the heart of women’s ways of knowing. . . . The novel raises another question, which may not have been intended by the author but feels just as compelling: what if Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were told from the point of view of Hermione Granger, who attends Harvard instead of Hogwarts? Buy Katherine Howe’s beautiful novel to try out this literary recipe.

Howe spins a tale that moves seamlessly between contemporary times and the Salem witch trials. The leisurely pace allows you to savor the well-researched, intricate plot. Add in mystery, intrigue and some surprising revelations, and this engrossing story will keep you ensnared. Four stars (out of four).

If you need some magic in your life (and these days, who doesn’t?) lose yourself in The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.

Howe’s spellbinding, vividly detailed, witty, and astutely plotted debut is deeply rooted in her family connection to accused seventeenth-century witches Elizabeth Howe and Elizabeth Proctor and propelled by an illuminating view of witchcraft. In all a keen and magical historical mystery laced with romance and sly digs at society’s persistent underestimation of women.

Have you ever had to leave work early so you could go home and finish the last chapter of the book you’re reading? It happened to me recently: Katherine Howe’s debut novel . . . is a page-turning, delicious and devilishly delightful read. . . . The Physick Book is the type of book I love—a totally original work that defies description and takes control of your mind and your emotions.

A sensational debut novel not only because of its fabulously gripping story that meets my number one test (i.e., that I wish I had thought of it first), but also because it carries on every page Katherine’s unique passion, wit, intelligence, and spirit.

Delicious Book to Enjoy Over and Over!

Ms. Howe serves up a wonderful story with enough history to add substance without becoming a boring textbook, compelling characters, and enough details to keep the book fresh and exciting enough to read again and again. I think this book is the new Harry Potter for adult readers... to be enjoyed by all. I can't wait for the sequel and will buy many copies as gifts for friends and family. I thank Barnes & Noble First Look Book Club for giving me the chance to be one of the first readers to enjoy Ms. Katherine's debut novel and I definitely recommend it to everyone!

Wonderful!!!

This book was an absolute joy to read! The author does a wonderful job getting readers involved in the characters and the story. Mrs. Howe obviously did a lot of research and she truly seems to care about the Salem witch trials and all of the history involved. This book has something for everyone! I would recommend this book to anyone!

Can't Put Down Reading!

Katherine Howe's debut novel is a spell binding "can't put down" read! I anxiously awaited the arrival of this book, and once it arrived, nothing but page turning was on the on the agenda around this house until the last word was savored. Now, I am sitting on the edge of my seat watching Facebook for word of just when the promised sequel will be relinquished to my thirsting eyes. Ms. Howe seamlessly blends fantasy, romance, thrills, and history into one novel which moves magically from 1692 to 1991; from modern day Salem, Massachusetts to the hysterical times of the Salem witch hunts. Whether or not you believe in witches, you will believe in the enchantment bestowed in the pages of this delightful book as you get to know Deliverance Dane, her descendents, and the contents of the physick book. I highly recommend The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane and Katherine Howe to anyone looking for a good read!

A Must Read!

I could not put this book down, I really enjoyed it! I love the fact that the author is actually related to two of the victims of the Salem witch trials. It is backed with historical reference, has suspense and mystery, romance and comedy. I highly recommend it!

I was bewitched!

I was bewitched by the book. It arrived on a Friday evening. I stayed up way too late reading then found myself sneaking in a page or two any time I could - even while standing in line at the grocery! I haven't had the pleasure of being that engrossed in some time.