Night of the Witch-Hunter

Killer VHS #6

by Patrick Barb

It’s 1999 and Fallen Church, New Hampshire is ready for Y2K. But they never planned for Goodman Pryce.

As the new millennium approaches, outcast teen Josey’s school video project for history class inadvertently leads to the resurrection of Pryce, a demonic witch-hunter from the 1600s. As he unleashes puritanical Hell on Earth in her small New England town, Josey must rely on her best friend, an ancestor accused of witchcraft, and the mystical powers inside herself to put an end to the Night of the Witch-Hunter once and for all.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Halloween, Adult

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2025

About the author

Patrick Barb is an author of weird, dark, and spooky tales, currently living (and trying not to freeze to death) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. His published works include the dark fiction collections The Children’s Horror and Pre-Approved for Haunting, the novellas Gargantuana's Ghost, Turn, and JK-LOL, as well as the novelette Helicopter Parenting in the Age of Drone Warfare. He is the editor and publisher of the anthology And One Day We Will Die: Strange Stories Inspired by the Music of Neutral Milk Hotel. His forthcoming works include the Killer VHS novella Night of the Witch-Hunter from Shortwave Publishing and his debut sci-fi/horror novel Abducted from Dark Matter Ink. His 2023 short story "The Scare Groom" was selected for Best Horror of the Year Volume 16. Visit him at patrickbarb.com.

Reviews

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed aspects of this book, but at times I lost interest in the chase between the Puritan witch-hunter and Josey. What I did like was Josey, the 1999 setting, and the elements of magic. However, I didn’t particularly care for the witch-hunter’s POV or some of the middle sections where the girls are on the run, it lost a bit of momentum for me. That said, I loved the ending and its implications for Josey and the rest of Fallen Church. Overall, if you’re a fan of slasher stories and witches, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another blockbuster book in ShortWaves Killer VHS series, Barb takes gothy kids into witchy shit and gives us a nostalgic gory gut punch thick with superstition and supernatural scares, with characters stuffed full of humanity and an underlying theme of friendship throughout this delivers all the thrills and chills whilst paying great homage to the 90s, also the cover is *covering*

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the plot of this book a lot. It was definitely up my alley of things I would read. Witches, a witch-hunter, magic. All things I like to see in a book.

The only thing I found lacking was the personality of some of the characters. Not to mention there was a blandness to their response to the situation at hand. I feel like no one was freaking out nearly as much as they should’ve been given the circumstances, but that’s just my opinion. Still a solid read and definitely worth checking out.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review 📖🔥

thank you so much partner @shortwavebooks for the gifted copy!

Night of the Witch-Hunter
by Patrick Barb

About the book 👇🏽

It's 1999 and Fallen Church, New Hampshire is ready for Y2K. But they never planned for Goodman Pryce.

As the new millennium approaches, outcast teen Josey's school video project for history class inadvertently leads to the resurrection of Pryce, a demonic witch-hunter from the 1600s. As he unleashes puritanical Hell on Earth in her small New England town, Josey must rely on her best friend, an ancestor accused of witchcraft, and the mystical powers inside herself to put an end to the Night of the Witch-Hunter once and for all.

🔥 My thoughts:

I will never get over how good the Killer VHS Series is! Night of the Witch-Hunter is a phenomenal addition to the series and another must read. This story is edgy and savage in all the right ways. And the friendship and bond that our younger self dreamt of, is here to remind us of our humanity. Badass witchery at every corner and nostalgia to kick it up a notch, I couldn’t get enough! Trust me, you’ll want to judge this book by its cover because it’s even more killer between the pages. Night of the Witch-Hunter is coming for you March 18, 2025…

Happy reading 📖🔥🪦

[Marguerite Turley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a blast! Patrick Barb brings us a thrilling story about a relentless villain from the 1600’s Nathaniel Pryce, a self proclaimed witch-hunter who finds himself thrust into the year 1999 right before Y2K in Fallen Church, NH. Josey and her friend Nikki find themselves in his sights and he just won’t stop until he gets what he wants, the death of the witch. This was a nail biter, funny and bloody!! The three things I adore most about the killer VHS series! This was a perfect addition to this series and I just loved the 90’s setting!! Another banger from Shortwave!!!

[Carson Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fucking cover, right?

