What do you think?
Rate this book
The Psychic Sisters #1
The Lavender Witch
The Lavender Witch is a chilling ghost story based on the strange but true events surrounding the death of Hannah Beamish. Accused of being a witch by a wealthy farmer in the small remote village where she lived in the early 1800's.
One hundred and seventy years later these strange events, now only remembered by a few, come to light when Kitty and Gordon move back to the Devon village where they were born. They buy an old orchard from a neighbouring farm and build a small house, all is fine until they move in.
Over the course of their first week in the house chilling apparitions appear and events spiral out of control, bringing the past and present together until the shocking truth emerges as to what really happened to Hannah.
The Cunning Man is the second book in the series featuring the psychic sisters Queenie and Sybil.
One hundred and seventy years later these strange events, now only remembered by a few, come to light when Kitty and Gordon move back to the Devon village where they were born. They buy an old orchard from a neighbouring farm and build a small house, all is fine until they move in.
Over the course of their first week in the house chilling apparitions appear and events spiral out of control, bringing the past and present together until the shocking truth emerges as to what really happened to Hannah.
The Cunning Man is the second book in the series featuring the psychic sisters Queenie and Sybil.
170 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2012
67 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Andrews
24 books35 followersFae artist and author living in the rolling green hills of the west country.
Began career working in advertising before branching out into corporate imaging business, now has an online business selling fae related cards, prints and own range of books such as Faeries and Folklore of the British Isles, Faerie Flora, The Lavender Witch, The Cunning Man, The Faeries Tea Party (children's)and upcoming series of children's books The Mice of Horsehill Farm. Also collaborated on illustrated children's book Winny Green with singer songwriter Marc Drury.
Began career working in advertising before branching out into corporate imaging business, now has an online business selling fae related cards, prints and own range of books such as Faeries and Folklore of the British Isles, Faerie Flora, The Lavender Witch, The Cunning Man, The Faeries Tea Party (children's)and upcoming series of children's books The Mice of Horsehill Farm. Also collaborated on illustrated children's book Winny Green with singer songwriter Marc Drury.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 14, 2021
Really terrific series.
April 22, 2017
Rather disappointing.
I found this story rather pedestrian and drawn out. The idea was a good one and the plot was well thought out but, somehow, the story didn't gel. Pity.
I found this story rather pedestrian and drawn out. The idea was a good one and the plot was well thought out but, somehow, the story didn't gel. Pity.
February 16, 2014
I was lucky enough to get a free copy of the book from the goodreads giveaway, the description of the book intrigued me as I enjoy books based on true stories. Kitty and Gordon move into their new home in medbury Devon, when after a few days strange things start occurring in the house. Hannah beamish is a legendary witch in Devon and everyone thinks they know what become of her! Or do they?. The story goes back and forth from the 1800's to nowadays. The story written in italics is the story of what happened to Hannah beamish with the 2 stories coming together at the end.
I very much enjoyed this book, it becomes very dark and quite scary at some points, which I am frightened for kitty. I would recommend this book who into ghosts/witchcraft/true events.
I very much enjoyed this book, it becomes very dark and quite scary at some points, which I am frightened for kitty. I would recommend this book who into ghosts/witchcraft/true events.
January 18, 2018
The Lavender Witch actually contains the true story of a witch called Hannah, and I always find any book that contains some element of trust seems that little bit more interesting to me.
After purchasing some land and having their new home built on it Kitty and Gordon have no idea what is going to happen to them.
Hannah's spirit soon makes herself known, but then another more malevolent spirit makes themselves known and starts making things very difficult for Kitty in particular.
Elizabeth Andrews has created characters in Kitty and Gordon, that I feel you are am to sympathise with, but also be afraid for.
Sister's Sybil and Queenie were gems and I look forward to reading the next book they are featured in at some point.
After purchasing some land and having their new home built on it Kitty and Gordon have no idea what is going to happen to them.
Hannah's spirit soon makes herself known, but then another more malevolent spirit makes themselves known and starts making things very difficult for Kitty in particular.
Elizabeth Andrews has created characters in Kitty and Gordon, that I feel you are am to sympathise with, but also be afraid for.
Sister's Sybil and Queenie were gems and I look forward to reading the next book they are featured in at some point.
July 13, 2018
The Lavender Witch was at times engrossing while others a bit dry. Except for a visit to the store where Kitty meets Sybil; the charismatic psychic sisters hardly make an appearance until the end. I know the book is set in the UK but HOW MANY CUPS OF TEA WERE SERVED? Not to mention the language barrier. I know as an American we only speak a bastardized version of NO REALLY ENGLISH but what do these phrases mean?
