I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Witch's Lament by Cathy Walker
Series: The Salem Witches
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on December 1, 2015
Genres: Fiction / Occult & Supernatural, Fiction / Thrillers / Supernatural
Pages: 244
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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Sometimes the past refuses to remain buried.

Salem, Massachusetts, has built a thriving industry of tourism on the foundations of its dark past. But, beneath the seaside charm, bewitching shops, and seasonal surge of witches and thrill-seekers, the ancient darkness still lurks.

When Skye purchases an historic house in Salem, she steps into a world of ancient magick as her arrival triggers a series of shocking events. Her dormant powers surface the night she stumbles on a hidden room in her new home and uncovers a skeleton, a cloth-wrapped knife, and an ancient journal.

Unbeknownst to Skye, her family's past is interwoven with the darkness and as she struggles with her newfound powers, the malevolent force that has haunted Salem for centuries stirs and begins a rampage of blood and death.

Haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his mother during a ritual three decades ago, local police officer Jerome Phips, is shocked when he learns the skeleton found belongs to his mother. Bound by a shared destiny, Skye and Jerome must unravel the dark secrets of Salem's past and defeat the dark force that threatens to destroy Salem.

In this spellbinding tale of destiny and the eternal battle between light and darkness, Skye must learn to embrace her birth task, while Jerome struggles with the ghosts of his past.

Will they succeed, or will the town once again fall prey to the shadows that lurk beneath the surface?

This was an enjoyable read with a mix of mystery, magic, and romance. The main characters, Sky and Jerome, are likable and engaging, even if not entirely relatable (after all, I certainly can’t do magic!). Their journey of learning to manage their powers while navigating their growing attraction made for a fun and compelling storyline.

The mystery surrounding the murders of young girls adds suspense, though it does follow a familiar pattern—the least likely suspect usually turns out to be guilty. Still, the way the story shifts between past and present gave it extra depth and kept me intrigued, especially as I waited to see if my own guess about the villain would prove correct.

If you’re looking for an entertaining mystery with a touch of the supernatural and a healthy dose of romance, this book definitely delivers.