The book is good too, I promise. Barb's witchy slasher is what I'd call a romp. It's fast, campy, and bloody—with the jittery energy of a 90s straight to video horror flick (also with a cool cover).

[Wyatt Flett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick Barb brings a lot of interesting ideas to his 80's horror movie-esque story known as The Night of The Witch Hunter. However, the story struggles to gauge attention even when the situation amplifies to degrees of witchcraft trial-related insanity. The leading duo of outcasts is very flat in terms of their personalities, and the spiritual intertwining of Josie and her ancestors could be an interesting dynamic if that relationship could have been elaborated in a longer novel. What was fascinating was Pryce's perspective on how he sought to apply his past beliefs and powers to the modern world through his violent ways, in which his perspective was slightly more engrossing than the protagonists in terms of how the villain was written. In conclusion, this was a tale from the Killer VHS Series that could have its cast fleshed out, and it also comes with a nonsensical ending, even for a movie alluding to outlandish horror movies of the past decade. How does a world suddenly allow everyone to become witches after Josie and Rebecca murder Pryce?

On another note, while the novel contains violent imagery and deaths, their descriptions are pretty tame compared to other witch-related stories I have already read, such as Maggie's Grave. If there is one gruesome scene by default, it must be the scene of Pryce torturing Ashton. Pryce's taunting and breaking down of the jock's spirit, which is followed up by how he ripped out his fingernail and strangles him with the belt, is one of those scenes that is evidence of the Witch Hunter's vile idealism contained within the novel.

[unstable.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fucks. Josey is a perfect young witch to Pryce’s annoying and maniacal Puritanical ass. Thank you endlessly to Shortwave for sending me an ARC. Pick this up when it publishes March 18, 2025 directly from Shortwaves website!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This blood-drenched, witchy novel was right up my alley. Josey immediately stole my dark heart, and I couldn't ask for a more perfect ending. All the stars!

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Barb's entry in the Killer VHS series of books from Shortwave Publishing, Night of the Witch-Hunter , is a trip down memory lane with an atmosphere thick with superstition, witchcraft and supernatural horror.

It's 1999 and Fallen Church, New Hampshire is ready for Y2K. But they never planned for Goodman Pryce.

As the new millennium approaches, outcast teen Josey's school video project for history class inadvertently leads to the resurrection of Pryce, a demonic witch-hunter from the 1600s. As he unleashes puritanical Hell on Earth in her small New England town, Josey must rely on her best friend, an ancestor accused of witchcraft, and the mystical powers inside herself to put an end to the Night of the Witch-Hunter once and for all.

Patrick Barb wonderfully captures the essence of the late 1990s while intertwining it with a spine-chilling horror story that feels both familiar and yet fresh. Barb incorporates elements from the era past that transported me back in time to those wonderful–well not so much for our protagonists–times when we popped popcorn and tossed in a VHS on a Friday night. The author's entry in the Killer VHS series sets off an exhilarating race against time filled with tension and unexpected twists.

Night of the Witch-Hunter somehow scratches the itch of many different 1990s feelings for me. Barb includes fish out of water moments, a sort of time travel-esque tale, references to 1990s items–without feeling forced or overbearing, while simultaneously giving us a story with some truly frightening moments of horror.  This mixture is where this novella succeeds at great lengths.

While the Killer VHS series has been able to weave the VHS component into horror stories to give them all this one distinctive connective tissue, I feel Night of the Witch-Hunter does it in a different way. The VHS component is only touched on, but the feeling Barb was able to give me with the way he tells his story was something none of the other books in the series have made me feel. The vibes of vintage horror VHS tapes as well as an overall feeling of the late 1990s early 2000s in general was something unique. This book 100% belongs, and feels like it belongs, in the series released by Shortwave.

It would be a shame if I didn't mention the stunning cover of Night of the Witch-Hunter, excellently designed–per usual–by Shortwave founder Alan Lastufka. These Killer VHS books capture my attention with each and every release and look so wonderful on my shelf. Night of the Witch-Hunter is especially beautiful with the illustrations by Marc Vueltich, capturing the Witch-Hunter perfectly.

Night of the Witch-Hunter is an excellent addition to the Killer VHS series. Patrick Barb has crafted a novella that is more than merely another entry within the horror genre, but an homage to the late 1990s. The overall vibe and feel of Night of the Witch-Hunter delivers thrills and will be one that you won't want to put down.