When Kitty and Gordon are going home from the pub "I suppose you had change from a shilling or a farthing? Half a pig actually"
When Sybil says 'Bijou William, Bijou" Is that French or Cajun?
What does Colin mean when he tells William "Never mind you'll be back in your wellies tomorrow" WHAT ARE WELLIES?"
When Kitty and Gordon are going home from the pub "I suppose you had change from a shilling or a farthing? Half a pig actually"
When Sybil says 'Bijou William, Bijou" Is that French or Cajun?
What does Colin mean when he tells William "Never mind you'll be back in your wellies tomorrow" WHAT ARE WELLIES?"
October 22, 2016
I like a good ghost story, and this one definitely delivered, with three of them making appearances!
When Kitty and Gordon move into their new home, they don't expect it to be haunted. But it is, by a witch from the 1800's, and a malevolent spirit who will stop at nothing to get rid of them from the house.
Some of the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times, and some formatting issues had one person speaking over two lines of text dialogue, which sometimes made it a bit tricky to work out who was speaking.
All in all though, a light, chilling, cosy mystery for a rugged up night in.
When Kitty and Gordon move into their new home, they don't expect it to be haunted. But it is, by a witch from the 1800's, and a malevolent spirit who will stop at nothing to get rid of them from the house.
Some of the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times, and some formatting issues had one person speaking over two lines of text dialogue, which sometimes made it a bit tricky to work out who was speaking.
All in all though, a light, chilling, cosy mystery for a rugged up night in.
July 27, 2020
Elizabeth Andrews has written a story which doesn't so much as sneak up on you as it punches you straight in the gut.
The characters are wonderfully written, the atmosphere of a small community masterfully drawn.
I was hooked on this novel, scared at times, okay, terrified most of the time but I couldn't put this book down. The back story is woven through the tale with a skill that never distracts the reader. There was a wonderful twist near the ending which I devoured with awe.
I adored this story and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Andrews.
The characters are wonderfully written, the atmosphere of a small community masterfully drawn.
I was hooked on this novel, scared at times, okay, terrified most of the time but I couldn't put this book down. The back story is woven through the tale with a skill that never distracts the reader. There was a wonderful twist near the ending which I devoured with awe.
I adored this story and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Andrews.
September 28, 2020
Wow this was quite the book. To think it was based on an actual event makes it even more so. A haunting tale of terror with undertones of ghostly aid and local legends. I was spellbound through most of it. I must say both husbands truly annoyed me almost to the point of distraction but I guess there are too many people just like that. I did like the handling of the ritual to remove and the destroy the ghost and the two sisters were great! Intense, thrilling, edge of your seat, a true page turner for me.
The cover on my copy is so much better than the one shown here!
The cover on my copy is so much better than the one shown here!
May 16, 2017
I loved this book. It was simply written, but that was fine by me. The story was lovely and I engaged with the characters in it - although I wanted to punch Gordon in most chapters.
I love how a local legend has been turned into a full story - there should be more of this. I'm looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth's work. Just the right bit of myth and magic mixed into the everyday.
I love how a local legend has been turned into a full story - there should be more of this. I'm looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth's work. Just the right bit of myth and magic mixed into the everyday.
April 11, 2019
Good on ya, Kitty!!!
A couple move into a new house built in a former orchard ... All is well until Kitty starts to sense a presence. The tension builds up when her doubting husband starts to 'feel' things too. Despite the evidence he feels that all can be explained rationally.
I read this book over 24 hours and it was worth a sleepless night for me!
A couple move into a new house built in a former orchard ... All is well until Kitty starts to sense a presence. The tension builds up when her doubting husband starts to 'feel' things too. Despite the evidence he feels that all can be explained rationally.
I read this book over 24 hours and it was worth a sleepless night for me!
September 27, 2022
An older couple moves into a new home only to find it is haunted. They rely on the help and reminisces of quirky townsfolk to help.
This book is awful. The dialogue is clunky, the characters dull and the story a bore. There is no suspense, no thrills or chills. It drags halfway before visiting the alleged witch. Avoid.
This book is awful. The dialogue is clunky, the characters dull and the story a bore. There is no suspense, no thrills or chills. It drags halfway before visiting the alleged witch. Avoid.
February 6, 2017
My Kindle Bargain, those who know me appreciate that it takes a really good read to make me break out the Kindle!!! It was very easy to get into, interesting and a great ending..... please give it a go if you like witchcraft:)
April 10, 2020
Quite scary
Not a book to be read at night on your own unless you have an affinity for ghosts, evil ghosts. I couldn't put this book down until I'd finished reading it, I had to find out what happened. No spoilers here , read it for yourself, it's very good.