Killer VHS: Night of the Witch-Hunter hits bookstores on March 18, 2025 from Shortwave Publishing.

NOTE: We received an advance copy of Night of the Witch-Hunter from the publisher. Opinions are our own.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this book written for me? No, but I’m going to pretend it was anyway!
I mean, the ancestral witch’s name is Rebecca! And the story takes place in New England. Close enough, right?

I absolutely devoured this read! Goth kids at the turn of the millennium into witchy stuff? Again, are we sure this wasn’t based off me? I loved Josey & Nikki’s friendship. It was definitely the best part of the book but the spell casting and badass found coven were pretty awesome, too. It was fun, edgy, nostalgic, gory. Everything you want in a witchy horror novella!

Thank you Shortwave and the author for this ARC

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, I loved this! Full review to follow.

[Katie Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is a story about witches. The ones who came before and the ones waiting to make their presence known.”

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1999, Josey and her best friend Nikki decide to try and contact the ghost of Josey’s witch ancestor, who was burned at the stake many years ago. The only problem? They accidentally summon her killer instead — and he’s determined to wipe out every witch he can find.

I’m not usually a big fan of books about witches, so this was the one in the series I was most nervous about reading. Turns out, it ended up being my favourite so far. It started off pretty slow, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to the end. But once the witch hunter entered their world, the pace picked up, and it was great from that point on. The characters were all fantastic, and I loved the ending.

[Courtney (pawsitivelybookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming this is the best cover of the year is a bold thing to say in January, but I’m sticking with it.

And the book? So good. I loved the historical and familial elements of this story. Patrick Barb is an incredible story writer and I will definitely be checking out more of his work now.

I could picture this story so clearly in my mind as I was reading and I think it would make an amazing movie or mini series.

[Trevor Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer VHS series continues with Night of the Witch-Hunter, a novella spilling over with elements of comedy, late '90s nostalgia, pulpy horror, and feminist attitudes. And as pulpy horror, it definitely delivers on its premise: witch-hunting and teenage angst abounds.

There's plenty to enjoy in this volume, but like the best kind of pulp, what you think you're going to get is pretty much exactly what this book has to offer. The book knows when to center on the characters and deliver the emotional beats, but it's otherwise a campy, breezy read that's all heart and a couple of blood-and-guts horror scenes. The book never feels inauthentic to itself, and whether produced for an audience in 2025 or 1999, it's the kind of book destined for cult classicism.

My advice: pop up some popcorn, draw up a glass of your favorite soda, and just let the book do its thing.

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 172 pages of non stop fun! It’s a little thicker than a Goosebumps book, and it’s for adults, but it reminds me so much of them. It’s quick to action, keeps you entertained, and wraps up nicely.
Bringing the past into the present, the story is a witch hunt through the centuries. An evil witch hunter from 1600s is accidentally transported to 1999. He quickly adapts to strange surroundings, turning the whole town against the modern day witches. It’s a whirlwind of a chase, with lots of blood. The body count is high in this book, as is the gore. No one is safe from the witch hunters rage.
There is friendship and romance mingled in the story, but let’s be real. You’re here for the carnage. It’s a great solid story, that will keep you entertained for the few moments the story lasts. One sitting delight.

[Jeff Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night of the Witch-Hunter continues the Killer VHS tradition of the absurd fun of renting a random horror VHS from Blockbuster in the 90s on a Friday night, but in book form. At times, I felt like I wanted the story to be expanded. I want to know more about everything: the characters, the town, the events that are unfolding during the story. Despite this, Barb expertly included only the relevant information to ensure this remained a fun sized novella rather than a behemoth of a book.

The story was blast. The writing was incredible. Go out and buy this. As is my opinion on all of the Killer VHS books, you need to hate fun in order to not enjoy these.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun installment in the Killer VHS series. I loved the setting and that we got the POV of the witch hunter as well as the MC Josey. I'm not sure it will stick with me for long but I enjoyed my time as I read it.

[Petri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Killer VHS Series. This one is about accidentally summoning a demonic Witch-Hunter from the past and reads like an awesome B-Horror movie.

I really enjoy the Killer VHS Series as a concept and I'm excited for future instalments as well.

[Ashley Taglieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving Shockwave's VHS Series and this is another excellent entry into the series from the eye catching artwork to the brutal but emotional story. I simply couldn't put it down and highly recommend it if you're looking for a book to bring on a plane or to enjoy a lazy weekend afternoon with. It may not be high art, but it was highly entertaining and I would love to see it adapted into a movie. I also appreciated getting the perspective of the Witch-Hunter even though I hated him with a passion, which being emotionally invested in a novel's characters is always a good sign.

[Alex Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun continuation of the VHS Series, Josey Makes a video project about the town's one Witch trial that she turns out to be related to. Josey and her best friend try to get in touch with her ancestor and end up bringing the Witch-Hunter to present day and chaos ensues.

[L J Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an engaging read that it was a struggle to put down! Another banger of an entry into the Killer VHS Series that packs one hell of a supernatural punch. I love it when an author creates a villain that you DESPISE and the titular Witch-Hunter ticks all the boxes when it comes to that. Absolutely going to be checking out more from this author!

[Madison McSweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of a corrupt witch-hunter from the olden days transposed into the 20th century. The titular villain is a fearsome force of nature, incorporating both magic and firearms into his rampage. Barb adds some creative touches to his depictions of summoning rituals and magic battles, without diluting the familiar charm of these beloved tropes.

[Cayla Duckworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute fun light read for a day

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky read! Liked the retro vibes of the story

[Spooky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never get over how good the Killer VHS Series is, and Night of the Witch-Hunter is such an amazing addition! This one is savage in all the right ways—filled with badass witchery, nostalgic Y2K vibes, and a heart at the center of the chaos. It gave me serious adult Goosebumps vibes in the best possible way. If you love horror with heart and a punch of 90s energy, this is a must-read. Follow my IG: spookyjamesreads

[Jessie-Punkersfictionreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start off by saying I love the Killer VHS series so much. Unfortunately this one didn’t work for me. I just couldn’t vibe with the authors writing style which made it extremely hard for me to get into the story. It definitely felt like a classic VHS horror which I did enjoy. I also enjoyed the main character. I just wanted more from the story it all felt so fast. Overall I would still highly recommend to any witch lovers.
2.5/3 Stars

Thank you the publisher for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent slasher/time-travel quickie that more or less hits what it aims at, but its aim isn't ambitious. Pretty much crossbreeds The Craft with that enjoyable 1989 Julian Sands movie Warlock, which was essentially an Amish Terminator, but with more gore, and this time around we get an open queer (sub)text that could be more strongly integrated. The writing clunks a ton at the start, with a lot of sentences that thud onto the page, though it improves thereafter. I could see how the story could resonate, but a lot of this feels more like it sketches the outline of a story that should feel emotionally resonant than one that actually does.

Some of the sections from the 17th-c witchhunter's perspective work pretty well, to my eyes, since we get his attempt to grasp 1999 culture through his limited 1693 eyes. That said, I think it's fair to point out that everyone here, from the witchhunter on down, accommodates themselves to the oddity of a Puritan in full drag, toting a musket and saber, cropping up at a strip club, among other places, quite a bit faster than you'd expect. And who the hunter is, and what he stands for, seem under-explained. Ending is kinda sweet, but the whole thing just feels stuck in its 80s-VHS concept. The presentation (I ordered direct from the publisher, which means you get it in what looks like a VHS case, with a card inside) sells that nicely, so I enjoyed that burst of nostalgia but wanted more.

[Mindy Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

after teenage josey does a deep dive into the life of her infamous witch ancestor, rebecca, for a history project, she and her bestfriendslashcrush nikki perform a seance in an attempt to speak with rebecca, but, you know, Things Go Horribly Wrong, and instead of having a fun chat with a cool babe, they accidentally unleash a torrent of deranged violence, death, and bullshit piousness upon their small town. this was absolutely ridiculous, which is exactly the point. lmao i just. love this series so much. each book is each like a lovely gooey greasy slice of pizza - dripping cheese everywhere and so tasty that you scarf it down whole and then regret not savoring it. anyway. the story takes place in 1999 so it's all wonderfully nostalgic and i could so easily picture it all going down on screen as a late 90s teenage-shenanigans slasher flick which, again, obviously the whole point of the series, but still. it would be flawless. pours one out for what could have been. once shit hit the fan, the action was pretty much nonstop, but heart and emotion were the driving force that kept the girls fighting. def recommend if you wanna read about rad girls refusing to take anyone's shit. 4/5.

so so so much thanks to alan at shortwave for sending me a review copy💚