Not a book to be read at night on your own unless you have an affinity for ghosts, evil ghosts. I couldn't put this book down until I'd finished reading it, I had to find out what happened. No spoilers here , read it for yourself, it's very good.
August 23, 2024
Five stars plus.
This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth Andrews and it was a page turner for sure. I really enjoyed this book and the characters were really believable. I can't wait to start the second book.
This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth Andrews and it was a page turner for sure. I really enjoyed this book and the characters were really believable. I can't wait to start the second book.
June 2, 2017
A ghost story
A ghost story that is well written and easy to read. Based on a true story it reads well and quite interesting
A ghost story that is well written and easy to read. Based on a true story it reads well and quite interesting
July 15, 2017
Ghosts
I really enjoyed this story . It was gripping and ghostly at the same time. Just the kind of story I love to read.
I really enjoyed this story . It was gripping and ghostly at the same time. Just the kind of story I love to read.
August 2, 2017
Nice easy little ghost story based on a true account of west country witches
September 5, 2017
Compelling ghost story
Although far fetched in places and a little cliches this fast paced novel ticks all the boxes of an enjoyable story
Although far fetched in places and a little cliches this fast paced novel ticks all the boxes of an enjoyable story
October 10, 2017
I found the character of Gordon degrading.
December 4, 2017
A little anticlimactic
December 15, 2017
Brilliant
I really enjoyed this book and it was a real page turner recommended to enjoy this true tale so glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a real page turner recommended to enjoy this true tale so glad I did.
April 5, 2018
Good story based on fact.
Characters well drawn and placed in modern day. Quite believable and have natural reactions to the situation. The fear comes through very well.
Characters well drawn and placed in modern day. Quite believable and have natural reactions to the situation. The fear comes through very well.
January 26, 2020
I was very interested in the true story on which the novel is based, but a few characters were really irritating and some parts really far fetched.
November 20, 2021
Highly recommend great read
Really enjoyed sad to find out that hanna was a real person I would recommend this book there was some nasty evil people back then
Really enjoyed sad to find out that hanna was a real person I would recommend this book there was some nasty evil people back then
August 6, 2024
Slow start but intense ending
The book had a slow beginning but got progressively better. The story was well written and so were the characters.
The book had a slow beginning but got progressively better. The story was well written and so were the characters.
January 5, 2023
I’ve read this book twice I found it really good it kept me wanting to read more 😍
December 3, 2024
Must admit that I tried these on a whim as a lover of witchy stuff and this was a slow-burner HOWEVER I’ve grown to love these two ladies!
I love the cheeky banter between the sisters but Queenie is an absolute delight with her mischievous one-liners that she is my favourite character.
I’ve already ordered the rest of this series now and the only negative isn’t there are only currently FOUR books in the series!
I love the cheeky banter between the sisters but Queenie is an absolute delight with her mischievous one-liners that she is my favourite character.
I’ve already ordered the rest of this series now and the only negative isn’t there are only currently FOUR books in the series!
November 16, 2017
This is a good old fashioned haunting story based in the West Country that weaves in elements of a real person. Kitty and Gordon have built a new house that seems to have attracted strange happenings. What I liked immediately about this was the simple, colloquial dialogue between the characters. It isn't great literature and it doesn't purport to be; it's a good story simply told with great characterisation and proper conversations. The bickering between Kitty and Gordon and their interactions with neighbours and family was incredibly realistic and just how things would play out between such individuals. It gave a real immediacy to the story and I found it very believable. I also enjoyed the research visits to the library to find out the history of the ghosts. The characters are all interesting enough to keep the story going and the scenes where they attempt exorcism are scary. One to read on a cold October night with the door bolted and the curtains firmly closed!
February 16, 2017
I chose a 5 star
Because I really got into the Characters set in a small village in Devon 3, 4 generations before. Spirited in many ways. I asked myself what would I do when the terroriser is unsee. Really enjoyed this read.
Because I really got into the Characters set in a small village in Devon 3, 4 generations before. Spirited in many ways. I asked myself what would I do when the terroriser is unsee. Really enjoyed this read.
December 26, 2016
An easy read to while away the hpurs
Although this may not have been the most convincing in terms of
dialogue and with some unlikable characters (the husband and daughter were both irritatingly patronising), it actually added to my desire to find out what happened in the end. A good effort which would benefit from some further character development.
Although this may not have been the most convincing in terms of
dialogue and with some unlikable characters (the husband and daughter were both irritatingly patronising), it actually added to my desire to find out what happened in the end. A good effort which would benefit from some further character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews